Readings for today: Titus 1-3, Psalms 23
I love Thanksgiving. I love to take time to reflect on all the blessings God has poured into my life. Truly I am a wealthy man by any standard. I am rich in relationships with family and friends. I am rich in my work, being blessed to serve an incredible congregation of people who passionately serve the Lord. I am blessed with a strong marriage to one of the most godly women I have ever met. I am blessed with four wonderful children and a daughter-in-law whom I love dearly and enjoy great relationships. I am blessed with leadership positions and influence in my church, a local seminary, a mission organization, and my denomination. I am blessed with an abundance of health, both mentally and physically, and financial provision, having more than enough to meet my needs.
Most of all, I am blessed to have a saving relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Perhaps that’s why I love Paul’s words to Titus today, “But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for humankind appeared, he saved us —not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7 CSB) I still remember exactly where I was when Jesus Christ first revealed Himself to me. I was walking from my dorm room to the student center up at the University of Colorado in Boulder. I had been at a Bible study the night before and the young men there talked about Jesus like He was real. Like He was still alive. After a lot of reflection, I realized I believed that as well and it stopped me in my tracks. I knew in that moment that everything in my life needed to change. I have never forgotten the kindness of God in reaching a poor, lost college student who was headed down the road of alcoholism and failure. God saved me, not because I was worthy or had done anything to deserve it, but because He was merciful. He washed me and regenerated me and renewed my soul through the Holy Spirit. And He gave me the gift of eternal life. I am who I am today because God is who He is…a merciful, kind, loving, faithful Savior.
What are you thankful for? When was the last time you counted all the blessings in your life? As you gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving, take a moment and go around the table to offer thanks for all God has given you. I imagine it will lead to wonderful conversation and great joy. Happy Thanksgiving!
Readings for tomorrow: Philemon 1, Psalms 24