I hoped you enjoyed giving thanks last week for the blessings of relationships in your life.

You will receive this post on Thanksgiving day. Some of you will celebrate with large families and others may be with only one or two. As the turkey and pumpkin pie settles, I challenge you to give thanks beyond material blessings or relational blessings and focus this week on the highest and holiest of all—spiritual blessings.

We will follow this through with Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. In the very first chapter, he highlights the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

Every spiritual blessing. What does that mean for you?

• For me, it is humbling to think that I can call the great Almighty Creator of this universe, “Father.”
• That, marred as I am, He still loves me
• That he has the power to make possible what seems impossible to me

Do you have some favorite words? One of mine is “lavish.” It just sounds so complete and beautiful. Listen to what we owe the Son, our Savior:

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8

• Jesus provides redemption and forgiveness
• The rich blessing of God’s grace in spite of my unworthiness
• Being “lavished” with His wisdom and understanding

And finally, we are given the Holy Spirit.

…Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

• I think of the joy I felt last Sunday seeing two girls come to know Christ as Savior.
• Peace in the midst of the uncertainty of surgery
• Love from a friend who sent banana bread coated in sugar cinnamon.

What other fruit of the Spirit have you experienced recently? 

As you move through your week, may you continue your spirit of thanksgiving, digging a little deeper into the “spiritual” blessings. As your branch clings to the main vine, think how the master has nourished you this year. Fall before Him to give thanks and praise for who He is and what He means in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Next week we will begin to explore some of the Christmas narrative.

~ Joyce ~