TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 26:17-30; Revelation 19:6-10
Do this . . . in remembrance of me. - 1 Corinthians 11:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
For many people, the ideal Thanksgiving looks a lot like the Norman Rockwell painting, “Freedom from Want,” which appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post in 1943. This famous painting depicts a grandmother in a bright, white apron placing a large turkey before a grandfather in his Sunday best, who stands ready to carve the roasted bird. Happy faces surround a bounteous table, eager for the meal to begin. What an endearing image of a Thanksgiving feast!

The disciples anticipated a special meal when they made preparations for the Passover meal described in today's passage. The Passover setting is important because it recalls the Exodus (God's previous act of deliverance), and anticipates Jesus' death and resurrection, which would be God's supreme and final act of deliverance.

This Passover meal began similarly to many previous meals. It soon became apparent, however, that this was not a normal gathering. Jesus' statement that one of the disciples would betray Him sounded a sorrowful, confusing note. As Jesus fulfilled the role of the household head and gave thanks for the various elements of the meal, tension and fear resurfaced when He began to reinterpret the traditional Passover symbols in terms of His own sacrificial death (vv. 26-28). Jesus' claim that He would not drink the fruit of the vine again until the disciples were in the Father's king- dom (v. 29) troubled and perplexed the disciples.

We know that Jesus commanded His followers to celebrate communion, or the Lord's Supper, as a way of remembering His sacrificial death. And Jesus' final meal with His disciples not only looked back to the first Passover, it also looked forward to a future meal, the joyous marriage feast of the Lamb. Today's passage from Revelation sets the stage for this heavenly celebration that will be beyond anything we could ever imagine.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps for you, Thanksgiving, or any other holiday meal, is far from the seemingly perfect Norman Rockwell painting. Maybe these are times of tension or loneliness instead of joyous celebration. If so, you can be thankful that there will be no disappointment or pain at that final heavenly celebration with our risen Lord. In the meantime, if you are facing Thanksgiving alone, consider volunteering to serve at a local rescue mission, rejoicing in the ability to share with others because of the certainty of your own future.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 105
Remember the days of old. - Deuteronomy 32:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
On June 6, 2009, in the town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed France's deep appreciation to 38 Americans by awarding them France's highest honor, the French Legion of Honor Medal. Sixty-five years ago, during the 1944 Normandy invasion, these American soldiers helped liberate France from Nazi occupation. For many of those honored, it was their first trip back to France since the end of the war. Retired Major Delmar Boswell described this recent visit as “a crowning point of his career.” He added, “It was great and made me feel proud that whatever we had done was remembered.”

For those who were liberated by the Allied Forces, the desire to remember is strong and is often manifested in pubic memorials or annual ceremonies. Commemorating momentous events is an important part of expressing gratitude and ensuring that these events aren't forgotten. We've already seen the link between forgetting and ingratitude. It's interesting to learn, then, that the English words think and thank probably derived from the same source.

The psalmist who wrote Psalm 105 understood the connection between remembering and being thankful. This psalm offers a grateful reflection on God's numerous saving acts in Israel's history, and flows naturally from Psalm 104, which focuses on God's acts in creation.

Psalm 105 begins with a call to worship. Notice the commands to “give thanks” (v. 1), “tell of his wonderful acts” (v. 2), and “remember” (v. 5). Notice also that the psalmist urges praise because God also remembers—He remembers His covenant and His promises forever. The psalm then celebrates God's protection (vv. 12-15), especially in the life of Joseph (vv. 16-22). The psalm next recounts the manifold ways by which God led His people in Egypt through Moses and Aaron. It concludes with an account of the conquest of the land. The final exhortation to praise the Lord (v. 45) follows naturally from this celebration of God's faithfulness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you're planning a Thanksgiving meal, consider asking your guests to come ready to share things for which they're thankful. To prepare for your own sharing, consider writing a “psalm of thanksgiving,” in which you recount the mighty acts of God in your life history. As you remember these events, ask the Lord to increase your gratitude for His work in your life, although it's quite likely that this will happen spontaneously as you reflect on what He has done. You could also share your psalm with family members or friends.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 5:6-21
When the time had fully come, God sent his Son. - Galatians 4:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you watch any television today, you'll probably be reminded that there are only 38 shopping days until Christmas. This time of year, ads often communicate the not-so-subtle message that if you truly love someone, you'll buy expensive gifts for them. Now it's true that when we love someone we naturally want to give that person gifts or do something special for him or her. But today's passage shows that the greatest gift ever given wasn't given because the recipients were so loving or deserving. Instead, God's free gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ is given to sinners who rebel against Him.

