“Thanks”
Rudyard Kipling was a great British poet whose writings have blessed many of us, including a generation gone by. Rudyard Kipling was a very famous writer even before he died and made a great deal of money at his trade.
A newspaper reporter came up to him once and said, ''Mr. Kipling, I just read that somebody calculated that the money you make from your writings amounts to over $100 a word.'' Mr. Kipling raised his eyebrows and said, ''Really, I certainly wasn't aware of that.'' The reporter cynically reached into his pocket and pulled out a $100 bill and gave it to Kipling and said, ''Here's a $100 bill Mr. Kipling. Now you give me one of your $100 words.''
Rudyard Kipling looked at that $100 bill for a moment, took it and folded it up and put it in his pocket and said, ''Thanks.''
I have many reasons to say “Thanks.” Part of the reason I am sending you this message is due to the opportunity I have to serve you, your church, and churches across our SBC of Virginia family - for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel (Phil. 1). Thank you for joining with other believers in Jesus to make Him known. Thank you for being Kingdom-minded and for joining with other churches to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ as we preach the inerrant Word of God, make disciples, and serve as His church in this world.
The Bible reminds us in many places to be people that are thankful, to have an “attitude of gratitude.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Honestly, this verse is a tall order. The Word of God gives us encouragement for giving thanks in all circumstances. Here are some for starters:
You will have the free gift of complete forgiveness for all your sins extending into forever (Romans 6:23).
You will never have to merit your justification by keeping the law (Galatians 2:16).
You will have all your real needs provided while on earth (Philippians 4:19).
You will receive all the grace you need at all times so that you will abound in every good work God has for you (2 Corinthians 9:8).
God will complete the good work he began in you (Philippians 1:6).
You will be raised from the dead and never, ever die again (1 Corinthians 15:52–53).
That means someday soon you will see Jesus, be with him (2 Corinthians 5:8), and be like him (1 John 3:2).
In that day you will know for the first time full, unpolluted joy (Psalm 16:11).
You will be completely free from all corruption (Romans 8:21).
You will have God forever (1 Peter 3:18) as your exceeding joy (Psalm 43:4).
No doubt you can think of other Bible encouragements for giving thanks. I pray you have a blessed time of Thanksgiving. I am thankful we have such a fellowship as SBC of Virginia churches to encourage one another!