When life comes at you fast, how do you respond? With gratitude or with grouchiness? I am always surprised and a bit envious when life goes wrong and people are still able to respond with a grateful heart. I want to have a grateful heart to God, and I bet you do too. In this series we’ll explore how to achieve a grateful perspective on life. We’ll especially explore the importance of sharing that thankful and grateful attitude with those around us in the faith. I believe a fellowship with grateful and thankful church members is fertile ground for growth and great things in the kingdom of God. First we’ll talk about being thankful for the church and its ministries. Then we’ll look at the importance of being grateful for those who lead us. Lastly we’ll examine the ways we can say “thank you” to the individuals around us who make our lives better. The purpose of providing take-home devotional ideas is to draw our attention to areas of service and individuals of which we should be aware and whom we should acknowledge in our thoughts and prayers. This week, we will focus on the church and its ministries:

THANKFUL FOR THOSE IN PRIVATE MINISTRIES THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO SERVE IN TIME OF NEED THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO TEACH, EVANGELIZE, AND SERVE IN THE NAME OF JESUS THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO TEACH US AND HELP US GROW THANKFUL FOR THOSE IN MINISTRIES WORLDWIDE ACTIVITY – THANKSGIVING IN ACTION

A big thanks to the Barcroft, Myers, Lindsey, and Holland families for creating the devotionals for us!

THANKFUL FOR THOSE IN PRIVATE MINISTRIES “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 6:1 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” –Matthew 25:35-36 Private Ministries

Providing free childcare on the weekends for a single mom who wants to work but needs someone to care for her children.

Noticing people going through difficult times and delivering food or assisting with yardwork without waiting for a formal sign-up.

Praying silently for the people in their neighborhood while walking the streets around their home.

Formal programs and ministries are an important part of how our church serves one another and the world around us, but private (sometimes even secret) acts of faith are essential in a healthy church. Strong evidence of Christ’s love living in us is demonstrated by the acts of kindness, charity and love that we can perform outside the realm of formal ministry. Here are a few more examples of what your Pleasant Ridge brothers and sisters are doing:

Rising extra early to pray for the people around them and reflecting on how they can join God in meeting their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Volunteering to babysit so the parents of young children can enjoy an evening out without adding childcare to the expense.

Providing transportation for those who cannot drive themselves.

Demonstrating love and the gift of community by hosting wedding and baby showers for people outside the official church shower ministry.

Providing a vehicle for a family in need.

Remodeling parts of their home with the purpose of increasing hospitality to others including meals and short- and long-term overnight accommodations.

Volunteering at the Arlington Pregnancy Center on a regular basis in order to show kindness and give hope to pregnant women.

Reflection: What other examples of private ministry are happening through Pleasant Ridge members? Take a moment to identify opportunities in your daily or weekly routine when you might be able to show Christ’s love to “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:40, 45) Prayer: Thank you, God, for the brothers and sisters at Pleasant Ridge who are listening to your promptings and ministering in your name even without formal programs.

THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO SERVE IN TIME OF NEED Have you ever heard (or made) this statement- “How do people make it without a church family?” What a blessing it is to belong to a family that is there to help in time of need, and there to celebrate in time of joy! Paul tells us in Romans 12:15 to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

If you have ever taken food or sent cards to those who are grieving, taken someone to the doctor, or visited the sick or homebound? Then you have helped someone in their time of need. If you have ever listened and prayed with a hurting brother or sister, helped a family who needed childcare, or shared with someone financially, then you have helped someone in their time of need. If you have ever attended a wedding or baby shower, helped with the KeenAge banquet, or participated in VBS, then you have celebrated with others in times of joy. If you have helped with Senior Night Out, International Thanksgiving meal, Fall Festival, Sonshine Bible School, or any of the many other activities here at Pleasant Ridge, then you have celebrated with others in times of joy. This week, can you find a way to serve someone in need? Can you find a way to celebrate with someone who is “rejoicing”? Can you find a way to comfort someone who is “weeping”? Not only will you be supplying a need, but you will bring glory to your Heavenly Father!

THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO TEACH, EVANGELIZE, AND SERVE IN THE

NAME OF JESUS It is football season now, so let’s discuss a situation faced by the Dallas Cowboys Receiver Dez Bryant. On September 13th Dez Bryant broke one of the five bones in his foot called the metatarsal. He had to have surgery on that foot to fix the problem and then went to physical therapy for weeks to get ready to play again. He could not practice until October 15th.

He is a very big guy who can run, catch a ball, and push other players away with great strength to make a touchdown. However, one small bone stopped the rest of his body from doing the job he was trained to do.

He probably thinks those bones that allow him to run are very important now, when before, he might not have realized how hurting one small bone could stop him from playing. Think about how an injury to someone who teaches or serves can prevent them from using their spiritual gift for God’s work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” NIV

1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” NIV

What are the areas in the church in which people serve? Why is it important to serve others? Do I have to be an “expert” in the scriptures to serve and teach others? Why? How can you serve in the church? Why is it important to be thankful for the servant and teachers in the church? Should I be thankful for my (your) own personal gifts to teach, serve, or preach to others about Jesus?

The above questions can be used to stimulate a discussion of how anyone can serve. Children and adults always have questions about how they can serve and why that may be important. This is a time for thanksgiving and it is important that each person vocalize a way in which they have been given a gift from God to serve and teach others about Jesus and God’s plan for salvation. No gift is too small to be used by God for the good of all people and it is important for everyone in the family or group involved in this discussion to realize at least one gift they have and tell the group about it. Whether the gift is as small as taking money to the collection plate for the children’s contribution or as big as talking to someone who does not believe in God and helping them to find Christ and be baptized, we should all be thankful for our gifts. We should also be thankful for those who have the ability to preach, teach Bible lessons, say public or private prayers, talk with and comfort those who are having difficulties in life, or bring food or supplies to those who are in need.

In what ways can we be thankful for our gifts to teach and serve in the church? How can we thank those who have the gifts to teach others or go and serve other people? The next time you are using your gift, try to thank God for the blessing and gift to serve others in the name of Jesus.

Prayer: Say a prayer thanking God for all the spiritual gifts he has given everyone in the group. Name everyone in the group and give thanks for their particular gift.

THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO TEACH US AND HELP US GROW Growing up in the youth group, I had long taken the roll of our teachers at PR for granted. I learned so much from the teachers and ministers who helped form my young faith in God. Every Sunday morning, Wednesday night, and many summer nights in between, the youth were presented with engaging lessons on the Bible, faith, and life. It was easy to see only the lesson presented and not realize the preparation that went into it prior to the class setting.

I remember the first time someone asked me to lead a class. They tasked me with a topic that was a well-known story. I thought nothing of it and prepared very little! Within about 10 minutes of class and my running clear out of talking points, I immediately recognized how much hard work all of our teachers put into bringing us God’s word each time we worship together! Putting together a lesson that is engaging, thought provoking, and teaches is no easy task.

At Pleasant Ridge, we have an incredible group of teachers! Every week we have a large handful of people who are studying hard and preparing lessons for us to help us grow spiritually every time we get together to worship. They aren’t just planning a presentation, but leading us in a walk closer to Christ. They are helping us become mature in our faith, becoming united.

Ephesians 4:11-16 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Today, say a prayer of thanksgiving for all of the teachers who are helping us grow spiritually each week. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for those teachers who are helping us shape the faith of our children. Thank God for those men and women who devote extra time each week preparing to lead us forward in our spiritual walk with Christ. Be thankful for those people who are equipping us, bringing knowledge and maturity, and helping the whole church body become united in Christ.