Earlier this month, we looked at Romans 1 and saw the terrible downward spiral that results from failing to give thanks to the Creator God. The amazing depth of God's love is that He sent His Son to die for the very individuals described in Romans 1. The word powerless in Romans 5:6 indicates that there was absolutely nothing that any of us could have done to have changed our own dead spiritual condition—nothing apart from God's work in Christ.

To underscore how remarkable it is that Christ would die for us, Paul notes that, sometimes, under the right circum- stances, a person might die for a righteous or good person. But it defies all human logic that Christ would die for sinners. Yet this is what He did! By His death, we've been reconciled with God, into a new relationship with Him. By His death, the penalty for our sin has been paid.

The rest of today's passage draws a sharp contrast between the effects of Adam's sin, which brought death, and Christ's gift, which brought life. Judgment was the inevitable consequence of Adam's rebellious act. Logically, the many sins committed after that should have resulted in more judgment. Instead, Christ paid the price for all these sins, so that His one act demonstrated God's abundant grace and brought forth reconciliation and life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Romans 5 describes God's gift in Christ in terms of new life and justification. But let's consider other aspects of this supreme gift. Because of Jesus Christ, we belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20), we have all we need in Christ (Eph. 2:10), we're free from condemnation (Rom. 8:28), we're citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20), we have an eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5)—and so much more! Look up each of these verses and express in your own words your gratitude for the greatest gift ever given.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 28
Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ. - 2 Corinthians 2:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
In her book Radical Gratitude, Evelyn Vaughn recounts the experience of Colonel Brian Birdwell, who was working at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. When the hijacked plane slammed into the building, Brian was just yards away from point of impact and found himself almost immediately engulfed in flames. He tried to get up or roll over, but he was unable to do so. As Brian's body burned, he was overcome with intense pain and realized that he was about to die. So he lay there, crying out to Jesus and preparing to see His Lord face to face. Then, he began to feel water running over him—the automatic sprinkler system had come on and was extinguishing the flames on Brian's body. For the next few months, Brian drifted in and out of consciousness. Today he remembers very little—except for how grateful he was to be alive. This gratitude sustained him through numerous operations and painful rehabilitation. He and his wife, Mel, started a ministry that reaches out to other burn victims, offering comfort and hope.

A similar type of gratitude is found in Psalm 28. The exact circumstances that led David to write this psalm are unknown, although the first part of the psalm suggests that he was facing a severe trial. He cries out to the Lord in complete recognition of his utter dependence on God's mercy and help (v. 2). Verses 3 through 5 indicate that David was facing an unjust situation, perhaps having to endure those who deceived him or were actively wronging him.

The next three verses (vv. 6-8) make it clear that the Lord heard David's plea and delivered him. In these verses, David again acknowledges his complete dependence upon God. As we have seen in previous studies, there is a strong connection between recognizing our need of God, praising Him for His work in our lives, and giving thanks to Him (v. 8).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you would like to read about other accounts like Brian Birdwell about giving thanks in the midst of trying circumstances, read Radical Gratitude: Discovering Joy through Everyday Thankfulness, by Evelyn Vaughn (available online or at a Christian bookstore). Here you'll find one woman's journey toward understanding the life-changing impact of gratitude as she dealt with the death of her mother. You will also find many practical suggestions for cultivating gratitude in your own life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 1:15-23
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. - 1 Timothy 2:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Don Hardin's story offers many reasons to thank God for His liberating power. Before he met Jesus, Don describes his life: “I ran with the devil and was a very evil person. Life was ”˜all about me' and nobody else.” Don's life at this time was consumed by drugs and crime. Eventually he ended up in prison. An unexpected thing happened, once Don was away from drugs and other temptations. He kept hearing a voice telling him to read the Bible. When he finally started reading, he couldn't stop. Day after day he read, until one day Don prayed to receive Jesus. And his life was transformed. Don was eventually released from prison, but he knows that Jesus released him from even greater bondage. He writes, “I am so thankful for everything God has done for me. . . . Jesus gave me my freedom when I first asked Him into my heart and my life. Then He opened the gates and let me out of jail.”

