November 24
  
"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ."  (1 Corinthians 15:57) 
  
Today's Thought   
Giving thanks should come naturally to a Christian simply because of the
victory that has been given us through our Lord Jesus Christ!   
But, what exactly does it mean to "give thanks"?  The word "thanks" in
today's verse comes from the Greek word chairo, a verb meaning to rejoice,
to be glad - but not just any kind of rejoicing but to rejoice exceedingly!
It also means to be well and to thrive!   
When you think about today's verse, our thanks giving should be more than
mere words, it's an action - it means to not only be glad but to act glad!
To not only say you're rejoicing, but to rejoice exceedingly in your daily
activities!  It not only means to give thanks, but it also means to live a
thankful life - to thrive in your rejoicing and thanks giving . . . it's
about living out the victory that was given us through Jesus Christ our
Lord!   
When I was in our choir at church, we would sit up front facing the
congregation and it was impossible not to notice people's faces.  Some were
truly rejoicing; others were saying the words but their faces failed to show
it, their actions didn't prove it, and their responsiveness in a corporate
worship setting displayed a less-than-victorious attitude.  Yet, we have so
much to rejoice for!    
We have so much to be thankful for; we have been given so much!  Take some
time today and make a commitment to the Lord . . . get serious with Him and
let Him know that you are exceedingly grateful and you will live every day
of your life with exceeding great joy because of all that has been given
you!  The victory that was given us through Jesus Christ our Lord is more
than enough to cause us to "rejoice in the Lord always"!    
Be thankful . . . the price paid for your victory is worth more than
anything money can buy, and it's yours absolutely free!  All God asks is
that you be thankful!   
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks unto the Holy One,
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
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!   
  
Today's Prayer   
Father, I am glad!  I am exceedingly glad for the victory that You have
given me through Jesus Christ my Lord!  Your bountiful blessings are
immeasurable and Your love unfathomable!  I cannot express to You the depth
of my gladness for all You have done for me!  Lord, help me to live a life
of thankfulness not hiding my joy from anyone!  Lord, help me to rejoice
always, to bring glory to You in all I do and say from a heart that is
overwhelmed with thanks and gladness!  Once again, and I cannot say it
enough, thank You for the victory which was given me through Jesus Christ My
Lord!  Thank You, Lord . . . Thank You!  Amen and Amen! 
  
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)