Since Thanksgiving Day is the 24th of this month, I want to share with you 24 things for which I am most thankful in 2022.
1. I am eternally thankful for the grace of God that brought me salvation – past present, and future. Ephesians 2:8-13
2. I am thankful for my beautiful bride. God created a special woman when He created Andrea. Proverbs 31:10
3. I am thankful for the world’s greatest daughter. She has been such a joy and blessing from God. Psalm 127:3
4. I am thankful for God’s Word. I can testify that is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. Psalm 119:105
5. I am thankful for a father who modeled the life of a Christian man. I would still rather hear my dad pray than anybody else I know. Proverbs 20:7
6. I am thankful for a mother who loved me and always encouraged the best in me. Proverbs 31:31
7. I am thankful for my sister. She always has my back and would probably kill someone in cold blood for me if it came to that. Philippians 1:3
8. I am thankful for my nephew and his family. It has been a such fun watching him grow into a grown man and see him lead his beautiful bride and darling daughters. And also, to see him as a public servant. 3 John 4
9. I am thankful for two awesome grandmothers who introduced me to some of the most fun things in life like cooking, comics, and most importantly faith. 2 Timothy 1:5
10. I am thankful for an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, my tribe in whom I delight. Though we do not see each other nearly enough, they are a constant source of encouragement to me. Psalms 16:6
11. I am thankful I was raised in a Bible believing and teaching church. From childhood, like Biblical Timothy, I was acquainted with the sacred writings which were able to make (me) wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15
12. I am thankful to have been educated at a Christian school. Godly men and women laid a foundation in my life that has held me strong through life’s challenges. You planted and watered seeds that are still coming to fruit today. 1 Corinthians 3:6
13. I am thankful in 2022 that God has allowed me to serve Him in ministry for 40 years. I pray there are many more to come. 1 Timothy 1:12
14. I am thankful for the churches I have served in the past. Each in their own way helped me grow. Philippians 1:3
15. I am thankful in 2022 for my current church. You took a chance on me, and I hope I have been worth the risk. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
16. I am thankful for my two ministerial colleagues, Harry and Josh. They are even greater friends than they are co-laborers. 1 Corinthians 3:9
17. I am thankful for our ministry support team. Peggy and Annette help our daily ministry run as smooth as possible, and Jan helps keep our worship ministry going. You three are our Phoebe. Romans 16:1
18. I am thankful for the deacons at our church. They are godly men who love Jesus and support their pastor. 1 Timothy 3:13
19. I am thankful for teachers at our church. They work hard each week to bring God’s Word to bear on the lives of our people. 2 Timothy 2:2
20. I am thankful for the faithful men and women who serve in various capacities in our church, most of them behind the scenes. Hebrews 6:10
21. I am thankful for pastors and mentors who invested in my life as a teen and young pastor. Hebrews 13:7
22. I am thankful for lifelong friends (YKWYA) who have stood by me through thick and thin. Proverbs 17:17
23. I am thankful for some younger ministers who humor me and let me share my stories and experiences with them. I hope I am encouragement to you. 2 Timothy 2:2
24. I am thankful in 2022 for fellow ministers I have met over the last few years who have become dear brothers who have spurred me on and stretched my faith and capacity for ministry. Colossians 4:11
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18