Today, for my 30th birthday, I decided to do something a little different. I decided to write on a few things I’m thankful for at 30.

Five Things I’m thankful for
The first thing I’m thankful at thirty for is for the grace of God. I’m thankful that Jesus saved me from my sin and adopted me as His child. I’m thankful for at thirty is how God used mistakes in my life to refine my character and make me the man I am today.

The second thing I’m thankful for at thirty is my beautiful wife, Sarah. Outside of Jesus saving me, my wife is the best gift I’ve ever received from God. She is my best friend, my best advisor and closest confident. I love her more everyday and with every passing moment. My wife has been a voice of reason in many situations and circumstances. She has also been my greatest cheerleader and encouragement to me in serving within Servantsofgrace. She not only supports Servantsofgrace Ministries, but she has supported my work as a student- giving of her time to help me improve my writing (she’s extremely intelligent about English grammar). For this and for a hundred things, sweetheart, I want to thank God, and for His work in you for being such an awesome godly wife. I love you.

The third thing I’m thankful for at thirty is my mom. My mom put up with me when I was rebellious, and immature as a teenager. My mom has been my best prayer warrior and encourager my entire life. There is much more, I could say about my mom, but I will leave it at just this, and thank the Lord Jesus for my mom.

The fourth thing I’m thankful for at thirty is my best friend Paul. Paul has been amazing friend, and even when he and I have had our difficulties in our friendship- he has always been there to listen to me, to pray with me and encourage me to run hard towards Christ. Paul’s friendship has saved me from much folly and foolishness in my walk with God. For that, Paul, I want to publically thank you. Your friendship and your fellowship brother mean a great deal to me, and have brought the Lord great glory.

The fifth thing I’m thankful for at thirty is for you who read my blogs, and listen or watch my sermons. I thank God for such an incredibly privilege and honor that you’ve bestowed upon me- in allowing me into your homes, and into your lives. I’m thankful especially for the faithful prayers of faithful prayer warriors who pray for me, encourage me, and challenge me.

Goals in my 20’s

One of my biggest goals in my twenties was to get married. I’m thankful here that God protected me from myself and my own stupidity, and sent the right wife at the right time. As I said earlier she has been an integral part in my growth in Christ and as a man. The other goal I had was to finish my academic training in my twenties. By God’s grace, I did finish my bachelors, and am almost finished with my Masters of Divinity (I have only ten classes left).

Goals’ in my 30’s
By God’s grace, I hope to finish my Masters of Divinity degree by May of 2012. The biggest present goal, I have (and prayer request) is to finish my degree well to the glory of God. After that, I’m praying the Lord would send me wherever He would find me useful. I’m currently praying through a number of options- including taking a Pastorate or going overseas to train Pastors. I ask that you continue to pray with me that God would give me wisdom and guidance in this area.
Conclusion

As I conclude here today, I want to thank you the reader and supporter of this ministry. I want to thank and praise God that He has found fit to use this ministry for His glory in the way He has. I want to thank the Lord that so many of you have prayed for me, and for this ministry. I want to thank the Lord for you. Finally, I want you to know that I consider it the greatest honor and privilege to be able to share the Word of God with you. My prayer is that God would use Servantsofgrace in your life for the purpose of growth in Him and equipping you for His service.

At thirty, I’m thankful, I’m grateful, and I’m humbled. I’m thankful for what God has done in my twenties but as I look now towards my thirties I’m excited. I’m excited about how God is moving in my life and through the lives of so many for the sake of His glory. I’m grateful that He has chosen to save me from my sins. I’m thankful that He has adopted me as His son. I’m thankful for all the work He has done in me and through me for the sake of His own glory.

Finally at thirty, I’m truly humbled. I’m humbled that God has put a calling on my life to know and make known His Word and glory to the nations. I’m amazed at all He has done in my life. Yet, I look forward to the future knowing that He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion.

Thank you again- my dear readers for reading, viewing and supporting this ministry. May You praise Him for all He has done in our lives- all by the work of His grace, for the sake of His glory.