Reasons to be Thankful, (3)

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Chuckle: "Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but he or she can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake!"

Quote: "But the thing that awakens the deepest well of gratitude in a human being is that God has forgiven sin. . . When you realize all that it cost God to forgive you, you will be held as in a vice, constrained by the love of God." --Oswald Chambers

MORE REASONS TO BE THANKFUL

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord" (Psalm 90:2).

We should be thankful for the kindnesses shown us -- as we show kindness to others. Please reflect on all the kindnesses that others have shown you. Few people go through life without major setbacks: divorce; a rebellious child; abusive spouse; untimely death; or career failure, etc. When we go through such difficult times, we should be thankful for those who are there for us with kindness and understanding. Likewise, we should always throw ropes of kindness, not rocks of criticism, to those around us who are experiencing hard times. Jeff Ray, a long-time seminary professor was heard to say, "Young men, be kind to everyone, because everyone is having a hard time." Prayer of young girl: "God, please make all the bad people good, and all the good people kind."

Finally, and most important, we should be thankful for our salvation. God has provided what we need most in life -- a Savior. "If our greatest need had been information . . God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology . . . God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money . . . God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure . . . God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness . . . So God sent us a Savior."

When we think of what Christ did for us, we should fall on our knees in gratitude. All He has done was by His love and grace, not by our merit. Our righteousness is as filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6) -- like those worn by the lepers. But God claimed us, cleansed us, and clothed us in his righteousness.

Is Jesus perplexed by our lack of gratitude -- like He was with the nine lepers? We must never be so enamored with the gift that we forget the giver. As Israel approached the Promised Land, Moses warned, "When you have eaten and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery" (Deuteronomy 6:12 NIV).

This Thanksgiving, "Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song" (Psalm 95:2 NIV). Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Love, Jerry & Dotse