While sitting at the computer, trying to think of some inspiring words to say as we see another year, the Lord spoke to my spirit.

Of all the opportunities given to you and I, through it all, God has been there for us. During happy times and even in difficult sad times, when our hearts were hurting with grief, His grace was sufficient. God reminded me that no matter where I go or what I do, He’s watching over me. That’s enough for me to praise Him!

Through the many deeds we do for others, many visits to the hospital, many hours of prayer, many sleepless nights, He’s right there all the time. There have been numerous occasions of helping strangers broke down on the highways. Continuous telephone calls with requests for assistance and even advice. Endless attacks from the devil. But through it all, we can make it!

Sometimes after a long day with many hours of traveling up and down the highway, arriving home to sit down when there’s a knock at the door for yet another favor. We long to hear two words.

“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11 KJV).

Those two words, which express so much, and soothe so much, and compensate so much are THANK YOU!  Let’s practice saying thank you, to God first, then to each other.  Not just saying it, but meaning it.

Bishop Derek E. Eurales, Sr. has been pastor of First Opportunity Free Will Baptist Church in Carrier Mills, Illinois, since December 1988 and continues to stand on and preach the “Word”. He oversees the Southern Illinois Annual of Free Will Baptists (Western Division). To read his full biography, click here. Feel free to contact him today to share your testimony!