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Nov 27
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To Whom Are You Thankful?

By America, Christian Living, Gratitude, Thanksgiving No Comments

Without diminishing the various religious festivals that preceded it across the ocean, most recognize the holiday called Thanksgiving as a uniquely American tradition. Before appreciating the role of US presidents who helped to normalize the observance of the holiday, however, we would do well to commemorate the noble intentions of Separatist Puritans who, due to their inability to reform the Church of England, sailed across the Atlantic in search of the freedom to establish an English-speaking society that was robustly committed Scripture. Despite efforts of modern revisionists to downplay the distinctly Christian motivations of the pilgrims, their stated mission in the Mayflower Compact was “for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith.”

When the Puritans arrived in the New World in November of 1620, the harsh New England winter coupled with starvation and disease nearly did them in. Before the cold months subsided, only 53 of the 102 pilgrims on the Mayflower survived. Thankful to be alive, they, according to the first governor of Plymouth Colony, “fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over this vast and furious ocean.” From the very beginning of the American experiment, gratitude to Almighty God, even in the midst of tremendous hardship was at the forefront of colonial life.

Realizing the continued theme of God’s faithful provisions, our first president, George Washington, declared a National Day of Thanksgiving in order to offer prayers to the “Lord and Ruler of Nations.” In the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, after extolling the divine blessings upon our country, offered a Thanksgiving Proclamation wherein he encouraged the last Thursday of November as a day of praise to our “beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” Following the same pattern during World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt sought national gratitude in the midst of a difficult season even as he formalized the federal calendar to include the Thanksgiving holiday. He pleaded with Americans to “bear more earnest witness to our gratitude to Almighty God.”

If nothing else, these historical realities remind us that Thanksgiving is more about WHOM we give thanks to than WHAT we give thanks for. Each year I always chuckle when I read about atheist and humanist groups attempting to express appreciation to no one in particular when the fourth Thursday of November rolls around. Some will merely voice gratitude to family and friends (we can learn much about the value of esteeming the people in our lives). The notion of secular grace, however, leaves many worshipping the universe or luck in general. Not only is this logically and theologically inadequate, but it is also a colossal waste of time. Giving thanks, by its very nature, requires that someone be there to receive it.

Even with a cursory reading of God’s Word, the theme of thankfulness emerges. King David instructed, appointed, and admonished leaders in Israel to offer thanks to God after settling the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16). He tells the people to make God’s deeds known (16:8), to speak of God’s wonders (16:9), to glory in God’s name (16:10), to remember God’s work (16:12), to proclaim the good tidings of God’s salvation (16:23), and to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name (16:28-29).  Then, at a high point of praise, David admonishes: “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting (1 Chronicles 16:34).”

Neither time nor space will permit me to cite all the verses extolling the virtue of thankfulness. My personal favorite simply reads, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:18).” Thanklessness is a form of independence from God, which is nothing more than practical atheism in disguise. Giving thanks not only reminds us that God is real, but also that He is both active and benevolent in our lives.

So, join me this week, and every week, in giving thanks to the Lord for the magnificent work of His hands. Count your blessings and voice your love and appreciation to the Father above (Psalm 105:1). On your good days and on your bad days, remember the will of God and give Him thanks through everything season of life. (Eph. 5:20).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Adam B. Dooley
November 27, 2025

Nov 19
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A Thankful Heart is a Generous Heart

By Christian Living, Generosity, Gratitude, Thanksgiving No Comments

As Thanksgiving approaches most of us will have an opportunity to unplug, evaluate, and offer thanks to God for the numerous blessings in our lives without the typical interruptions which accompany our normal routines. Yet, this familiar season of gratitude also exposes the nagging, internal struggle that wreaks havoc in the typical American heart. Though we want to grow in thankfulness, enticements toward greed often overcome us.

Last year, a record 183.4 million Americans lamented shopping between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, not out of need, but due to deals that were simply too good to pass up. The entire month of November now seemingly functions as a rolling Black Friday sale, creating faux urgency and false demand. Long lines outside of Wal-Mart and lightening deals online turn shopping into a competitive sport with winners and losers. Even with more consumers choosing to take their business online, nefarious brawls in big box stores over merchandise evoke little more than a yawn these days.

Lost in all the mayhem is the genuine gratitude we ought to have for our numerous blessings. Greed and appreciation always move in opposite directions. The former insists, “I deserve more than have,” while the latter recognizes, “I have more than I deserve.” Any form of materialism or covetousness is the antithesis of celebrating God’s many provisions. You simply cannot rehearse a list of disappointments and appreciate an abundance of gifts at the same time.

Focusing upon ourselves may increase the scope of our possessions, but it most certainly diminishes the health of our souls as well. Greed leads to ingratitude, which results in a lack of contentment, birthing envy of others and resentment toward God. Always wanting more will quench any effort to worship meaningfully. What, then, is the remedy?

