BE THANKFUL

“And one of them turned back…

and fell down on his face at his feet, giving Him thanks…”

Luke 17:15-16

       The classic story of the ten lepers that were healed by Jesus as He passed through Samaria, reflects a reality that persists even today: Ten lepers healed but only one came back to give thanks. It’s easy to focus on the ones who were seemingly ungrateful, or without the insight to appreciate the magnitude of their blessings, but on this Thanksgiving holiday, I challenge each of us to center our thoughts on how much God has blessed us.  If we do that, we have no choice but to be thankful.

       God has been good to us.  Sometimes it takes hard times to appreciate the depth of God’s love toward us.  Amidst a recurring recession and a struggling economy, amidst unemployment and housing crises, amidst bereavement and family problems,  we can still be thankful.  The blood is still running warm.  We have a reasonable portion of health and strength.  And we have a hope in Christ.

       The glass is not half empty but half full.  There truly is a blessing in store for you and for me.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good:

for His mercy endureth forever”. 

Psalms 106.1

"Give thanks unto God for His unspeakable gift."

2 Corinthians 9.15

       Give thanks and be thankful.

                                                       Because He Lives,

                                                        Rev. Rodrick K. Green

                                                        New Hope Baptist Church

                                                        Ann Arbor, MI 48104

                                                        734-994-4620

                                                        734-829-7464 (Cell)