Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV —  For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

This is Thanksgiving week. Let’s spend time pondering our blessings and expressing our thanksgiving. A couple weeks ago we explored the thought that the early Christians were trailblazers for our faith. Today’s scripture is believed to be penned by the apostle Paul while it was in prison. Today’s scripture is a prayer for the Ephesians. I believe this is also a prayer for you and I. 

Julie and I began the Water Walkers blog 10 years ago. Isn’t that hard to believe? Ray joined us four years ago and what a blessing this ministry together has been for me. The three of us encourage, challenge, and stretch one another’s beliefs and understandings. Our ministry together gives each of us purpose and stamina to continue to be water walkers. Just when one of us becomes discouraged, the others remind us that God “is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine” and may we always give Him glory for all He does in and through us.

Who do you share a ministry with and how has that ministry been a blessing to you? Be sure to express your gratitude this Thanksgiving week.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for putting others in our path to join together to do your ministry. May we always remember You can do more than we could ever ask or imagine and may we always give You glory for all that You do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV — Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered,  two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Hebrews 10:25-25 NIV — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

This is Thanksgiving week. Let’s spend time pondering our blessings and expressing our thanksgiving. I am thankful for Christian friends as well as my church family. Both groups help to strengthen and sustain me. When times are difficult I can share my burdens with my friends and church family and I can trust that each group is praying for me. I know my friends and church family will help me any way they are able. I know I can count on them in any situation.

Who are your friends and church family members that you rely on to encourage and sustain you? Take time to list their names and pray for each of them. Thank God for Christian friends and church family who spur you on in your Christian walk.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Christian friends and a church family who spur me on, pray for me, strengthen me, and sustain me. May I never take for granted the blessing of Christian friends and a loving church family. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

As we begin Thanksgiving week together, spend time reading and meditating on the featured scripture for this week.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV — Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered,  two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV —  For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

1 Timothy 5:8 — Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Ephesians 6:1-3 — Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise — “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

As we begin this Thanksgiving week together, listen to Gratitude by Brandon Lake.

Joshua 1:9 NIV — Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Today is Veteran’s Day in the United States. On this day, we honor veterans who have served in the military, on our behalf, to protect our freedoms. Veterans are those who are trail blazers for our country. For those of us who are not veterans, let’s imagine the emotions that a service person must deal with when serving. Imagine the courage, fear, sorrow, and pride that a soldier may face. Consider the turmoil and sacrifice the family members of a service person endures. Take time today to thank a veteran for his/her service and pray for those who currently serve in our military.

Let’s pray. Dear God, please give strength and courage to all those who serve in our military to preserve our rights and freedoms. Thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit to guide and comfort those who blaze trails for us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

This week I have enjoyed remembering all those who have influenced my Christian walk. Today I am savoring the memories of family and friends who helped blaze my Christian trail. I have been blessed to grow up in a Christian home that was surrounded by other Christians. Some of my fondest memories include going to the local nursing home to help with crafts or helping serve at our church barbecue dinner. I remember my mom helping lead my Brownies group and my dad helping with Boy Scouts. 

As I became a young adult fresh out of college, I was blessed to have a retired teacher begin a young adult Sunday School class which helped to shape my Christian walk. When Clark and I were first married that same lady began a Bible study that we joined. Not only did we form lifelong friendships, we also formed a firm Christian foundation to our marriage. 

Through the years God has continued to bless me with others who have been trailblazers for my faith. I have been blessed to have others who have taught me through their experiences. As I reflect on and savor these memories I am also convicted that I must also be a trailblazer for others. I must be intentional in witnessing to and leading the path for others to learn about and become more like Christ. Who are you a trailblazer for and how are you blazing trails for Christ?

This week we have talked about trailblazers. Take a moment to read the following articles about Christian trailblazers.

 10 Historical Christians Who Changed the World. 

10 Christian Missionaries Every Christian Should Know

I encourage you to do some research about Christian trailblazers. While researching I found one biography series titled Heroes of the Faith. There is also a children’s book series titled The Trailblazers Series that is suitable for ages 9-14. Let’s finish our week together by taking time to educate ourselves and those we influence about the early trailblazers of Christianity.

@biblegateway @youversion