Articles
FOR WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL?
I am always tickled with the story of the young boy who was asked to offer thanks for the
Thanksgiving meal. He begins thanking God for the food—everything by name! And then
proceeds to thank God for everyone at the table and even some who aren’t. “Out of the mouth of
babes!” Perhaps we have fallen into the routine of “giving thanks” in a general way, but need to
rethink “giving thanks” specifically. We really are a blessed people in so many ways.
In his letter to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul gave thanks for many things, including
the saints in Philippi, their support of him while in chains and while preaching the gospel in
many places. He never forgot to be thankful for the blessings in Jesus Christ—justification,
sanctification, redemption through His blood and the hope in eternal life because of the
resurrection of Christ Jesus. In spite of his time in prison, Paul rejoiced because of Christ! I hope
that as we enter into the holiday season that we will spend time listing specifically the many
blessings we have —physical and spiritual.
I am thankful that I get to serve the congregation here in Monticello. I am thankful for the
saints who surround me from week to week, encouraging me in my studies and work. I am
thankful for so many who share in the challenge of teaching in our classes, knowing that it can
be very time consuming and at times disheartening. I am thankful for our elders and the
leadership they give to the church on a daily basis and I am thankful for the deacons who serve
the saints in so many different ways. I am thankful for the energy of our young families and their
desire to serve the Lord. And I am thankful for our little children with their precious smiles and
enthusiasm going to class, as they bring their Bibles from week to week to learn about Jesus! I
am also thankful for our older members and their faithfulness to the Lord.
I am thankful to God for the many spiritual blessings I have through Christ Jesus. I am
thankful for the justification, sanctification and redemption through the lamb of God at Calvary. I
am thankful for the Holy Spirit dwelling in me and leading me from day to day, if I will only
listen to His direction found in God’s Word. I am thankful for the avenue of prayer we have to
talk with our Heavenly Father and know that He not only hears our prayers, but also gives
answer (in His way and in His time)! And I am thankful for the hope in eternal life through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ—victorious over sin, death and Satan. A victory we share (yes,
present tense!) when we are born into the family of God! Yes, I have much to be thankful for.
For what are you thankful this year? ~P. Mowrer
