Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 4-7)
The plane ride to South Carolina was a little bumpy yesterday evening, but I wasn’t worried. I knew that if I didn’t make it to see my family, I’d see my Lord and Savior. You may ask, “How can you be so sure?” The Bible tells us how we can know we have eternal life in many passages, but I direct you to the entire book of 1 John.
Pay special attention to this passage:
Obedience by FaithWhoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
The Certainty of God’s Witness
This is He who came by water and blood — Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5: 1-13)
I have the Son! I’m thankful to God for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. As if that weren’t enough, he continues to bless me every day in so many ways. Even when things aren’t going well by human standards, he is still good. He knows what’s best for me and provides it according to his will, not my own.
Every day I’m thankful for the hope I have. With each new day, God equips me with more knowledge and spiritual growth. To his glory, I want to be able to share my faith in a consistent and coherent way.
Every day I’m thankful for the beauty and harmony in God’s creation, fallen though it may be. It’s still a wonderous and awesome handiwork to behold.
Every day I’m thankful to my family and other loved ones for their love, kindness, friendship and patience. My cup runs over.
Have a joyous Thanksgiving Day, and may the Lord richly bless you!
What are you thankful for?
