We're excited for you to hear from the heart of today's guest writer, our son, Luke Jones. Enjoy today's devo!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
(1 Chron. 16:34)

With the holiday season in full bloom, what better time is there to be reminded of all the wonderful things we can be thankful for. Here are 5 things we can be reminded to be thankful for this week.
Luke
1. Remember Where You Came From
Chances are that you have experienced growth in your life, and you are not the same person you used to be (thank God). Maybe you can recall the way you used to think, but now realize that those negative thoughts and mindsets don’t hold you back anymore. Maybe you can recall yourself being young in the faith, wanting more, but not knowing where to turn. Look at yourself now, passionate and growing in your faith. Hungry for more, and getting results.

Let’s be reminded this year that God is a God of progression, and is stretching and molding us into the person He wants us to be.

2. Remember God Is A God Of Love

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
(1 John 4:16)

God is love. This year we can remind ourselves of this powerful truth. He does not love us for what we can bring to Him. He does not love us for the life that we live. He simply loves us because He IS love. His love was captured and personified in the person of Jesus. The same love that God the Father has for Jesus, is the same love that he has for us. Take a moment to think about that – sure is something to be thankful for.

3. Remember The Body Of Christ
We are so blessed to all be a part of one big family – the body of Christ. This world is in search of community. A group of people with one common goal who support and uphold one another. The body of Christ (the Church) is a community where diversity and destiny meet. Just like Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms in the midst of battle, we are to hold up each other in the midst of life (Exodus 17). Let’s be reminded that we belong to something much bigger than ourselves and we are privileged to be a part of a global community, Christ’s bride – the Church. Give Thanks!

4. Remember The Cross

Calvary covers it all
My sin and shame, don’t count anymore
All praise to the One who has ransomed my soul
Calvary covers it all

This chorus from Hillsong Worship’s song “Calvary” is something that we can hold dear to our hearts. Calvary is not just a religious sounding word that we use in Church. Calvary represents the finished work of the cross, where Jesus laid down His life for ours. Just like this chorus says, our sin and our shame don’t count anymore! Praise God! Calvary really does cover it all.

5. Remember Where You Are Going
Some great news that we can all remember this year is that God is not finished with us. As you have heard it said, God loves you where you are, but He loves you too much for you to stay there. Your best days are ahead of you. No matter what age you are, think big! Be thankful for where you are going! There is much life to be had ahead of you.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
(Heb. 12:1-2)

There is so much to be thankful for and remember as we close up this year, and look forward to what's in front of us. This Holiday Season, let's be reminded of the true gift we all have - Emmanuel, God with us.

Prayer: Father, I want to take a moment to say Thank You. Thank You for helping me grow into who I am today. Thank You for being a God of love. Thank You for the body of Christ, I don't know where I would be without it. Thank You for the cross and all that it represents in my life. Thank You for not being done with me, and for seeing me for my potential. You are so good God! Thanks for always loving me. I love You so much. In Jesus' Name, Amen!