Thanksgiving Is a Life-style – Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions

“Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” Psalm 40:5 (NKJV)

An previous hymn exhorts us as believers, “Count your blessings. Name them one by one.” That could also be an inconceivable job in accordance with this and different verses, however we must always attempt for thankfulness in overflowing measure towards our Lord and Savior – initially for His matchless, atoning sacrifice on Calvary

Most just lately, I thanked God for the 2025 Annual Meeting. This gathering of Alabama Baptist messengers and friends on November 11-12 in Huntsville at Whitesburg Baptist Church for the State Convention assembly was certainly a household reunion and a harmonious one at that. Thanks to Dr. Darryl Craft, Whitesburg’s senior pastor, who leads a group that supplied an outstanding welcome to all who attended. Together, we targeted on being compelled by the love of Christ in all we do as we search to meet the Great Commission. I’m grateful for our household of congregations, native Baptist associations, entities, and SBC mission boards and ministries.

I can consider many different issues for which I’m grateful – not simply throughout this particular time of the yr however year-round. Here are 5 extra:

1. Conversion and Calling. I’m so grateful to God for brand new life in Christ. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” I’m likewise grateful for His calling upon my life to serve at your State Board of Missions.
2. Family. That consists of my valuable spouse, Pam, and our two daughters – after which additionally our 4 grandchildren. I’ve stated earlier than that some of the underestimated blessings on earth is being a grandparent.
3. The Family of God. “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God,” declares an early praise-and-worship refrain. To be a part of the Body of Christ is actually a present from God. I hope and pray that you’re serving the Lord in a neighborhood church.
4. Good well being. This is definitely nothing to be taken without any consideration. Good well being ought to be seen as a present from God. I’m grateful for this blessing from God.
5. Alabama Baptist faithfulness. Churches in our state are largely not the most important. But we’re pacesetters, constantly #1 in Cooperative Program presents to the SBC. As Christmas approaches and, with it, the season for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that in 2024 Alabama Baptists gave $12,546,558, surpassing the objective! May we be much more beneficiant this yr!

As we rejoice Thanksgiving, allow us to proceed to recollect the message of two Corinthians 5:14 –  that “the love of Christ compels us” to be ever grateful and grateful to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who died for all and gave us the Gospel that we should share with others.