I’m Grateful for You
GRATEFUL — Even Here, Even Now, Even in This
Might I Have a Word with You?
Wednesday’s message from Pastor Kirby
Grateful for You, Not Just What You Do
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
When was the last time you thanked somebody simply for being in your life?
So often, our appreciation is attached to a service: someone fixes something, brings us a meal, gives us advice, or helps us through a difficult season. We say thank you—and rightly so. Yet gratitude goes deeper than recognizing what people do. It recognizes the value of who they are.
Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” His words invite us to pause and think of those whose presence has blessed our journey. People who have prayed without announcing it. People who have listened when we were struggling. People who made room for us, encouraged us, or simply stayed.
Sometimes we become so accustomed to someone's love that their faithfulness begins to seem ordinary. But people are not conveniences, and relationships are not guarantees.
Gratefulness is remembering what God has done without forgetting the people He used to do it.
Today, don't wait for an anniversary, a holiday, or a funeral to express what someone means to you. Give someone the gift of knowing they matter—while they can hear it.
Today's Heart Check
- Who has been a quiet but consistent blessing in my life?
- Have I appreciated someone only for what they do for me?
- Whose presence have I taken for granted?
Today's Challenge
Call, visit, or send a personal message to someone today. Tell them specifically why you are grateful God placed them in your life. Don't ask for anything in return.
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, in the name of Yeshua, thank You for the people You have placed along my journey. Forgive me for the times I've overlooked their love, kindness, and sacrifices. Open my eyes to appreciate people for who they are, not merely what they do. Teach me to express gratitude while I have the opportunity. In Yeshua's name, Amen.
People Are More Than What They Can Do for You
Think of the person who checks on you, saves you a seat, helps with homework, encourages you when you're disappointed, or listens without making everything about themselves.
It's easy to notice people when we need something. But the Bible challenges us to appreciate people because they matter.
Someone doesn't have to be popular, famous, or useful to you to deserve kindness and respect.
Think About It
Is there a friend, teacher, parent, or family member who would be surprised to learn how much you appreciate them?
Today's Challenge
Send one genuine thank-you message that doesn't ask for anything. Explain one specific reason that person matters to you.
Prayer
Jesus, help me see the value of the people around me. Keep me from taking anyone for granted. Help me show appreciation through my words and actions. Amen.
The Thank-You Mission
Today's Bible Truth: God places people in our lives who help us grow, feel loved, and learn to love others.
Memory Verse: Philippians 1:3 — “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” (KJV)
1. Who helped you?
Pastor Kirby asks the children to remember someone who showed them kindness this week.
2. More than favors
The children discover they can appreciate a person even when that person hasn't given them anything.
3. God's Word
Pastor Kirby reads Philippians 1:3 and explains why Paul thanked God for people.
4. Thank-you mission
Each child writes or draws a thank-you note to someone important in their life.
Talk About It
- Who makes you feel loved or supported?
- What do you appreciate about that person?
- How can you show gratitude without receiving a gift?
Grow Together
Parents and children: each choose someone to thank today. Share what you appreciate about them and pray for them together.
Kids' Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for the people who love and help us. Teach us to appreciate them, encourage them, and remember to say thank You. Amen.
Share Today's Word
Invite someone to read today's Adult, Teen, and Kids devotional.
Today's Declaration
“I will not wait until someone is gone to appreciate the gift of their presence.”
One WORD. Every Generation.