Many in the Ephesian church experienced a similar freedom in Christ. Acts 19 tells us that occult practices were common in Ephesus. But Acts 19 also shows the gospel's power and records the conversion of many who had walked in deep darkness. This explains the gratitude that Paul expresses to God for the Ephesian believers in today's passage. It also explains the focus on power that runs through these verses.

Notice that this power rests squarely on Jesus' resurrection from the dead. The outworking of this power in the lives of believers demonstrates that there is no force of evil that cannot be broken by the power of God working through Christ. No wonder Paul had not “stopped giving thanks” for these Christians brothers and sisters. Notice also that he prays that they would continue to be filled with the knowledge and wisdom of God and the hope of their calling in Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The testimonies of the Ephesian church and believers like Don Hardin give us plenty of reasons to thank our Lord for His complete power over the darkness of evil. Perhaps you can praise the Lord for a similar type of deliverance in your own life. If so, then take some time today to pray through today's passage, and personalize it by inserting your name where appropriate. Paul's prayer also encourages us how to pray for continued freedom and growth of all believers, regardless of their past circumstances.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 1:3-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
I thank my God every time I remember you. - Philippians 1:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
The murderous Russian dictator, Josef Stalin, reportedly once said, “Gratitude is a sickness suffered by dogs.” A different man, also named Josef, would strongly disagree. Josef Gabor grew up in communist Czechoslovakia, under the dark shadow of Stalin's Soviet Union. Gabor was told that religion was weakness and was taught communist doctrine by his father. His mother, though, was a follower of Jesus Christ. She took Josef and his brother to church, which was a three-hour train ride away. Despite the distance and danger of going to church, Josef Gabor remains grateful to God for a mother who helped bring him to Christ. For many years, Gabor served with Trans World Radio, and is currently the director of Youth for Christ in Central Europe.

Yesterday we saw how gratitude flows na-turally from seeing God's power to break the bondage of evil. In today's passage, we find that gratitude similarly flows when we see the gospel's worldwide spread. These two truths go hand-in-hand, because the gospel always brings freedom and healing wherever it goes.

It's possible that Paul never visited the church in Colossae. But when Epaphras, who was probably converted through Paul's ministry, brought news of the good things that were happening in this small church, Paul was filled with gratitude. Notice the triad of faith, love, and hope in verses 4 and 5. Together, these offer evidence of the gospel's transforming power. The news that gospel was spreading into this part of the world (now part of modern-day Turkey) filled Paul with praise and thanks, because it confirmed that the good news of Jesus Christ was indeed increasing around the world.

Paul had the same response when he learned about the effects of the gospel in the Thessalonian church, one of the first churches that he planted in Europe. Despite persecution and efforts to thwart the gospel, this church had become “imitators” of the more established, mature churches in Judea.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Both yesterday's and today's Bible readings show that gratitude is an essential part of the gospel. When the gospel comes into people's lives, thanksgiving is evidence of its transforming power. But it's also the case that when we hear about the spread of the gospel, we're filled with thanksgiving to God. Today would be a good time to learn more about the gospel's spread and power. A good place to start is www.moodyministries.net. As you read more, thank the Lord for His powerful work around the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. - Psalm 24:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
On March 26, 1997, police discovered the dead bodies of 39 people in a large mansion in southern California, all of whom had apparently committed suicide. For most people, news of this horrific event was the first time that they'd ever heard of the Heaven's Gate cult and its bizarre leader, Marshall Applewhite. He taught that the earth was about to be wiped clean and the presence of the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997 was the sign that his followers had to leave “their earthly containers.” The cult stressed hatred of this world, including one's own body. They practiced extreme forms of self- denial, including giving away most of their possessions and renouncing anything considered to be indulgent.

