“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Thess.5:18)
Heavenly Father, perhaps the most recognizable “TGIF” is Thank God It’s Friday. And since today is Friday, we do give you thanks for it. Whether it’s the beginning of an awesome, fun-packed weekend, or the end to a most frustrating work-week, or the day we’ll head out with a few dear friends on a road trip to catch up, catch fish, and catch a few extra “z’s”—no matter the scenario, we’re just grateful. And since giving thanks is a discipline before it’s a delight, here’s a few more TGIF’s that voice our gratitude.
The Gospel Is Final: Hallelujah… when Jesus cried out, “It is finished!”, he wasn’t speaking metaphorically, symbolically, or exaggerating. The biggest reason we rejoice on this Friday, or any day of the week, is that there’s nothing more than the Gospel, just more of it.
True Greatness Includes Friendship: Having just spent a few days serving Jesus with dear brothers, I consider myself wealthy, blessed, and successful simply because of the friends you’ve woven into my heart and story.
Treasuring Grace Ignites Faith: At 74, I kinda hoped I’d grow out of my need for your grace; but actually, I’m growing into my need for more of you grace, Father, and it’s quite freeing. My faith gets healthier and stronger as I boast in my weaknesses, collapse on Jesus, and rest in your love.
Trust God In Frustrations: Argh… this TGIF came into play last night as it felt like a little school of attitude-piranha swam into my heart stream and devoured my peace. Delayed flight, slow Wi-Fi, packed plane, annoying steward… and the only recording I could access on my iPad was a Sonship message on repentance by Jack Miller—just what I needed. Father, you are so present, caring, and “creative.”
True Godliness Includes Fun: Father, thank you for giving us all things to “richly enjoy” (1Tim.6:17). Fun and enjoyment are a lot closer to godliness than austerity and uptightness. Here’s to a Friday and weekend of doing fun to your glory. So Very Amen.