Thankful . . . for God's Love!

We notice a lot in children's ministry. We notice when things are going wrong. We notice when we need more volunteers. We notice the areas of our budget where we would like to see more resources available. We notice the things we would like to be able to do. Like I said, we notice a lot in children's ministry, but, do we notice when God is answering our prayers? Do we notice the blessings He is giving us? Do we make thanking God a regular part of our day - every day?

God has done so much for us; He loves us! He gives us His grace! He forgives us! He hears our prayers! He answers our prayers! He does so much, if we sat down and focused on His blessings; big and small, we would have much to be thankful for!

So, with Thanksgiving just over a month away, I want to take some time to thank God for His many blessings! Today I want to thank Him for His love! Just look at these verses about God's love for us . . . 

• John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
• Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
• Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
• Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
• Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

These are just a fraction of the verses in the Bible which tell us of God's love for us! I know God loves me because His Word tells me He does and I know God loves me because my life shows His love. When I look back I see how God sheltered me from some things, walked with me through other things, put pieces in place for the most amazing blessings; His love is so clearly apparent and I am so very thankful!

When I look at the present I see everyday how God shows His love for me in big and small ways and I am so very thankful! 

When I look at the future I know God will be with me; He has been with me through the past, He is with me today so I know He will be with me in the future and I am so very thankful!

As you go through your day today, make time to stop and notice the big and small ways God shows you He loves you; commit to share at least on of these with the children in your ministry on Sunday and take time to thank Him today!