Although the final events of the Heaven's Gate cult shocked many people, their grotesque practices and strange beliefs aren't new. Apparently some in Ephesus were teaching similar ideas. This explains the context of Paul's comments to Timothy, who was shepherding the Ephesian church. In his letter to the young pastor, Paul indicates clearly that the source of all such teaching is ultimately demonic. The individuals who teach these deceptions have completely rejected the truth and their consciences have become seared.

No doubt these heretics taught that their fanatical practices, including the prohibition of marriage and severe dietary restrictions, were the path to true spiritual knowledge and life. But Paul exposes this deception for what it truly is—a fundamental denial of God's creation. As we saw at the beginning of our study, the Garden of Eden is a depiction of God's perfect provision of humanity's need. Paul affirms this truth in verse 4. True spirituality can never come from denying any part of God's good creation. All that God has created is to be received gratefully. This truth is related to what we read in Romans 1 at the beginning of our study. Those who refuse to give thanks to the Creator God end up in deception and perversity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage reminds us to receive gratefully all that God gives. Perhaps you regularly give thanks before meals. This is an excellent way to remind ourselves that everything comes from God. If you've let this habit slip in the midst of a hectic schedule, today would be a good time to start it up again. Why not consider thanking the Lord after each meal as well! As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 5:3-10; Colossians 3:5-10
Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. - Luke 12:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
There once was a very wealthy man. His farmland was very productive. In fact, his crops were so abundant that his barn couldn't hold the harvest. He wasn't quite sure what to do. Finally, he decided to build a bigger barn for the extra grain. Then he could just sit back and relax, knowing that he didn't have to worry about a thing—he had more than enough. But God was displeased with this plan, and said to the greedy man, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20).

You may be wondering what the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) has to do with today's readings. At first glance, it seems as if these two passages primarily concern sexual immorality. But a closer reading shows that greed is an important part of each passage as well. What Luke 12, Ephesians 5, and Colossians 3 all have in common is that they show that greed is a failure to recognize that every good gift comes from God and to be thankful for what God had provided. In the parable, the rich fool fails to see that his harvest is a gift from God. In Paul's exhortations to the Ephesians and Colossians, problems with sexual immorality are linked with a failure to be thankful for what God has given.

The connection between sexual sin and greed goes back to the tenth commandment, which forbids coveting the wife of one's neighbor. As our previous study showed, covetousness is a failure to be thankful for what God has provided, which leads to looking elsewhere (see November 9). We also noted that thanksgiving was part of God's calling for His people. Paul may have had these covenant commandments in mind when he wrote Ephesians. Notice also the clear connection that Paul draws between “God's holy people” (v. 3) and thanksgiving.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It may be surprising that Paul links greed with idolatry in Colossians 3:5. But recall that the first commandment forbids having any other god apart from the Lord God. Greed can easily lead to idolatry because we're focused on the gift, such as sexual intimacy, rather than the Giver of the gift and His purposes for the gift. Once again, thanksgiving is the key. As Bible scholar Walter Liefeld writes, “Thanksgiving . . . not only expresses satisfaction but, in a sense, can even create satisfaction within us.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 5:15-20
Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! - Romans 7:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
During the Great Depression, around 25 percent of working-age Americans were unemployed, and many others were barely employed. Even Hollywood felt the effects of this economic crisis. In 1933, box office revenues fell by 40 percent. Even so, Hollywood still churned out movie after movie, and around 60 to 80 million Americans went to the cinema every week. Although some Depression-era movies addressed serious issues, many films depicted a wealthy, glamorous world far beyond the reach of movie-goers. As historian Dixon Wector writes, “The content of the motion picture . . . was designed for escape . . . [for] tired or jaded adults seeking a never-never land of luxury and melodrama, sex and sentiment.”

