Overflowing with Thankfulness – Together
This November, we’re slowing down to reflect on what it really means to cultivate gratitude. Scripture tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances,” but that kind of gratitude isn’t a one-time event–it’s a rhythm. A way of seeing God’s hand in the everyday.
Throughout this week, we’re sharing personal reflections from members of the ACO family–board members, pastors, and ministry partners who have seen God’s goodness in unexpected ways. From quiet moments of worship in Kenya to the curveballs of everyday life, their stories remind us that gratitude isn’t based on what we have, but on who God is.
Join us as we walk through these stories and rediscover the daily rhythm of giving thanks.
Devotional
In the spring of 2022, our whole church memorized Colossians 2:6–7 together:
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
These verses show how living faithfully in Christ naturally leads to a life overflowing with gratitude. A few months later, in the fall of 2022, we sent a team to Kenya with Tom and African Christian Outreach. They discovered the same truth among the brothers and sisters in Christ they met there—gratitude flowing freely as they worshiped, studied God’s Word, and served together.
When Paul wrote these words, he used the plural “you”: “Just as you all received Christ…continue to live your lives in Him.” Or, as we might say in Texas, “Just as y’all received Christ…live y’all’s lives in Him.” Gratitude grows best in community—when believers from different places and backgrounds come together as one in Christ.
One of my greatest joys is seeing God unite His people across continents, filling them with joy as they are the Church together and work side by side for His glory. May God continue to do this more and more, and may all of us overflow with thankfulness.
Closing Reflection:
Gratitude grows best in community. May we live rooted in Christ, and overflowing with thankfulness together.
This reflection is shared by Amy Wilkins, a pastor and friend of ACO whose church has partnered in ministry across Kenya. Amy’s story reminds us that gratitude deepens when we live and serve together — rooted, built up, and overflowing.