I recently looked up the definition of “Thankful”. One of the definitions I found was in the American Heritage Dictionary and it said: “Aware and appreciative of a benefit”. Wow! I just think as Christians, we are so blessed to have the Holy Spirit reveal the “benefit” we have received from what Jesus did for us! Look what the Bible says in Matthew 16:13-17 (New International Reader's Version)
Peter Says That Jesus Is the Christ
13 Jesus went to the area of Caesarea Philippi. There he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist. Others say Elijah. Still others say Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ. You are the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! No mere man showed this to you. My Father in heaven showed it to you.
It is so exciting to know that the Lord has chosen us to reveal who He is and now we can have eternal life if we accept the benefit! Praise God! It is all about Him and we have a choice to reap from the benefits, or just accept the knowledge. What I mean is, we have to tap into the power that the “awareness of the benefit” in order for Jesus to release the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we realize just how much Jesus has done for us and how much God loves us, we can then walk in a kind of faith that moves mountains (Matthew 17:20).
I hope we can all remember to be aware of all we have received from our giving Father in heaven ("For God so loved the world that He gave"). This week as we all gather around the dinner table with our loved ones, take a look around. See what is good and give thanks.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Thankful in Christ,
Pastor Erik
About Me
- Pastor Erik
- Born in the Bay Area, I have been serving in ministry for the past 16 years. My wife Debbie and I have been married for 21 years and have two beautiful daughters, Alycia 19 and Rebecca 16. I have served as a Youth Pastor and a Music Pastor, as well as assisting in the start up of a Christian school. I have taught elementary, middle and high school chapels as well as teaching drama and worship classes for over 6 years and I love equipping kids for ministry! I have experience in writing and directing large dramas, musicals and other outreach events as well as audio and video production. My family and I have a heart and passion to serve the kingdom of God and come along side families to see them walk in the plan that God has for their children as well as the whole family.