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Key Bible Verse: Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. (Philippians 1:3) Bonus Reading: 2 Samuel 2:4-6

One day in the early thirties, William Stidger and a group of friends sat in a restaurant talking about the miseries—the joblessness, bankruptcies, and suicides—of the worldwide depression. A fellow pastor said, "In two or three weeks I have to preach on Thanksgiving Day. What can I possibly say that's positive?"

Stidger said it was like the Spirit of God answered that question: "Why not thank those people who've been a blessing in your life and affirm them during this terrible time?" He thought of an English teacher who'd instilled in him a love of literature and verse, affecting all his writing and preaching. So he sat down and wrote her a letter.

In a matter of days he got a reply in the feeble scrawl of the aged:

"My Dear Willy: I can't tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, cooking my own meals, lonely, and like the last leaf of autumn lingering behind. You'll be interested to know that I taught in school for more than 50 years, and yours is the first note of appreciation I ever received. It came on a blue, cold morning, and it cheered me as nothing has done in many years."

—David Seamands in Preaching Today

My Response:I'll express thanks today to _____, who has blessed my life.

Thought to Apply: Gratitude preserves old friendship, and procures new. —THOMAS FULLER (English preacher)

Adapted from Preaching Today (62) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

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

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