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Key Bible Verse: No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Henry Smith, a soft-spoken North Carolina boy, found his seminary classes dry, and denominationalism disappointing. Plus, a degenerative eye disease made his heavy reading load difficult. After graduating, Henry moved back near his Pentecostal home church. He ministered as a layman and worked odd jobs. "This wasn't a good career move," Smith remembers, "but I saw God moving there." He also saw a young woman named Cindy Blanchard. The two were soon engaged.

Although Henry was struggling with his eyesight and finding long-term employment, he was thrilled to be out of school, worshiping with friends in a vibrant church, and in love. "I remember being extremely thankful, and I remember my pastor quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:18. As he's often done over the years, Henry wrote a song about it: "Give Thanks."

Legally blind, Henry hasn't driven a car since 1981. He runs a recording studio while his wife operates a small business. Royalties from the enduringly popular "Give Thanks" supplement their income, freeing them to be available for youth ministry. Henry plays bass for the local worship team or leads worship with guitar or keyboard—from memory.

—Phil Christensen & Shari MacDonald in Our God Reigns

Bonus Thought: And now let the weak say, "I am strong!" / Let the poor say, "I am rich / Because of what the Lord has done for us!" / Give thanks.—HENRY SMITH

Adapted from Our God Reigns (Kregel, 2000) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, keep me from accumulating things just to fill a void in my life that only You can fill.

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