THANKFUL FOR THOSE IN MINISTRIES WORLDWIDE Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in a faraway country to teach people about God and to show them love in the name of Jesus? Take a moment to read about Paul’s life as a missionary: “ Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 2I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 2Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?” 2 Corinthians 11:24-29 Many missionaries today do not face physical dangers like Paul did. Many do. Many live in unhealthy conditions, exposed to danger and disease. Why would they choose to live like this? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for their hearts of compassion and their concern for the spiritual welfare of the people where they work. Look in your new church directory at the photos of missionaries serving and teaching God’s children in the United States and in foreign lands. Write an email or a note of thanks to one or more of these missionaries. Jesus told his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2 NIV) I Want to Be a Worker by Isaiah Baltzell, 1880 Verse 1 I want to be a worker for the Lord, I want to love and trust his holy word; I want to sing and pray, and be busy ev’ry day In the vineyard of the Lord. Chorus I will work, I will pray, In the vineyard, in the vineyard of the Lord; I will work, I will pray, I will labor ev’ry day In the vineyard of the Lord. Verse 2 I want to be a worker ev’ry day, I want to lead the erring in the way That leads to heav’n above, where all is peace and love In the kingdom of the Lord.

Verse 3 I want to be a worker strong and brave, I want to trust in Jesus’ pow’r to save; All who will truly come, shall find a happy home In the kingdom of the Lord. Verse 4 I want to be a worker; help me, Lord, To lead the lost and erring to thy word That points to joy on high, where pleasures never die In the kingdom of the Lord.

ACTIVITY – THANKSGIVING IN ACTION Fill “Smile for a Child” boxes to be distributed through a local ministry (Hearts & Hands) or a worldwide ministry (Mission Para Cristo, Nicaragua*). Express your gratitude and support for those serving in local and worldwide ministries this week. Smile boxes are plastic shoe boxes or regular shoe boxes filled with small gifts for children ages 2-12. Each box should contain a mixture of school supplies (crayons, colored pencils, pencils, eraser, sharpener); personal items (wash cloth, bar of soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste); and toys (several $1 items from the dollar store, non-melting candy). Boxes should be marked with age range and gender. Those designated for Nicaragua will cost approximately $5 apiece to ship, so if you can afford it, please include a donation in the top of the box. Ways to participate:

1) Fill one or more boxes and bring them to Pleasant Ridge on or before Sunday, November 8th. 2) Purchase items to fill boxes and bring them to Pleasant Ridge on or before Saturday, November

7th. 3) Meet with others on Saturday, November 7th to fill boxes. 4) Provide monetary donations to cover the cost of boxes and shipping on or before Sunday,

November 8th. 5) Continue to pray daily for those to serve in Pleasant Ridge, community, and worldwide

ministries. *Misión Para Cristo strives to share Jesus and serve the people of Nicaragua. The mission’s main objective is for the message of our Lord to be shared with all people. To accomplish this goal, the mission works with the churches of Christ in Nicaragua to provide healthcare, food, shelter and education to those in need. For more information, see http://www.misionparacristo.com/page.cfm?pageid=16241.

When life comes at you fast, how do you respond? With gratitude or with grouchiness? I am always surprised and a bit envious when life goes wrong and people are still able to respond with a grateful heart. I want to have a grateful heart to God, and I bet you do too. In this series we’ll explore how to achieve a grateful perspective on life. We’ll especially explore the importance of sharing that thankful and grateful attitude with those around us in the faith. I believe a fellowship with grateful and thankful church members is fertile ground for growth and great things in the kingdom of God. First we’ll talk about being thankful for the church and its ministries. Then we’ll look at the importance of being grateful for those who lead us. Lastly we’ll examine the ways we can say “thank you” to the individuals around us who make our lives better. The purpose of providing take-home devotional ideas is to draw our attention to areas of service and individuals of which we should be aware and whom we should acknowledge in our thoughts and prayers. This week, we will focus on being thankful for the leaders in our lives:

THANKSGIVING FOR LEADERS IN YOUR HOME THANKSGIVING FOR OUR GROW GROUP LEADERS THANKSGIVING FOR DEACONS AND MINISTRY LEADERS THANKSGIVING FOR OUR MINISTERS THANKSGIVING IN ACTION

A big thanks to the Barcroft, Myers, Lindsey, and Holland families for creating the devotionals for us!

