Tomorrow we celebrate the great American tradition of Thanksgiving. I have learned over many years it is impossible to be in the will of God without living a life of thanksgiving.

The Bible teaches clearly, “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thess. 5:18), and “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace”(Phil. 4:6,7).

When we choose to be thankful on a daily basis, the power of God is released in our lives. Let’s make our “Thanksgiving List” and begin anew a life of thanksgiving each day. Here is my partial list.

1 – I am so thankful for Jesus who paid the price for my eternal life.

2 – I am so thankful for my wife, LaVerne, for our four children, their spouses, and our six grandchildren.

3 – I am so thankful for the DOVE International team we serve with both locally and throughout the world.

4 – I am so thankful for our local church and our leaders who pray for us.

5 – I am so thankful for the body of Christ and for the privilege God has given each of us to be a vital part of the Kingdom of God.

And my list has just begun. I challenge you to make your own “Thanksgiving List” and experience the power of thanksgiving each day.