Paul McKenzie

Memory Verse, Thursday, November 21: Philippians 1:3

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,"

What a great way to open a letter. We're going to read a lot about thankfulness in this letter. We find throughout Scripture that our lives should always be filled with thanksgiving, since we have become children of the Living God.

There are certain people in our lives that bring thoughts of thankfulness. For me, I'll be forever thankful for certain people God has used to make me the person that I am. First and foremost are my parents. My mother is now rejoicing in heaven, while I'm still fortunate enough to spend at least twice a week with my 93-year-old Father. He is my best friend, and mentored me all of my life.

I am thankful for my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Spoehr, who gave me the confidence and encouragement to write, and old John M. Barnes for the "down home" anecdotes when he subbed for teachers in elementary schools. I remember one day when he was speaking that my heart suddenly yearned for God, that I knew there was something more to life in my young mind. It was a moment where all things suddenly got bright. That has happened two more times, once kneeling in the morning as a young altar boy, while the priest was working on Communion, and another when I was sixteen on July 4, the day I was born again.

For my old friend Danny Davis, who God used to share the Gospel with me, which resulted in my salvation. Whenever I am down, I remember the day I was saved, and I just cannot remain in a down mood. The rush of the Holy Spirit filling my life! The moment I felt absolutely pure in heart, forever forgiven and loved by God Almighty. The greatest remembrance of all.

I'm thankful for brother Jeff Hlavin, who would come down from Lincoln Park to Flat Rock during the Jesus Movement and teach us newborns about Jesus. His bright smile and ever exuding joy would fill our hearts as he lovingly shared Jesus with us.

For my children, especially remembering them when they were about 7-10. For me, those years were always special. And of course, for my pretty wife, my helpmate, friend and loving companion. So many good remembrances of so many people. Taking time to remember those who influenced and loved you might be a good practice when one is down.

Of course, nothing compares to my thankfulness for Jesus, who brought me into the Family of God, and led me into His divine Presence. Who taught me that my sins could be forgiven, and that the more I follow Him, the more I can be a reflection of God, brought closer to being the image I was always supposed to be, making me a complete human being in the right sense.

For comforting me in all tribulation, and filling me with His grace, peace and joy so I can impart that to others as well.

Good remembrances. It might be a good morning for you to dwell on some of those as well. And maybe take the time to thank someone for being your friend, and creating more good relationships that will bring even more good remembrances.

Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

Memory Helps:

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,"

If we use the "first letters" in the middle, we can get this quickly "I thank my "Guero" you". Sounds like a Spanish word when you look at it that way, and easy to remember.

Or, just say it over and over again, remembering different "you's" for which you are thankful. "every remembrance of "dad", or every remembrance of "grandma", etc.

My "Ma" (M=3) is riding on a "Doe" (chapter 1) with using these hand motions: Pointing to herself, then raising her hands to heaven for "I thank my God". then she points to her head to symbolize "upon every remembrance", and points to you for "of you".