THANKSGIVING FOR LEADERS IN YOUR HOME

61% of today’s young adults who were regular church attendees are now “spiritually disengaged.” They are not actively attending church, praying, or reading their Bibles.

- Already Gone, by Britt Beemer and Ken Ham Last week, we focused on thanksgiving for our ministries and our church. Our church plays a vital role in our spiritual walks, but it is not the source of our everyday spiritual fulfillment. That spiritual calibration needs to start with yourself, in your home. The role your spiritual walk plays in your own life makes a huge impact on those around you and especially those in your home. That spiritual leadership takes root at home and blooms every day. God calls us to be leaders in our homes; to be leaders to our kids. Think about the leaders in your home you have seen. Have you had a good role model to follow, a spiritual guide to help you grow closer to Christ, or prayerful family member who keeps the family focused on God? How have you continued that legacy of spiritual leadership in your home? These spiritual leaders in our home are so helpful in keeping our families united in the goal of following Christ.

Who has been a spiritual leader in your home? Be thankful for those spiritual leaders who helped shape your faith. Be thankful for those leaders in the homes of Pleasant Ridge who are planting and growing the next generation for Christians. Be thankful for God giving you the wisdom to be a leader in your own household. Ask God for wisdom to continue leading your home down the path of Christ.

THANKSGIVING FOR OUR GROW GROUP LEADERS

Work produced by faith Labor prompted by love

Endurance inspired by hope Small groups of brothers and sisters gather to share their hearts and lives with one another. They pray, they study, they share, they laugh, they cry, they support, and they comfort each other. Through the power of community and the grace of the Holy Spirit they grow closer to God and they grow stronger in their commitment to serve the kingdom. Serving as a grow group (or other small group) leader requires work, labor and endurance. Faith, love and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ are essential attributes for outstanding grow group leaders. A considerable amount of labor and endurance goes into planning, hosting, and facilitating healthy small groups. But the time and work is worth the sacrifice when the result brings glory to our Father and empowers us to serve the world in the name of Christ. Take a moment to give thanks to God for the people in our church who have chosen to lead or host grow groups in order to provide a time, place and opportunity for us to lead one another, and others, into a life-changing walk with Jesus Christ. Are you, or have you been, a part of one of the grow groups at PRCC? Look for ways to encourage and support your brothers and sisters who are leading this ministry. Prayer: Thank you, God, for the men and women who are giving sacrificially of their time, energy, and resources to lead and host small groups at Pleasant Ridge. Carlos and Gisela Acosta Pam Baker James and Connie Barker Neil and Deanna Bell David and Karan Bridgwater Ernie and Debbie Encalade John and Susie Feshold Shawn and Debra Ham Steve and Joan Hastings Jerry and Debbie Lindsey Pat and Carol Malone Caven and Tammey Marsh Jennifer Muster Daniel and Audrey Smith Eddie and Marilyn Stinson Other small group leaders “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

THANKSGIVING FOR DEACONS AND MINISTRY LEADERS 1 Timothy 3:13 “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Day after day, week after week, year after year, our deacons and ministry leaders work hard behind the scenes to build up God’s kingdom. They shoulder the responsibility to see that all the many ministries at Pleasant Ridge are running smoothly. This allows each member of Christ’s body to contribute, as is stated in 1 Corinthians 12:4: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” In Acts 6, the apostles were able to give their full attention to preaching the gospel and praying, because seven godly men who were filled with wisdom and the Spirit were willing to accept responsibility for food distribution for the widows. Today, people are being helped physically, spiritually, and emotionally because of deacons and ministry leaders who have a heart for serving God and others. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God does not forget their hard work, and neither should we! Let’s lift these hard-working servants up in our thoughts and prayers. They are helping us all, as we “like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

THANKSGIVING FOR OUR MINISTERS “1 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13a NIV) There are few among us who work harder than our Pleasant Ridge ministry staff to help engage our church in community service, practice of sound doctrine and worship, godly training of and building relationships with our children and youth, and care of our seniors. Say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for Carlos, Ryan, Lou Ann, Pat, Lance, and Dean. These six are on staff not to carry out the ministry workload of the entire congregation, but to lead and support the ministries of the hundreds of members of the body at Pleasant Ridge. Think of a way that you can encourage one of these leaders and show your appreciation for their ministry leadership. Shoot them an email: http://pleasantridgechurch.org/#/ministry-team

Are you on Facebook? Send them a PM letting them know how thankful you are. If twitter is your social media of choice, start a hash tag! In the atrium between activities with a few minutes to spare, send a card from the card ministry kiosk! Or… you could even use one of those telephone things you carry in your pocket all day!

