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Key Bible Verse: No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Bonus Reading: Ephesians 5:18-20

My friend Reggie races motorcycles full-time and professionally. He has ridden them at more than 200 miles per hour. Yet, at an early age, Reggie lost both of his legs below the knees and uses artificial limbs. In spite of the obvious challenges, he never fails to encourage and motivate the people around him. He frequently speaks to youth groups and inner-city kids with a message of hope in their ability to overcome adversity. Yet the power behind Reggie's message is his incredible attitude of thankfulness, reflected in his joyful spirit.

The secret is learning to be thankful in—not necessarily for—all things. In spite of many things for which I'm not thankful, I maintain an ongoing attitude of thankfulness. So can you. Even when that discourteous driver cuts you off. And, yes, even when you feel like advising him (in the spirit of Thanksgiving) to take his turkey and stuff it!

To evaluate your "thankfulness quotient," honestly answer this question: Do you spend more time thinking about what you want in life than you do being thankful for what you have? We need to learn to be thankful in all things and let others see our gratefulness.

—Ken Owen in Faith in the Fast Lane

My Response:Am I only thankful when things go my way? What needs to change?

Thought to Apply: You can always be thankful for what is given rather than complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes a habit of life. —ELISABETH ELLIOT

Adapted from Faith in the Fast Lane (Harvest, 2002) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, incline my heart to gratefulness on down days as well as up days.

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