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Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he createdJames 1:17-18

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Col. 2:6-7

     Heavenly Father, I awoke today a grateful man, keenly aware of the number and variety of good gifts you have poured into my life. Life isn’t easy, painless, or simple, but I have multiple reasons to overflow with thanksgiving.

     First and foremost, I praise you for the immeasurable, inexhaustible riches you lavish on us in Jesus. Forgive me when I think I need more than the gospel, and never let me settle for less. I’m rooted in your love and standing in your grace; forgiven, righteous, and hidden in Christ; sealed, indwelt, and being changed by your Spirit. Why would I ever whine, fret, or pout?

     Father, I’m also thankful for these things today: My wife’s spontaneous, room-filling laugh and my grandsons’ spunk, kindness and creativity; the peace I have knowing you are sovereign over my tears and wounds, joys and longings; Beach Music, and the 60’s and 70’s soundtrack I listen to while I bike.

     The assurance you will finish making me like Jesus one Day; Pittsburgh-style steak—charred on the outside and really pink in the middle; for my gospel posse, with whom I get to pray and play; the coming blessings of life in the new heaven and new earth; air conditioning that works and a Savior who never stops interceding; many forms of dark chocolate and knowing I can trust you with the things I want for my kids and people I love.

     Father, these are just a few of the many, many gifts that come down from you, all the time. What do I have that I have not received from you? Nothing! What gift have you given me that you don’t intend me to enjoy and share? None of them. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ most glorious and grace-full name.

 

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