THANKSGIVING FOR THE ELDERS, THE LEADERS OF OUR CONGREGATION

The church auditorium was packed the day he came in to worship. He was dressed in long, loud flowery shorts and a ragged surfing tee shirt. His hair was long and not constrained and his beard was not for show but due to a lack of shaving for probably the last two weeks. His shoes were flip flops that had probably seen better days. But, he was at church and nobody really new why. He could not find a seat so he sheepishly walked down to the front of the auditorium and sat on the floor near the podium. An elder, wearing his pressed three piece suit, complete with a bright tie and matching handkerchief in his coat pocket rose from his seat and began walking to the front in pursuit of this stranger. No one could blame him for what he was about to do, because the stranger looked completely out of place. However, when he approached the stranger he stuck out his hand, introduced himself and asked if he could sit by the stranger. You see, this elder was kind-hearted and did not want the stranger to have to sit by himself on the floor on his first visit to the church that this elder helped oversee. Hebrews 13:17 “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” NIV Titus 1:6-7 “An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless – not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.” NIV 1 Timothy 3:1 “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” NIV Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” NIV Why is it important to have elders in the congregation? How are the roles of deacon and elder different in the church? What can we do to support the role of elder in our church? What are ways in which we can give our elders thanks for the job that they do in our congregation? (Keep in mind that the elders donate their time and resources to the job without monetary compensation. They give their time freely and with a joyful heart. Remember that the elders are responsible for the spiritual health of the congregation. Also remember they are human and have wives and family and they also have feelings that can be hurt when we are a bit too critical. People who feel unappreciated will find ways to leave what they are doing and no longer serve. We do not want that to happen at Pleasant Ridge. Most of all find the time to smile and laugh about the funny things that happen at church, help your family find the fun at church. Jesus was a happy man, otherwise he would have had no followers. We are not the stern congregation that shuns strangers, we welcome them like the elder in the first part of this devotional.) Take the time to look at the new pictorial directory and look at the shepherds so you will know who they are and talk to them over the next few weeks and months. This is especially important if you have children, many of our children have not talked to all the elders and after this discussion it would be nice for them to meet the people who make Pleasant Ridge so successful.

THANKSGIVING IN ACTION This week as you complete Thanksgiving activities, take a moment to reflect on the job that elders do. There are countless meetings, prayers, discussions about church activities, problems and issues that affect the church and church harmony, Bible studies with those in need, and discussions with those who have great issues in life. Take the time to write at least one thank you note to each elder and let them know what a wonderful job you think they are doing or how glad you are that they chose to help lead the flock at Pleasant Ridge. These notes can be placed in the boxes in the north east hall outside the north family life center, given to them personally if you prefer the personal touch, or turned in to the church office and we will see that they are delivered. If technology is your thing, all the elders email addresses have been listed below as well. Thanks in advance for thanking our leaders. Elders Who Continue to Serve Elders Who Have Stepped Down James Barker jm.barker@juno.com David Bridgwater dbridgwater@sbcglobal.net Neil Bell nbell88@sbcglobal.net Elmo Collins elmocollins@gmail.com Paul Berry pberry652@gmail.com Rod Jinks rsjinks@yahoo.com Bob Bohannon aabobjudy@aol.com Eddie Stinson eddie.stinson@tx.rr.com James Burleson jdburl@sbcglobal.net Ron Haker jhaker@swbell.net Steve Hastings hastist@hotmail.com Carlton Holt theholtman11@yahoo.com Elders Who Have Recently Agreed to Serve Pat Malone p_c_malone@att.net David Holland dnjholland@sbcglobal.net Billy Rhodes billyrhodesinsurance@gmail.com Chris Jackson crjaction@gmail.com Charles Robeson clrcjr@sbcglobal.net Randy Jordan rhjacuex.gmail.com Tim Shelfer timshelfer@yahoo.com Mike Monroe mmonroe935@sbcglobal.net Mike Walker mwalker@painrecovery.net Dennis Slatton denslat@sbcglobal.net Prayer: Pray that our leaders will not be burdened by things that others in the congregation could do. Pray that our leaders might feel that they are appreciated and their work does not go unnoticed. Pray that our elders will be able to train younger people to assume the role of elder when they are no longer able to do so. Pray for those elders who have served so long in our church who have stepped down and allow others to take up the mission. Pray for those men who have recently taken up the task to serve as elders.