For many people today, movies and television continue to offer a means of escaping the realities of everyday life. For others, alcoholic beverages offer a similar means of escape. Some of these things may not be inherently wrong; for example, it's not necessarily a sin to watch television. Today's passage ultimately concerns wisdom and how to live a pure and purposeful life in the midst of evil days (v. 16). Instead of going along with the crowd, trying to escape the evil world around us, we're to be filled with the Spirit and with gratitude. The passive voice, “be filled,” indicates that we're to allow God to do the filling, which also means that we aren't to be distracted by things, such as alcohol or entertainment, that distort our thinking. In other words, we're to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, and not by anything else.

The rest of today's passage develops this idea. Whereas being controlled by some chemical substance often leads to inappropriate behavior, being controlled by the Spirit leads to praise, worship, and thanksgiving. As Galatians 5:23 says, “Against such things there is no law.” Notice also the exhortation to praise the Lord with other believers (v. 19), indicating the importance of Christian fellowship.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Wisdom is essential for the Christian life. Clearly, some movies should be avoided and there are good reasons to abstain from drinking. But this passage isn't saying that anytime we watch television, read a romance novel, or go to the movies that we're avoiding reality. That thinking ultimately leads to legalism. Instead, this passage shows us that sober thinking and pure living are only possible through the Spirit. This passage shows that thanksgiving, together with praise, is a natural outflow of the Spirit-filled Christian life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-7
With thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a February 13, 2009, New York Times article, a recent study of 46,000 workers showed that health care costs were 147 percent higher for those who were stressed or depressed than for workers who were not. Other recent studies suggest that stress should be considered a health threat, along with smoking or lack of exercise. We know that anxiety can make it harder to concentrate or sleep, but studies show that it also increases the risk for certain illnesses, such as high blood pressure.

Today's passage from Matthew addresses the problem of anxiety head on. These verses continue Jesus' teaching about possessions. In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus warns against seeking treasures on earth. Today's passage presents another aspect of Jesus' teaching on possessions. While Matthew 6:19-24 focuses on the preoccupation with wealth and what we might hope to have, Matthew 6:25-34 concerns worry about what we don't have.

A helpful starting place for this discussion is to note the difference between needs and wants. This passage assures us that God cares about our needs and provides for them, although perhaps in ways that differ from our expectations. For example, we may receive kids' clothes from a relative whose children have out-grown these clothes, or we may decide that last year's styles still look pretty good, rather than purchasing new items. We may also consider those who have less than we have and decide that we can part with some items from our closet. Sometimes having fewer things even makes us feel less anxious!

The key point in this passage is that we aren't to worry about what we don't have because our heavenly Father already knows what we need. He will provide what we need, which may shift our focus away from what we want. Regardless, being anxious doesn't help—in fact, it hurts us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's readings offer helpful correctives to worry and anxiety. Matthew 6 assures us that the Lord will meet our needs, even if in a manner or timing that surprises us. Philippians 4 teaches us to pray and give thanks . . . for everything. Sometimes it's possible to pray in such a way that actually increases our anxiety, because we remain focused on what we need. But when we pray with thanksgiving, we're reminded of what God has already provided and have encouragement that He will provide again.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jonah 1:17-2:10
Give thanks to the Lord of lords. - Psalm 136:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most people are familiar with the popular Thanksgiving song that begins, “Over the river, and through the wood, / To grandfather's house we go.” These lyrics are actually part of a long poem, “The New-England Boy's Song about Thanksgiving Day” written by Lydia Maria Child in 1845, It might surprise you to learn that the original wording has “grandfather's,” not “grandmother's,” house. What's more surprising, is that none of the poem's twelve stanzas mentions giving thanks to God!

Today's passage from Jonah contains a very different thanksgiving song. The account of Jonah shows the depth of God's love for all people, even the dreaded Assyrians in Nineveh. This short book also stresses God's complete control over everything. This is seen in Jonah 1, where a violent storm lashes the boat as Jonah tries to flee the Lord.

The book of Jonah contains lots of surprises, including the fact that pagan sailors were reluctant to throw Jonah overboard, even though he was the cause of horrific storm. After Jonah declared that he was a follower of the God of heaven and earth (Jonah 1:9), these sailors prayed to the Lord, not Jonah! They prayed for forgiveness because they were sure that Jonah was about to die.