Not surprisingly, Jesus had much to say about using our wealth correctly. The foundational principle that undergirds each of His instructions is straightforward: your heart will always follow your treasure (Matt. 6:21). Many argue just the opposite, insisting that we will give to what we are most passionate about. Yet, Christ corrects our modern misgivings which covertly protect our insatiable greed. Whatever you give to will become important to you.

Want a heart for God’s kingdom? Use your resources accordingly. Are you seeking to be more loving toward others? Be generous with those in need. Do you long to love your church more? Invest in it financially. Looking to grow your compassion for the lost who are outside of Christ? Give sacrificially toward that end. Wanting to count your blessings this Thanksgiving? Stop looking for what you can gain and start asking what you can give.

Generosity is the key which sets us free from the prison of greed and selfishness. Scripture is unflinching in its commands about wealth. Christians should live with a continual awareness that all our possessions belong to the Lord, who supplies us with every treasure we enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17). Ultimately, our security must be in our God, not the gold or goods we possess. Wealth can produce a blind, arrogant confidence if we fail to acknowledge the divine source behind our valuables. Giving thanks not only reminds us that God is real, but also that He is both active and benevolent in our lives.

Once we see ourselves as stewards of that which belongs to the Lord, we should seek to be rich in good works by being generous and ready to share with others (1 Tim. 6:18). Statistics indicate that Christians are by far the most charitable of all demographics, donating more money and volunteering more time, and yet, I suspect that our generosity is still lacking by God’s standards. Again, Jesus is direct when confronting our shortsightedness, by challenging us to store up secured treasure in heaven rather than vulnerable wealth upon this earth (Matt. 6:19-20). Greed says live for today; God says live for eternity (1 Tim. 6:19).

So, how can we grow in our generosity?

First, giving should be personal for every Christian. When writing to the church at Corinth, Paul encouraged their participation in a collection for Jerusalem Christians who were living in poverty (1 Cor. 16:1, 2 Cor. 8:1-7). Just as other churches had participated, the loving apostle expected Corinthian believers to do so as well. Likewise, today, supporting God’s work financially should be a joyful obligation instead of a begrudged option for those who know the Lord.

Second, giving should be prioritized by every Christian. The early church not only met on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), but also received offerings as well (1 Cor. 16:2a). Weekly giving greatly increases our capacity to support God’s kingdom initiatives. Whatever amount you think you are capable of sharing, I am confident that number can grow if you set aside a portion of your weekly income.

Third, giving should be proportional for every Christian. We offer resources as the Lord prospers us (1 Cor. 16:2b). The beauty of tithing, for example, is that a tenth of a small amount is just as much a tithe as a tenth of a larger portion. Regarding offerings, God does not expect us to bring gifts that we do not have (2 Cor. 8:12). The goal is equal sacrifice, not equal sums.

Finally, giving should be protected after it is received. Churches, for example, have a sacred responsibility to secure gifts through stringent accountability measures. The Bible calls for common sense precautions so that only what is right and honorable in the eyes of the Lord and people is acceptable (1 Cor. 16:3-4, 2 Cor. 8:20-21).

How thankful are you this year? Perhaps a better question is how generous are you with others? Who will you bless this Thanksgiving?

Adam B. Dooley
November 19, 2025

Jul 08
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Unexpected Blessings in Dark Places

By Christian Living, Comfort, Faithfulness, Gratitude, Sovereignty, Trials, Uncategorized No Comments

How can we make this work? My wife fought back tears as she tried to process the mixed emotions that gripped her. We sat in what felt like eternal silence, occasionally looking at one another but without words to articulate our feelings. During the darkest valley of our adult lives, this news was the last “blessing” we expected to receive.

 This week marks 15 years since childhood cancer rocked our world. Those were tough days due to a regimented and exhausting routine. Because we lived in Mobile, AL then, every Tuesday we boarded an early flight to Memphis, TN for my oldest son’s weekly chemotherapy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Usually arriving before dinner, we ate a quick meal at what was formerly the Grizzly House (now Tri-Delta Place) before heading over to the hospital for lab work meant to measure his immunity levels. Then, early the next morning, we met Carson’s attending physician in the clinic in who cleared us for his weekly cocktail of medication. Despite the occasional lumbar puncture sprinkled in every few months, we usually finished by lunch on Wednesday before returning to the airport for the reverse flight home.

The only ingredient worse than the grueling pace of this drill was the daunting prospect of maintaining its grind for 128 consecutive weeks. Early on, my wife and I decided to alternate trips, but with 75% of the treatment protocol remaining everything was about to change. Fighting childhood cancer was difficult enough with two children. How could we possibly add a third to such a frantic schedule? With a sick child needing so much attention, how could we adequately care for a newborn? How could we manage another responsibility?