When life comes at you fast, how do you respond? With gratitude or with grouchiness? I am always surprised and a bit envious when life goes wrong and people are still able to respond with a grateful heart. I want to have a grateful heart to God, and I bet you do too. In this series we’ll explore how to achieve a grateful perspective on life. We’ll especially explore the importance of sharing that thankful and grateful attitude with those around us in the faith. I believe a fellowship with grateful and thankful church members is fertile ground for growth and great things in the kingdom of God. First we’ll talk about being thankful for the church and its ministries. Then we’ll look at the importance of being grateful for those who lead us. Lastly we’ll examine the ways we can say “thank you” to the individuals around us who make our lives better. The purpose of providing take-home devotional ideas is to draw our attention to areas of service and individuals of which we should be aware and whom we should acknowledge in our thoughts and prayers. This week, we will focus on being thankful for the individuals in our lives:

THANKSGIVING FOR MENTORS THANKSGIVING FOR TEACHERS THANKSGIVING FOR THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEOPLE THANKSGIVING FOR GIVERS THANKSGIVING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

A big thanks to the Barcroft, Myers, Lindsey, and Holland families for creating the devotionals for us!

THANKSGIVING FOR MENTORS

“So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then.”

–Joshua 14:10-11 When he was 40 years old, Caleb was one of the men chosen by Moses to explore the land of Canaan as the people of Israel prepared to end their years of wandering in the wilderness. At that time only Caleb and Joshua had enough faith in the Lord to advise that the people of God would be able to prevail and take control of the Promised Land. In Numbers 14:24 God says, “my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly.” The phrase “followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly” is repeated three times in Joshua chapter 14. At 85 years old, Caleb is still ready for battle and confident of victory with the Lord’s help. The story of Caleb is just one example of faithfulness to the Lord over the course of a long and full lifetime. Within our church family we have so many other examples of servants who have committed themselves to God’s service through many seasons of life. Who do you think of as following the Lord “wholeheartedly?” Thank God for the people (of any age) who inspire you through their example of following God wholeheartedly. Write them a note or send them a text to thank them for their influence in your life. What changes do you need to make in order for the Lord to describe you as one who follows him wholeheartedly? Prayer: Lord, we are thankful for older brothers and sisters who keep following you wholeheartedly and keep serving others even as they add years. Help me to learn from their example and to live in a way that will inspire others to follow you wholeheartedly, too. Please help me to never tire of doing what is good (2 Thessalonians 3:13; Galatians 6:9) and to serve you wholeheartedly every day.

