We, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations. Psalm 79:13
Of all people, Christians have the most to be thankful about. We are children of God! God is the Creator of everyone, but only Father to His children. God has always had a people. Starting with Adam, Abel, Seth, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and then the church. Have you identified with the people of God? Are you part of the family of God?
If so, you are one of His sheep and He is your Shepherd. The Good Shepherd provides for us and protects us. As sheep, we tend to stray and go our own way. Jesus was willing to leave the ninety-nine to go after that one little lost lamb (Matthew 18:10-14). Those who have been found can’t help but thank Him and praise Him forever!
How can you hand down your faith to your children so that it becomes personal to them? How can you teach them to be thankful? At home and on trips, talk with them about your relationship with the Lord. Count your blessings. It should be a natural part of daily conversations. We must pass the torch to the next generation. Our greatest gift and work in the kingdom may not be through us, but through the generations who will follow us. *
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the work You started in my life. Lord, I must decrease and You must increase. Let others see Jesus in me. Don’t let me become lazy. May those who come behind us find us faithful. Help me run the race You have set before me. Today, I recommit my life to You. I will not quit. I will not turn back. Help me finish strong. Amen.
*Dr. Grant Ethridge, Hampton, VA