Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:16-17
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Today’s Devotional
Tomorrow, our family will gather together around the table for a special meal. We’ll enjoy ham, some great side dishes (including at least one favorite for each of us), and dessert. During our meal we’ll talk, share stories, laugh, and have a good time together. And we’ll do what I suspect many others will do tomorrow – go around the table and share with each other the things we are thankful for.
As we read the last verses in this section of Colossians 3, we are reminded of our identity in Christ. Paul reminds us that we are Christ’s representatives in all that we do. And all we do should be done with a thankful heart. A thankful heart comes from our time spent with God and one another in discipleship and worship. I once heard this way of living called “thanks-living.” It was described as a way of living where we are always ready to share what we are thankful to God for, just as we do on Thanksgiving Day.
This year has been a challenge. Everyone has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Racial injustice, food insecurity and other economic inequalities, and a lack of trust in major institutions are but a few of the things that have been exposed this year. But through it all, we can give thanks to God – not for those things happening, but for God’s presence with us as we confront these realities. We can give thanks that God is calling us to be the presence of God in Springfield, Northern Virginia, and beyond. We can give thanks because no matter what has come our way this year, we have adapted and stayed connected to God and to each other and to our community. These are just a few of the ways we can give thanks. What is something you are thankful for this year?
Today’s Prayer
Lord, we are indeed thankful to be representatives of Jesus in this faith family called Westwood Baptist Church. May our lives be filled with thanksgiving because of who we are in Christ and who you are as our God. Amen.
I am thankful to be part of the Westwood family with you!
Pastor Stephen
Note: There will not be a devotional on Thursday or Friday. Pastor Bryan will resume these devotionals on Monday the 30th. Happy Thanksgiving!
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