This Thanksgiving season I am taking a few moments to reflect on one question: Am I truly a thankful person?

As we approach Thanksgiving, our hearts turn, perhaps more than usual, toward God in thanks for His many blessings. Indeed, our lives are full of His blessings. As Psalm 68:19 tells us, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”

Speak to nearly any believer and they will usually agree with two general statements. The first being that to accomplish what God has called us to do requires a commitment to a disciplined prayer life. However, the second general truth that nearly every believer agrees with is that they do not pray enough.

Memorize verses that have helped you. They will do you even more good if you have them ready the next time you need them.

The Great Commission of Christ is, in fact, the mission of the local church. As Christians, and especially as local churches, Christ’s last command must be our first priority.

From the time the Apostle Paul uttered the words, “What wilt thou have me do?” until a Roman executor severed his head from his body—he was a missionary. The gospel to the entire world was his goal. The Lord Jesus was his passion.

You cannot be a recluse and be effective as a pastor. If you are called to a shepherding role of ministry, you must be actively engaged in healthy relationship building you want to be eternally effective. Ministry, and life for that matter, is all about relationships.

Our recent Journeys of Paul tour was full of highlights for me. But perhaps the most impactful locations we visited were on the island of Crete, where Paul left Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city” (Titus 1:5).

These are affectionate words—little children. I know we like to think we are all “grown up” but sometimes we need to be reminded that God sees us as His children—precious and loved by Him. However, our position as God’s children doesn’t give us permission to remain immature in the faith.

I remember the days before there was GPS. I would order road maps from AAA, or purchase a Thompson Map. I would study the map to get a clear idea of how to reach my destination. In every situation, the road map got me to where I needed to be.