Give thanks!

Thanksgiving Day - food, football and family! Memories flood back as I think of Thanksgivings past. The best part of the day is sitting around the table after dessert and sharing something significant for which we are thankful.

Heartfelt gratitude expressed sincerely is not just a nice tradition - health and wholeness can be at stake. Ten lepers desiring healing were in the presence of Jesus. Compassionate Jesus pitied them, told them to go and show themselves to the priests. On the way they were healed of their dread disease. Interestingly, that day was "Thanksgiving Day" for only one of the lepers. This leper returned to Jesus giving thanks. Jesus responded,

". . . thy faith hath made thee whole." (Luke 17:19 KJV).

Faith expressed with a grateful heart brought assurance from the Savior of wholeness.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, let us remember the amazing blessings for which we are told to give thanks. The broken body and shed blood of Jesus (Matthew 26: 26-30), Victory through Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:57), and Brothers and sisters in Christ who bring joy to our hearts (I Corinthians 1:4)

Remembering all that Jesus has done for us and in us, thanks is not only appropriate and nice, it is the will of God.

". . . give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Sharing the journey with you,