Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Phil. 1:3
God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Tim. 6:17
Heavenly Father, these last few days in Edinburgh, Scotland, have fueled my gratitude and stoked the fires of my thanksgiving. New friends and novel tastes, fresh sightings of your kingdom and renewed expressions of your church… you are the God from whom all blessings flow, grace abounds, and hope swells. Give us eyes to see, hearts, and words to express the multiple reasons you give us to stay grateful, every single day.
It’s been a great joy to be in the land that gave us John Knox, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, and Thomas Chalmers—faithful servants of Jesus. But it has been equally wonderful to meet a whole new generation of Scottish church planters and wives who boast in Jesus, treasure the gospel, and love people so well.
Their challenges are great, but the gospel is greater. Their opposition is intense, but the outcome is sure. One Day, the earth will be filled with the knowledge of your glory, including the whole of Scotland.
Father, I’m also grateful for the gift of hospitality we’ve been extended. It reminds me of your welcoming heart and the profound impact of generosity. To open our hearts and homes to others, to listen to each other’s stories and linger in conversation, is to protest against a culture of hurry and distractions.
Though I never thought I’d say it, I actually thank you for my first serving of haggis. Not that it will become a staple in my culinary repertoire, but the joy of sharing in the tastes, smells, and sounds of a different culture has intensified my longings for our coming life in the new heaven and new earth. Finally, and forever, we will enjoy the grand diversity of your family—redeemed from every race, tribe, tongue and people group.
Father, free me to love, welcome, and serve others the way I’ve experienced so much kindness and generosity these past few days. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ loving and powerful name.
