We could probably measure how much we really have by how much we take for granted. It's easy when we have so much, to forget those who have so little of what we think little about.

Read Colossians 3:14-15. Notice the company thanksgiving keeps: Charity (love). The bond of perfectness The peace of God that can rule in our hearts. And BE YE THANKFUL ... Thankfulness is enjoined here to those who have bound together all the virtues of following Christ by love, and have learned the joy of the peace that comes by living in HIM. Spiritually mature Christians are thankful people.

"In every thing give thanks: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18) Thanksgivings to God are a natural outgrowth of activity of Christians when they do good for one another and help one another. (2 Corinthians 9:10-12) Thanksgiving is a part of our spiritual service as priests unto God. (Hebrews 13:15-16) We are expected to offer praise, the fruit of our lips unto God.

We should be thankful for special people.

• Our Families, Parents, Brothers and Sisters. All our extended family.
• For the People Who Taught Us the Gospel of Christ. We have surely been the cause of anxiety and prayers of others. Imagine what their teaching us has meant to us.
• For the Good People We Come in Contact with in Our Lives. "Good people" are not necessarily Christians, but those who are doing good things-like Cornelius or Lydia. There are people who only know the greedy, selfish, cruel, dishonest, ungodly, fierce, destructive people. Aren't you glad you know people that show good in their lives, even those who are not Christians.
• For the People of God, the Members of the Church. For what we mean to each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15) Encouragement, understanding, love, forgiveness. Sympathy in sorrow and pain, help in tragedy. (Romans 12:15) For what they mean to the truth. Philippians 1:27-8. (To "become" the gospel– to adorn it.) Philippians 2:14-15. (To shine in-the midst of an evil world.) Romans 16:3-4. (Many like Priscilla and Aquila.) For what they should mean to everyone. (Matthew 5:13) The salt of the earth.
• For Elders, Deacons, Bible Class Teachers and Preachers.

For the most special of gift of all,
for GOD'S SON.

Following are some things Christ is and should be to us: Proof of the truth of the Bible in fulfilled prophecies. Hope of an eternal home in heaven. Our Savior, who died willingly that we might live. The Master teacher - whose disciples we are. King of kings and Lord of lords. Our High Priest who serves as our only mediator. And so many more things.

For the blessings we enjoy In Christ.

Contrast what being In Christ and Out of Christ really means. To our hope. (Ephesians 2:11-18) To our life. (Ephesians 2:1-6) To our prospects for the future. (I Timothy 4:8)

All spiritual blessings are In Him. (Ephesians 1:3) The promise be heard in prayer. (I John 5:13-15) The promise to be cleansed from sin. (II John 1:7) The promise to be adopted into God's family. (Romans 8:15-17)

We need to be thankful for ordinary things.

We will always take for granted things we have unless we are suddenly without them. We really appreciate the water after the well runs dry. People are hungry today, but we are not going hungry. People are dying, but we are blessed with life. People are out in the cold with no shelter, but we have adequate homes. People are cold and poorly clothed, but we are welldressed. People are lonely and depressed, but we have every reason to rejoice. With all our problems, we are not among the blind, the lame, the abused, the hated, the misused, the battered.

Which of us does not have cause to bow our knees and humble our hearts to God in sincere, heartfelt thanksgiving? 

Ladies’ Work Group
The Ladies’ Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening at 7pm in the Ladies’ work room. All ladies are invited to attend and participate.

Directory Correction
The phone number for Louis and Margaret Duh is incorrect in the directory. It has been corrected in the online directory in the "Members Only" area.

Daily Bible Reading
Did you know . . .

• If you read about one chapter a day you can read through the New Testament in one year.
• If you read about two chapters a day you can read through the Old Testament in one year.
• If you read about three chapters a day you can read through the whole Bible in one year.
• If you read about four chapters a day you can read through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in one year.

Which plan is best for you?

A rule for each day. -- "Say something for God each day". This makes every Christian a missionary. Truth must be shared to truly benefit the one possessing it. Regardless of your position in life, someone may be led to Christ because of what you say.