LIGHT FOR A THANKFUL LIFE (1)

“GIVING THANKS to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in LIGHT” – Colossians 1:12

Alleluia! Welcome to our December of LIGHT for a THANKFUL LIFE: “GIVING THANKS to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in LIGHT” (Col.1:12). The Word of God is full of Light that inspires thanksgiving and an attitude of gratitude. We can learn to thank God for the seemingly “little things” and obviously “big things.” Indeed, we must thank Him for everything! The Apostle Paul encouraged Believers by his own example, to be thankful for the big things, in this case: eternal inheritance, rescue from dark powers, citizenship in the kingdom of God’s Son, redemption, and forgiveness (vv.12-14). We must be grateful for these magnificent gifts of God.

Certain spiritual disciplines will help us to feel and express gratitude for the Grace of God. First, reflection on Scripture reminds us of all that God has done for us. A gospel-centered message brings to mind God’s Amazing Grace. Corporate worship is also crucial, as songs and prayers of worship expand our vision of God’s Goodness. Also, the sacraments of baptism and communion regularly stir our hearts with the magnitude of God’s Love in Christ. Communion is sometimes referred to as the Eucharist, from the Greek word eucharistia, which means “thanksgiving.” Therefore, the spiritual ordinance of sharing in the Lord’s Supper helps us to be grateful for the big things of God.

Thanksgiving – the Giving of Thanks – to God for all His blessings should be one of the most distinctive marks of the Believer in Jesus Christ. We must not allow a spirit of ingratitude to harden our hearts or chill our relationship with God and with others. Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. And nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thankfulness. Colossians 1:11-14 remind us of the big things God has done, for which we must tell Him, “Thank You”!

Beloved, let us together offer Thanksgiving from grateful hearts:

Gracious God, we thank You for the relatively small and ordinary, but still wonderful gifts; and for Your gifts to us which are beyond measure.

Loving Father, we thank You for the many big gifts that are magnificent beyond comprehension, and gracious beyond measure.

Great Deliverer, we thank You, for enabling us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light, so that we might have sure hope in You.

Lord, we thank You for rescuing us from the power of darkness, so that we might walk in the Light of Life.

Eternal King, we thank You for transferring us into the Kingdom of Your Beloved Son, so that we might live under his wise rule, and our life might be filled with meaning and purpose.

Thank You Lord, for rescuing us from bondage to sin, forgiving and redeeming us.