But the test did not lie.

Thankfully, neither did God’s Word. I knew and believed that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). I understood that all human life is valuable because every person is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). I also remembered that Jesus compared the pain of childbirth to the sorrow surrounding his death, while also insisting that the joy of giving birth will mirror the joy of his disciples after His resurrection (John 16:21). God seemed to whisper through my doubts, “Consider this an unexpected blessing.”

But in the interest of transparency, can I admit that it did not feel like a blessing? Don’t misunderstand, we wanted more children. Our plan, however, was to weather our storm before expanding our family. Surely, God knew the timing was all wrong! Anyone could see this was too much to ask in our situation! Yet, the Lord’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Now, all these years later, I am embarrassed by my shortsightedness. That unexpected blessing was my third son. Though the news of his arrival initially felt like an ill-timed intrusion, it actually became a healthy distraction during our deepest valley. Yes, some days were challenging, and we often wrestled with anxiety, but it was also impossible to dwell on our trial and wallow in our misery. God, in His goodness, gave us joy in the midst of our darkness.

As unexpected as it was, the birth of our son was exactly what we needed at precisely the right time. Because of our new addition, we laughed, we celebrated, and we marveled over our God instead of living in doubt. When I look at him today, I see myself behind his piercing brown eyes. He is smart, athletic, mischievous, and the life the party. We cannot imagine life without him.

I still grieve that I did not see it at first.

God has many purposes through our suffering, many of which we may never understand. Yet, undoubtedly, the Lord often works in the midst of our adversities to drop unexpected blessings into our lives. He may gift you with greater character and hope (Rom. 5:3-5). He may comfort you in order to make you a blessing to others (2 Cor. 1:3-4). Maybe He desires to correct your waywardness and to protect you from problems you don’t see coming (Heb. 12:5-11). Whether the goal is greater humility (2 Cor. 12:7), deeper intimacy with the Lord (Psalm 119:64-68), or increased heavenly reward (2 Cor. 4:16-18), you can rest knowing that God is working in ways you cannot see to provide blessings you do not expect.

Trials are deceptive, not only because of the wounds they leave behind, but also because of the vision they steal from us. Be careful. The light of God’s faithfulness will always penetrate the darkness of our heaviest burdens, even if not immediately. You may not see it now, but you will one day.

So, look around. You are likely more blessed than you think. In fact, the very trial that you hate may be the means God chooses to deliver an unexpected blessing that you do not deserve.

Trust Him (Rom. 8:28).

Follow Him (James 1:2-4).

Rest in Him (Matt. 11:28-29).

You will be glad that you did.

Adam B. Dooley
July 8, 2025

**This post first appeared with the release of Hope When Life Unravels. Purchase your copy today wherever books are sold.

Apr 27
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After the Instagram Post

By Evangelism, Grace, Gratitude No Comments

I’ve been encouraged recently by all the posts about Easter on social media. I love the family photos. I love watching children hunt eggs. I love seeing families come together for meals. But most importantly, I love the truth behind this special day on the calendar. Believers and skeptics alike gathering to celebrate and consider the resurrection of Christ is always healthy and inspiring from my perspective. Both the Bible and the great hymns of the Christian faith seem to come alive on a day set aside to remember that though He was dead, Jesus Christ of Nazareth is now very much alive.

But now what?

As we move toward summer, what bearing, if any, will the Easter reality have on our lives? Faithful Christians will rightly say that every Sunday is a resurrection celebration. Some traditions that follow a strict liturgical calendar will even observe fifty days of Eastertide emphases.

What I am asking, though, is what difference will it make in our lives? Is Easter merely a photo op to capture an annual moment for Instagram? Is pumping our children full of sugar-coated marshmallows our only goal? Will the only lingering recollection of last weekend come when we run over unfound plastic eggs with the lawn mower in the coming weeks? I hope not. If I may, let me suggest three healthier, more meaningful responses to the resurrection of Christ.

First, it is imperative that we BELIEVE. We’ve heard sermons about the resurrection. We’ve read Bible verses that declare its historicity. We realize that all of Christianity is built upon the central truth that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Yet, a failure to believe that these reports are true is to place ourselves outside the faith that has been handed down to the saints (Jude 3).

Even worse, unbelief leaves us vulnerable to a judgment of our works that will result in eternal condemnation (Rev. 20:12). Stated simply, if we do not, by grace through faith, accept the free gift of salvation purchased on the cross and accomplished by the resurrection, we cannot be saved (Eph. 2:8-9). The Apostle Paul assures us, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Rom. 10:9).”

Second, all true believers must be willing to SHARE. After His resurrection Jesus appeared to more than 500 people over a period of forty days. During the same period, the Lord instructed us to make disciples of the all nations by going, teaching, and baptizing (Matt. 28:19-20). Just moments before ascending back to heaven, Jesus admonished His followers to be His witnesses where they lived, in surrounding areas, and around the world (Acts. 1:8).

