THANKS, THANKS A LOT!
The early Christian leader, St. Ambrose, wrote, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” Thanksgiving and Christmas thoughts fill our minds this time of year. We reflect on the past year and take time to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all of the blessings we have received from His hand. When we give thanks, we much look outside of ourselves, a character found throughout the Bible. “…always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
Let me share a few things for which I am deeply and sincerely thankful. I am often surprised by the many expressions of God’s grace in my life. I am thankful for you, supporters of the Lutheran Laymen League. It is a privilege and honor to be a leader of this organization as we reach out to the people around the world with the hope of the Gospel. I am also thankful for the people with whom I serve. Each one unselfishly offers their time and energy and efforts to the Lord and this organization.
These servants of God have developed creative, cutting-edge ministry that brings Good News of Jesus to over 70 million people. This work cannot be done alone, and I am thankful for each one of these dedicated brothers and sisters in Christ. And of course, I am thankful for my Lord Jesus Christ and the grace and mercy He has shown in my life. I am challenged to try and count all the ways I have been blessed; as a husband; as a father; as a grandfather; and as a citizen of our Christian nation. But as thankful as I am for these blessings, my deepest gratitude and thanks is reserved for the gift of life and salvation won through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and offered to me in Baptism.
So, I invite you to add your heart and voice to mine, giving thanks to God for our Savior Jesus. Thank you for your continued partnership in ‘Bringing Christ to the nations – and the nations to the Church.’
This excerpt was taken from “On The Move” written by Dr. Phillip Johnson. Dr. Johnson is Chairman, International Lutheran Laymen League Board of Directors and was special guest at the 150th Anniversary of St. Peter Lutheran Church, September 17, 2017.
As Christians, you are a part of what God is doing through the Lutheran Hour Ministries. Your gifts and prayers make a very real impact on this ministry each day. Remember The Lutheran Hour Ministries and look forward to seeing how the Lord will work through us.
The Lutheran Hour can be heard every Sunday on radio stations
WCCO (830 AM) at 6:05am KRWC (1360 AM) at 7:30am
KDUZ (1260 AM) at 12:30pm KDHL (920 AM) at 6:00pm
Stay connected to The Lutheran Hour Ministries
Learn more…visit www.lhm.org
Men’s Network…www.lhm.org/mensnetwork
You can now receive daily devotional emails:
Click on “Daily Devotion by LHM” at the bottom of any page within StPeterlc.