Thankful is as thankful does

2 Corinthians 9:11-13 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

During this time of year we all find ourselves reflecting on the things in our lives for which we are thankful; life, health, strength, family. Yet in my mind being thankful is something that should be reflected outwardly as well as inwardly.

Each of us has been blessed to be a blessing. So, it's important for us to display our thankfulness by generously giving of ourselves to others. Our actions as well as our words should tell God how thankful we are. Afterall, one of His greatest commandments is that "we love our neighbors as ourselves."

How do we love our neighbor? By finding ways to give generously to them as God has given to you so that He may be glorified. This thanksgiving don't just give lip service to your thankfulness add some action as well.

Eternal Father we give thanks to you for you are good and your mercy endures forever. As we observe Thanksgiving, we thank you for establishing your will on earth as it is in heaven. Thank you for enriching us in every way so we can always be generous.

Father it is your will for us to give thanks to you always and in all things. As we observe Thanksgiving help us to look daily for ways to show you our appreciation for the favor you have shown us. Remind us we are blessed to be a blessing and help us find ways to bless others so that they will in turn thank You. Help us to meet the needs of others so they will joyfully express their thanks to You and as a result of our ministry they will glorify You.

Forgive us for always wanting more and not counting our blessings. Remind us of those we need to forgive.

Thank you that your lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.

Blessings and honor and glory be unto forever, Amen.

Thanks

Here we all are, running helter-skelter, to-and-fro, from mom's houese to grandmas to aunties, to cuz's to wifeys... all in a bid to gorge ourselves on the bounteous goodness prepared by the blessed hands of those we love and care about. We rush through our prayers or say grace with a breathless hurry... maybe even peeking at the delicacy-laden table while those holy words are being said... Maybe we're partaking of the relatively chic habit of everyone taking turns around the table and telling everyone what they're thankful for this holiday season...
But how many of us pause everyday to ponder what it is we are truly thankful for? I am thankful for the opportunity to put these words to print. I am thankful that you are here to read them. I am thankful for my family... and yours. I am thankful for my Saviour. I am thankful for my job... especially during these particularly hard economic times. I am thankful that my parents are still with me and in good health. I am thankful that my 16 year-old son doesn't do drugs, has never been shot, has never been arrested... I am thankful that the Lord saw fit to bless me with the ability to write. I am extremely grateful that I was born in a country where the political process is an amazingly peaceful process, and where my fellow Americans had the courage and foresight to vote into the highest office in the land... an African-American man - a situation that I'd sworn many times in my past would not occur in my lifetime! am grateful for every breath I take and for just waking up in the morning because I know that there are so many others that can't or didn't. I am thankful for the opportunity to be thankful. God Bless you all and may you all have a happy, healthy and Blessed Thanksgiving.