Give thanks to the Lord

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Devotional by Pastor Skip Heitzig

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 118:29).

I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. The year seems to have flown past us like the leaves falling from the trees. Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. Not only do we gather with our friends and family over wonderful food and fellowship, but we have time to reflect on the past, examine the present, and look forward to what God has in store for the future. The refrain of the psalmist is perfect for this time of year: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 118:29).

One all-encompassing word comes to my mind at this time of year?GRACE! I am so grateful for God's grace each and every year. It was by God's grace that I was saved. It was by God's grace that He providentially led me to meet a wonderful, godly woman named Lenya who has graced me with her love and companionship over the years. God graciously gave me a handsome son named Nathan. Nathan is now a young man who is serving in ministry. It seems like only yesterday that I was teaching him how to walk. I couldn't be more proud. Though this year brought sorrow as my mother Agnes died, God's grace has sustained me and my family.

And guess what? His grace abounds in the present. I'm amazed that God continues to use me for His glory. I take great delight in the truth that God "chooses the foolish things of the world" (1 Corinthians 1:27). I'm so thankful for all the ways God has shown His grace. I'm grateful for the God-fearing, servant-hearted team He allows me to minister alongside. When I look around at the quality servants of God on our staff, I see God's grace in action, working in and through these dedicated men and women. I'm also thankful for those we have the privilege of ministering to: people like you! All the faithful ones who attend our services, listen to the radio program, view the broadcasts and podcasts, and tune into the Internet are considered our friends. Your enthusiasm for God's Word and work is contagious. It encourages me to keep at the task.

As for the future, I believe God's grace will lead us further into the wisdom and knowledge of Him. As the words from the wonderful old hymn Amazing Grace declare, "Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."

This Thanksgiving, I pray that you'll think about God's grace in your life. Allow God's grace to stimulate a thankful heart in you. May you be filled with confidence because of what God has done, and may you have a heart of anticipation concerning what God will do!

In His strong love,

Skip Heitzig