Brethren,
Greetings in the Lord from whom all blessings flow!

One evening, shortly after dinner, my son Chris gave his mom a huge hug and exclaimed, “Mom, thank you so much for making a great dinner!” My first thought was that he was about to ask for something and was trying to butter her up, but the request never came. So in the end, I decided that nothing had motivated him except sheer gratitude. That hug made my day! I felt so blessed that he had noticed what his Mom had done and that he was truly thankful for it.

It’s important to express gratitude. A simple “thank-you” shows that we recognize we’ve received something that the giver was under no obligation to give, but gave because they wanted to.  It guards against an attitude of self-centeredness and entitlement, and it contributes to a spirit of goodwill in the relationship. Gratitude is not only important in human relationships, it’s also important in our relationship with God. The psalmist, knew this. He took note of the wonderful things that God did, and continually expressed appreciation for them. David said,

Let us thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men! And let us offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!”

-Psalm 107:21-22

Giving thanks goes way beyond praying before we eat. It’s one of the basic disciplines of the Christian life. The Bible says:

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Col. 4:2

Prayers of thanksgiving are personal; acknowledging what God has done in my life and knowing where all the blessings comes from. All the things I enjoy–life, health, family, ministry and even the beauty of an Oakland Raiders win – have come from His hand. And in that moment of acknowledgment, I stop what I’m doing, look toward heaven, give God a huge hug and bless him by saying . . . “Thank You so much!!!”             

 Gratefully in His service,

Ptr. Ben Refuerzo
IAFB General Superintendent