October 4, 2007

• Thank ‘full’ Thursday

          
   
  
   Don’t lose sight of the source!
  –A Daily Devotional on Thankfulness–

  “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God
  And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” {Luke 17:15,16}
  
  In ancient times, lepers were social outcasts because of their highly contagious disease.  In this passage, ten lepers came to Jesus begging for mercy and He graciously healed them.
  
  Can you imagine?  These lepers had an awful disease.  Their bodies were slowly deteriorating — and worse, they were shunned from their friends and family and forced to live in a community of only those who were, too, withering away. Suddenly merciful Jesus comes along and “poof!” the sickness leaves them!  How life changing!  These people must have been overjoyed!  Now they could go back to their families, their homes, their communities and live normal lives!
  
  But as I reread this story today something struck me.  Only one of them returned to thank the Lord!  But how often do we do the same?  We get so focused on our blessing and forget about the One who gave it!
  
  Just as the Samaritan returned to Jesus to thank and worship Him who had redeemed his life, we too must thank God — for every good and perfect gift comes from Him and He deserves all the honor and the glory!  And as a matter of fact, one of the cornerstones of effective prayer is entering His gates with thanksgiving and praise.  Let’s start thanking God for all His goodness toward us!
  
  It’s easy to get caught up in the blessing — God has given us so much!  But let’s be sure that we make daily habit of thanking God first! 
  
  We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. 
  –Thornton Wilder
  
  Thou who hast given so much to me, give me one more thing – a grateful heart!   –George Herbert
  
  

  

  
  ~ So, what are you especially thankful for today? 
  
  “Be Thankful”
  ~By Author Unknown

  Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
  If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
  Be thankful when you don’t know something,
  for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

  Be thankful for the difficult times,
  it’s during those times you grow.
  Be thankful for your limitations,
  because they give you opportunities for improvement.
  Be thankful for each new challenge,
  because it will build your strength and character.

  Be thankful for your mistakes.
  They will teach you valuable lessons.
  Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
  because it means you’ve made a difference.

  It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
  A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
  are also thankful for the setbacks.
  
  Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
  Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
  and they can become your blessings.
  
  Thanking God for all of you, and praying you have a thoroughly Thankful Thursday! 
  
   Hugs,
       ~ Deborah <><
  
  

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