Give Thanks with A Grateful Heart
When we talk about giving thanks, we usually list people and things. These are things currently in our lives. This is as it should be because present blessings surround us. But, today, I have blessings from the past on my mind.
I am thankful for many people who are no longer around. Preacher Dallas gave an invitation during VBS that led to me walking with Jesus. Brother Alan was a great Bible teacher, and Preacher Jack was a true Hero of the Faith. At the beginning of my preaching ministry, Reverend Parker and Pastor Steve were there to give me inspiration and advice. I will never forget the support of a man named Tot. The encouragement of a man named Marcus was invaluable. They were a blessing to me, their pastor.
My gratitude overflows when I think about my In-laws. I can never forget the food that Helen cooked with love. Nor can I forget the half-chewed cigar that Cooter would lay on top of the refrigerator before we ate. One thing is for sure: they loved their family. Their lives still inspire the ones they left behind.
The one man I miss more than any other is my daddy. From him, I learned how to work on tractors, plant a garden, and drive a truck. He taught me how to run a chainsaw, shoot a gun, and hunt. Most of all, my daddy taught me how to love my family. I thank God for my daddy. Although he walks in Heaven now, I still want to follow in his footsteps.
Right now, we are blessed with loved ones that we can hold in our arms. But we are also blessed by the memory of our loved ones who are in Heaven. The Bible mentions a great cloud of witnesses. I believe many of our loved ones are part of that cloud. They blessed us while they were on earth, and their memories bless us still.
So, I challenge you to honor their memory by finishing the race that is set before you. Let’s lift our eyes to heaven and give thanks with a grateful heart for all our blessings, past and present.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/heb.12.1-2.NKJV
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,”
Ephesians 1:15-17 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/eph.1.15-17.NKJV
Douglas & Deborah Huff
From Down Where the Pavement Ends
Email- pavementendsministry@gmail.com
My daughter Kate has written her first book. Follow her progress and help her get it published. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter at www.kateoliviahuff.com
