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Key Bible Verse: How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy in the presence of God (1 Thessalonians 3:9). Bonus Reading: Romans 16:3-4

One afternoon I was called to the hospital where Duane Barney had been rushed after a heart attack. Duane, my frequent adviser, had chaired the committee that brought me to the church.

When I arrived, I found Virginia, his wife, sitting with another member of our church staff. After talking about his condition with the physician, we talked, read some Scripture, prayed, and made a few phone calls to out-of-town family. Then we just sat and waited for news.

After about a half hour, Virginia absentmindedly picked up Duane's DayTimer, which had been given to her by the ambulance driver. As she thumbed through the pages, a gentle smile emerged on her tear-streaked face. On every page, at the bottom of a full day of appointments, Duane had listed things for which he was particularly thankful. At the top of every list was the name Virginia. Duane didn't survive that heart attack—but Virginia did, knowing she was dearly loved.

What would people learn about me if they picked up my DayTimer? Would they discover that I, like Duane, used each day as an expression of gratitude? Or would they simply see a life crammed into the half-hour slots on each page?

—M. Craig Barnes in Hustling God

My Response: Here's my thanking list for today:

Thought to Apply: A life in thankfulness releases the glory of God. —BENGT SUNDBERG (Swedish musician)

Adapted from Hustling God (Zondervan, 1999) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

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

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