THANKSGIVING FOR TEACHERS A kindergarten teacher was walking around observing her classroom of children while they were drawing pictures. As she got to one girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, “I’m drawing God.” The teacher paused and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, “They will in a minute.” As you discuss today’s topic of teachers, think about the teachers who inspired you, or are teaching you. What is it that made you listen to what they had to say and how does it help you today? Luke 6:40 “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” NIV 2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” NIV 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” NIV James 3:1-2 “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” NIV Who are your teachers today? Why do you consider them your teacher? Have you had teachers who inspired you in the past? What was it about them that helped you become a better Christian? I almost didn’t put the passage from James in this outline because it said that teachers will be judged more strictly. Please do not think this is a statement that Bible teachers should be restricted to an elite few. The passage is about what you say and controlling what you say to be sure that what you teach is in accordance with God’s principles set by Jesus in the New Testament. There is an inherent power in teaching that many do not realize until they have actually taught people. That power must be used with respect because since the time when God spent in Eden with Adam and Eve talking and teaching them, teaching others has been important to humans in order to accomplish anything in this life or after this life is over. People have the ability to teach and everyone teaches somebody something in their lives. The school teacher does not want to say anything to their students that will cause the student to fail later in their life. That is an even greater responsibility for teachers of the Bible. This is about giving thanks for our teachers but understanding that we are all teachers is just as important. Remember to think about yourself as being a teacher. Your class could be a child, grandchild, friend, spouse, relative, or colleague. Give thanks to those who teach as professionals, in Bible classes, retreats, camps, and devotionals. Jesus was the greatest teacher ever and he wanted us to model his style. He always spoke the truth and we must do likewise. Write down three to five people who have inspired you as a student. Share with the family or group and talk about the characteristics of those teachers. Then discuss how those characteristics could be applied to your own life as a teacher. What should teachers of the future try to do to help others learn better? Pray for all your teachers past and present and ask that God gives them the ability to work in your life to make you a better person. Pray also for future teachers and mentors. Humans were never meant to be alone in their struggles so pray that we learn to rely upon each other to get to heaven.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEOPLE As the Bible has shown us many times, it is not always the mighty hero or the prominent spokesperson whom God uses to further his kingdom. He often uses those people who would not be given much notice by others. God uses “Behind-The-Scenes” people constantly to further his kingdom. It is the behind-the-scenes people who are pivotal to the continuation of our church family. Without this army of workers for Christ, we would not have the wonderful time of worship together each Sunday. We wouldn’t have the incredible opportunities of evangelism. We wouldn’t have the plethora of programs serving our community. Once, someone expressed their willingness to help in some ministry but they didn’t know of anyone who worked in a ministry they could get connected with. Within just a few minutes, I was able to show them ten different people who were connected in ministries that were doing great things for Christ. I loved the section in PR Today that highlighted different behind-the-scenes ministries from around PR. I had known of so few of those beforehand and it helped me develop an appreciation and thankfulness for all of the people who worked so hard behind the scenes. So many people at Pleasant Ridge give up so much of their time to help out our church and further God’s kingdom here in DFW.

Say a prayer of thanksgiving today for those people who give way more than they receive. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for all those who work behind the scenes for Pleasant Ridge. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for all those who work behind the scenes for Christ!

THANKSGIVING FOR GIVERS Do you know your primary Love Language? Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages, teaches us that we each best relate to expressions of love in one of five ways: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. (If you don’t know what your Love Language is, you can take an online quiz to find out: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/.) Think of a time when someone has made your day better by giving to you through your special love language. Say a prayer of thanks to God for those in your life who give in small, but meaningful ways: a kind word, a helping hand, a small gift, a listening ear, a hug. “ There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do.” I Corinthians 12:5-6 (NCV)

THANKSGIVING FOR THOSE WHO SERVE Colossians 3:23 “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Jesus Christ.” What a blessing it is to have servants here at Pleasant Ridge who cheerfully go about their tasks, serving us and the Lord. Isn’t it wonderful that each week we can drive up to a beautifully landscaped and maintained church building? We then enter that fresh, clean building where chairs have been set up in each classroom for Bible study. We are greeted by warm, caring people. During the week, the cheerful office staff has worked hard to gather needed information, so we can be aware of those who are sick and need our prayers. They also keep us aware of all the various activities and ministries in which we can participate. In special times of need, we can receive counseling from loving, merciful individuals who are willing to listen and pray with us, and who have been trained to wisely guide us. All of these things occur because people take time out of their busy schedules to serve us and the Lord. This week, let’s make a special effort to thank our brothers and sisters who so faithfully serve us at Pleasant Ridge. Let’s also find a way to join in their service. I’m sure they’d be delighted to have some extra help!