thanks

In this devotional I want you to think about two simple words. They are simple but they are two of the most powerful words in our language that we take for granted. Do you know what they are? You guessed it, THANK YOU! It is the holiday of Thanksgiving and I want to focus your attention on the words "thank you".

Can I ask you a question? Have you ever done something for someone and they never said thank you? You went out of your way, above and beyond what you normally would do and you didn't even get a look. How did that make you feel? I try not to get offended or upset because I do things for people because I have the love of God but sometimes it has gotten to me. But what about those people who are thankful for what you do for them? They always say "thank you" and not only that but they give you back more in return than what you gave them. I know most of you have not experienced that. I understand. But you would be more willing to do something for the person who thanked you and gave you back more in return than the one who did not even acknowledge you.

The bible says "in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you". If you want to know what you are supposed to be doing in life, don't worry, I just gave you the master key. "Give thanks". That's what you do. "Give thanks". Thank God for your parents (I know that can be hard sometimes but it will change you), thank God for your friends, thank God that you have the opportunity to get an education, thank God that you have clothes, thank God that you have food to eat, thank God that you can walk, thank God you can see, thank God that you can breathe, and thank God that He sent His son to die for us on the cross so that we could go back to our highest way of living.

And not only are we to give thanks but "in everything give thanks". That means in every circumstance and situation. Even if things don't look good give thanks, even if you are broke or your heart is broke, even if you have problems in your home or school, or with anything, you still give thanks. Not only will it make you feel better, but who knows what God will do for you if you are thankful. Remember the example about the one who gave thanks and the one who didn't. Who do you want to be? Give thanks!!!

Mick