And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17, ESV
Christ came to save us and show us how to live, and that is to glorify God in every part of our lives, giving thanks for all His blessings and lessons in every circumstance.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16, ESV
In a world we have wrecked with our sinfulness, let us who have faith in Christ who redeems us encourage each other in the Spirit, being thankful and full of praise.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV
God has redeemed us, giving us hope and reason to be joyful and thankful at all times. Seek Him through prayer and worship, which He helps us do through His Holy Spirit.
I don’t normally make a big deal about this particular day of the year. I prefer to dwell on January 9, the day I became a believer in Jesus as my Savior.
What is special of this day?
Well, on October 26, 1983, I was born.
As I turn two score years old, it occurred to me that this year I will have spent two and half times longer as a Christian than not as a Christian. I was 16 years in the spiritual wilderness when I first bent my knee and confessed Jesus as Lord. This coming year, I celebrate 24 years walking as a disciple of Jesus in the Promise.
I may have completed 40 revolutions about our Sun, but I await eternity wrapped in the love of The Son.
And I am thankful for our God’s love and grace, for all the gifts He has given, especially for eternal life. (And a loving, God-fearing wife who helps me grow and stay on the straight-and-narrow. And I await greeting my mother once more in His presence.)
yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5, ESV
Daily approach God in prayer, thanking Him that Jesus has made away for us to draw near, because of His sacrifice made in perfect love.
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2, ESV
Perspectives matter. Yes, there are plenty of bad things in this life. There are also good and beautiful things provided by God, most especially His grace and mercy as found at the cross.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15, ESV
We have peace knowing our Lord has already won the war, and we can be thankful because we have guarantee of the Holy Spirit of our delivery into eternal life with Christ.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17, ESV
Every part of our lives should be dedicated to God and done with gratitude. Work, play, cleaning, socializing, feeding your pets, making meals, listening to the news … every part.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!