Motivated by His future return, Christians prioritize sharing the good news of salvation far and wide. Thus, appropriate questions to ask after Easter include the following: Who do I know that is unsaved? What opportunities do I have to share the gospel? Where can my life have the biggest impact for Christ? Why do I sometimes refuse to share my faith?

Third, because Christ lives, we should OBEY. To some, emphasizing obedience while extolling God’s grace may seem like a contradiction. Biblically, however, the former is the natural expression of the latter. Disciples of Jesus do not obey God to earn His grace, but to express His grace instead. Just after celebrating the means of grace through faith for salvation, Ephesians 2:10 exclaims, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Gratitude, not guilt, is the primary motivator for holy living. Because Jesus lives and promises to return for His children, each of us should strive to be more like Him as we prepare to meet Him. Easter should be the beginning, not the end of our commitment to God. My prayer for you, and myself, is that this year’s celebration will so grip our hearts so that we are changed forever. One day with Jesus can change the rest of your life.

Adam B. Dooley
April 27, 2025

Nov 24
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Why Thanksgiving Matters

By Gratitude, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized No Comments

The week of Thanksgiving affords us the opportunity to unplug, evaluate, and offer thanks for the numerous blessings in our lives in a way that the pace of our normal routines doesn’t always allow. I have a lot to be thankful for this year, and every year.

My relationship with Jesus is growing. I find myself in a place that I deeply love, surrounded by people who enrich my life, leaving my family happier than we have ever been. A wonderful wife and five healthy children fill each of my days with joy despite the typical trials that come and go. In addition to these personal blessings, I pastor a healthy, growing congregation that has me enthusiastic about my calling in a way that resembles my earliest years of ministry.

Simply put, life is good.

But why should you care about my blessings? And why would I take the time to share these personal realities here? The answer lies in one of the most neglected disciplines found in Scripture. According to the Bible, thanksgiving should be more than a holiday on our calendars. A day devoted to thankfulness is helpful to be sure, but God desires for the pulse of our hearts to beat with the rhythm of gratitude and appreciation.

Even with a cursory reading of God’s Word, the theme of thankfulness emerges. King David instructed, appointed, and admonished leaders in Israel to offer thanks to God after settling the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16). He tells the people to make God’s deeds known (16:8), to speak of God’s wonders (16:9), to glory in God’s name (16:10), to remember God’s work (16:12), to proclaim the good tidings of God’s salvation (16:23), and to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name (16:28-29). Then, at a high point of praise, David admonishes: “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting (1 Chronicles 16:34).”

Neither time nor space will permit me to cite all the verses extolling the virtue of gratitude. My personal favorite simply reads “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:18).” But why does God care so much about our expressions of appreciation?
At the risk of being overly simplistic, two primary reasons reveal why God prioritizes a heart of thanksgiving. To live without gratitude expresses two egregious mentalities that are fundamentally opposed to Christianity.

First, thanklessness is an expression of idolatry. Candidly, we are often guilty of celebrating what God gives rather than God Himself. So much of modern Christianity reflects a bait and switch that magnifies the gifts of life above the Giver of life. We may not worship idols made of wood, but we live with an arrogance that hopes in health, possessions, and success more than God our Father. Diagnosing our spiritual ailment, 1 Timothy 6:17 forcefully commands: “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches . . .” This verse uncovers the universal temptation to place our hope in the temporal realities of earth rather than the eternal God of heaven.

What is the remedy? Our verse continues, “. . . but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.” In other words, learn to appreciate the blessings of life, but put your hope in God rather than His gifts. Continually giving thanks enables us to distinguish between what we enjoy and who we worship.

Second, thanklessness is an expression of atheism. Each year around Thanksgiving I always chuckle when I read about atheist and humanist groups attempting to express appreciation to no one in particular. Some will merely voice gratitude to family and friends (we can learn much about the value of esteeming the people in our lives). Notions of secular grace, however, leave many worshipping the universe or luck in general. Not only is this logically and theologically inadequate, but it is also a colossal waste of time. Giving thanks, by its very nature, requires that someone be there to receive it.
Thanklessness is a form of independence from God, which is nothing more than practical atheism in disguise. Giving thanks not only reminds us that God is real, but also that He is both active and benevolent in our lives.

So, join me this week, and every week, in giving thanks to the Lord for the magnificent work of His hands. Count your blessings and voice your love and appreciation to the Father above (Psalm 105:1). If you find yourself in the midst of a difficult trial or burden, stop to thank God for the promise that He is working all things together for your good (Rom. 8:28). On your good days and on your bad days, remember the will of God and give Him thanks through everything (Eph. 5:20).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Adam B. Dooley
November 24, 2024

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