The surprises continue when the Lord provided an unusually large fish to deliver Jonah safely to dry ground. We can't imagine what Jonah felt as he was being carried along in the fish's belly, but his song shows that he knew that life is a precious gift from God. It's also clear that Jonah understood that God, not the sailors, had thrown him into the sea (v. 3).

It's interesting to note that Jonah's song is not a prayer for God to rescue him. Jonah understood that God was using very unusual means to deliver him! His song is one of thanksgiving to God for his salvation (v. 9). He also knows that those who worship idols miss out on this grace.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jonah's song shows clearly that salvation comes from the Lord. Despite his very uncertain future, Jonah praised God for the certainty of his salvation. Jonah's being in the fish's belly for three days anticipates Jesus' resurrection after three days (see Matt. 12:38-45). Thus our deepest gratitude flows from our salvation through Jesus Christ. Jonah's song links thanksgiving to God's unlimited power. Given that God used a fish to deliver Jonah, just imagine how much greater is the power that raised Jesus from the dead!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 1:9-14; 2:6-7
I will give you thanks forever. - Psalm 30:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Over 147 years ago, on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln stated: “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added . . . They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God . . . It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States . . . to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Although Lincoln made Thanksgiving an official holiday, the practice of setting aside a day of thanks was a longstanding tradition in the United States. Moreover, Lincoln's writings, as well as those of other American leaders long before him, frequently reflect a deep sense of gratitude to God, both for His providence in national matters and in their own lives and families. It's evident that thanksgiving extended beyond a national holiday to lives that were characterized by gratitude to God.

Thanksgiving as a lifestyle has been a recurring theme in our study this month. This is particularly evident in Colossians. In Colossians 1:9-14, Paul indicates that he is praying that the Colossians would be filled with God's knowledge, so that they might live lives worthy of the Lord. Then he lists four characteristics of such a life: believers are to be fruitful, maturing, empowered, and thankful. The order of this list suggests that the more we progress in our walk of faith the more thankful we become. This is repeated in Colossians 2, where Paul links spiritual growth with overflowing thankfulness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Bible scholar David Pao writes, “Thanksgiving becomes an essential part of the day to day living of believers. To live a life worthy of the Lord is to live with the constant awareness of God's grace.” As you give thanks today for family, friends, and a special meal, pray that you will grow in gratitude throughout the upcoming year. Both of today's passages also link thankfulness with growing in the essentials of our faith. If you aren't already attending a Bible study, commit to making that a priority as well.

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Read: Colossians 3:15-17
Giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 5:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Several recent books stress the power of gratitude, such as Seasons of Grace: The Life-Giving Practice of Gratitude by Alan Jones and John O'Neil. On the back cover of this book, one reviewer writes, “Most people are grateful because they're happy; wise people are happy because they're grateful. Thank you, Alan Jones and John O'Neil, for reminding us of this happy fact.” In Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life, M. J. Ryan writes, “All we need is an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude creates happiness because it makes us feel full, complete; gratitude is the realization that we have everything we need, at least at this moment.” But remarkably, neither book indicates to whom we should be grateful. It's one thing to say “thank you,” but it's also very important to know the “You” whom we're thanking!

Throughout this month's study, we've seen that gratitude ultimately is directed toward God. It's always a good idea to say thank-you to someone for a specific gift or kind act. But a lifestyle of gratitude flows from the knowledge that God has extended His grace toward us. The most powerful example of this is the fact that God the Father sent God the Son to pay the price for our sin so that we might be reconciled with our loving heavenly Father.

Perhaps no other biblical author captures this as well as Paul. We have seen his clear understanding of gratitude in several of our studies. In Colos- sians 3, Paul shows that we are to give thanks to the Father, through Jesus Christ.

