On average, one in 10 give thanks

For the next several weeks. We (the 15th and Crawford Church of Christ) will be stating several Bible principles and asking the questions: Have you heard? Do you agree? Do you follow? Would you like to know more giving everyone the opportunity to hear and believe (Romans 10:17). It is also an opportunity to learn (Acts 8:30-35). If you would like to write in, email any questions, or responses to be answered or published feel free to do so.

Today's principle:

Am I thankful?

One of 10 give thanks. Does that sound about right? According to Luke Chapter 17 it does. In verse 14, 10 lepers were cleansed by Jesus and only one returned to thank Him. In Verse 19, Jesus shows faith as being a big part of that thanks. Is your faith the leading reason behind your thanks?

Let's stick with the 10 percent law here for a moment. I hear a thank you from my children about 10 percent of the time. I even probably only say thank you about 10 percent of the time. Thanksgiving is only one month a year. That's only 8.3 percent. Facebookers are apparently only thankful for 22 days of the year. That is only 6 percent. The question might be, "do we not know what to be thankful for?" Reading some of the posts on Facebook recently, I noticed someone was thankful for a stapler on their desk. Yes that might be nice to have, but is it in our top 22? Let's take a moment and do some soul searching. Let's find our thankful heart.

First of all, Psalm 92:1 says, "It is good to give thanks to the Lord." The psalmist says in 97:12 that the righteous give thanks. Verse 12 goes on to say that thanks comes from remembering His holy name. What is in His holy name? Psalm 103 says He forgives iniquities, heals diseases, redeems your life, satisfies your mouth and is merciful and gracious. If you are righteous, you will remember these things. David goes on to say in Psalm 140:13, "Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name ..." Do we remember to give thanks?

Let me leave you with two more Biblical examples of giving thanks. The first is Daniel. When faced with going against the king's decree and the lion's den, Daniel, "with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days." The other is in Luke Chapter 2, where Simeon and Anna gave thanks to God for bringing salvation in Jesus Christ. Simeon: "He blessed God and said ... A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel." Anna: "She gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem."

Let's break the 10 percent law and remember to give thanks daily -- even three times daily if we can. Have a wonderful thanksgiving and thank you!

Feel free to study, comment, ask questions, suggest a topic, or even stop in for a visit any time. For information, write in or visit Church of Christ, 1423 S. Crawford, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701.

For any other comments or questions, please email me personally (Minister Mike Chipman) at mikeychip@sbcglobal.net or by phone at (620) 224 6681. Thank you for your time and God bless.