Thankful for the Faith of Others #2054

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” (Romans 1:8, NKJV)

We can get caught up focusing on our personal condition, circumstances, and considerations to the neglect of others. One way to avoid self-absorption is to be thankful for others. The apostle Paul faced grueling opposition as he fulfilled his ministry. Yet, he took the time to be thankful for others. Here, he specifically thanked God for the faith of the Roman saints. Today, take time in prayer to thank the Lord for someone else’s faith. When you do, you will acknowledge the impact of their faith on yourself and others. And, by doing so, you will admit the nature of God-pleasing faith. Faith is not silent; it speaks. Faith is not dormant; it acts. Faith does not oppress; it influences. Faith is not invisible; it is seen (Jas. 2:14-26). The Romans’ faith was “spoken of throughout the whole world,” even as their obedience was known to all (Rom. 1:8; 16:19). “Faith that saves is faith that obeys” is not a cliché; it describes the essence of faith’s victory in Christ (1 Jno. 5:4-5). We thank the Lord for the countless brethren whose faith influences the world for truth and righteousness. Thank God we can find faith on the earth (Lk. 18:8). The world still has its salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16). Thank you, God, for the faith of your people.

Thanksgiving #1246

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)

Thanksgiving Day is here, reminding us to always be thankful to God. The greatest blessing of all is our victory over sin and death through the Lord Jesus Christ. Sin has been utterly defeated by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Therefore:

1) Be thankful today for God’s grace, by which Jesus died for everyone and brought salvation to all who will believe and obey (Hebrews 2:9; Titus 2:11).

2) Be thankful today that you have received God’s gift of salvation by your obedient faith to Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 5:8-9; Romans 6:17-18).

Death has been utterly defeated by the resurrection of Christ from the dead. The empty tomb is a constant memorial to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God and that he has complete power over death (Romans 1:4; Revelation 1:18). Therefore:

1) Be thankful today that death is no longer fearful – Jesus replaced the fear of death with confident hope (Hebrews 2:14-15).

2) Be thankful today that death will be your doorway into eternal joy, peace and life (Philippians 1:21).

God gives us no greater blessing than victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

(Revision of Sword Tips #12)

In Everything Give Thanks #636

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV)

“Thank you”. Powerful, yet simple words, too often left unspoken. This simple expression of polite gratitude is taken for granted (if not totally ignored) by many. Christians, however, must always be thankful, remembering to express their appreciation “in everything”. This is the will of God for you. Therefore, ingratitude is a sin against God. In Him “we all live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). He is the one who has blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Whether material or spiritual, “every good gift and every perfect gift” is from God (Jas. 1:17). Thanksgiving is due His name (1 Chron. 29:10-15). Use today to be thankful to God and to say “thank you” to those who touch your life.