Notice the focus on Christ in this short passage. First, the peace of Christ is to rule our hearts; second, the word of Christ is to dwell within us. And in everything, we are to give thanks in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice also the strong link between thanksgiving and worship.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps this is the first time that you've considered the connection between praise and thanksgiving. To see this more clearly, look up the words thanks, thanksgiving, and praise in a Bible concordance. You'll find many entries in the Psalms. As you look up a few of these entries, you'll see that many times the psalmist moves back and forth between praise and thanksgiving. When our gratitude is focused on the One whom we should thank, praise is a natural response.

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Read: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile. - 1 Corinthians 15:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the classic movie It's a Wonderful Life, set during the Great Depression, George Bailey (played by James Stewart) gets a chance to see what life in his small town would be like if he had never been born. George steps in and helps the residents of Bedford Falls when the greedy banker, Mr. Potter, refuses to do so. When the situation seems hopeless, George believes that the world would be better without him. That's when an angel shows George just what that would have been like. In the process, George realizes how thankful he is for what he actually does have in life, especially for his family.

Many people consider this film to be one of the best ever made. It's certainly teaches valuable lessons about having the right perspective and being grateful. At the same time, to truly have the right view on life, we need to ask another question altogether. What would life be like if Christ had not been actually, literally, physically raised from the dead?

This was apparently the question that the Corinthians were grappling with. Although Greeks, including those in Corinth, had some ideas about the immortality of the soul, the concept of bodily resurrection was new and difficult to grasp. Throughout 1 Corinthians 15, Paul outlines the reality of Jesus' resurrection from the dead and the supreme importance of this truth for faith. In the process, he presents and refutes several objections that were evidently being raised among the Corinthians.

Although the events surrounding the Second Coming are partly a “mystery” (v. 51), Paul makes it clear that believers will be raised bodily when Christ returns. Those who have already died and those who do not “sleep” will be changed instantaneously at the sound of the trumpet. The power of sin and the sting of death will be ended forever. This is the eternal victory won by Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever thought about what life would be like if there were no resurrection? Perhaps you've been a believer for a while and haven't considered this question recently. Or maybe you've just become a Christian and can easily remember your thinking prior to the certainty of your being raised from the dead. Reread today's passage, and even all of 1 Corinthians 15, and consider what life would be like if there were no resurrection. Then join with Paul in giving thanks to God for our victory in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:18-29; 13:14-16
They will perish, but you remain. - Hebrews 1:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 p.m., an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 rocked the San Francisco Bay area. The epicenter was located about 60 miles south of San Francisco. Those who did not experience the tremor directly, witnessed it live on television as they were watching Game 3 of the World Series. For those who did experience this disaster, it took years to rebuild homes and to recover from the trauma caused by this quake.

For many reasons, earthquakes are terrifying events. As those who dwell on the earth, we have a sense that the earth is solid and unmovable. Earthquakes destroy this perception. In Hebrews 1:10-12, the writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 102:25-27 to show that the very foundations of the earth and the heavens above will eventually wear out and perish. But the Son, Jesus, remains forever. These opening verses are the background for today's passages.

In Hebrews 12, we find a wonderful description of the heavenly Jerusalem into which we will enter one day. The author begins with imagery from the Israelites' approach to Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 19, to draw a stark contrast between two different events in God's history with His people.

At Sinai, the people were terrified to be in God's holy presence, which was accompanied by stern warnings and restrictions. At the heavenly Mount Zion, however, being in God's presence is not only possible, it is filled with celebration and worship, offered by thousands of angels and countless believers. The key difference between these two events is Jesus Christ, whose blood has mediated a new covenant.

As we read this description of the “unshakable kingdom,” it's no wonder that we're exhorted to be thankful (v. 28) and that this gratitude is described in terms of acceptable worship. In Hebrews 13, this thanksgiving is described as a “sacrifice of praise.” Once again, we see the close link between thanksgiving and praise.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Hebrews 12 and 13 encourage us to be thankful for our final destination, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. These passages also indicate that our present response to this future reality is thanksgiving. Tomorrow we'll see that giving thanks is an essential part of what we'll do in the heavenly Zion. Take some time to linger over the rich and powerful imagery of Hebrews 12. As you do, let your heart fill with gratitude and praise for wonderful depiction of where you're headed as a believer in Jesus Christ.