Giving Grace

Nº 173 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - November 23, 2021

God's grace is always cause for thanksgiving.

Would you know who is the greatest saint in the world? It is not he who prays the most or fasts the most, it is not he who lives the most, but it is he who is always thankful to God, who receives everything as an instance of God’s goodness and has a heart always ready to praise God for it. - William Law

After seeing 45 of their 102 members die during the first harsh winter, the Pilgrims’ dream nearly perished; however, they learned farming skills from Squanto and survived. In gratitude to God, the Pilgrims held a feast to give thanks for His provision. This week we commemorate the 400th anniversary that inaugural banquet and continue to give thanks for our undeserved yet deeply appreciated blessings. The Pilgrims could have become discouraged, angry, or embittered, but they chose to be grateful and turn toward God with hearts of appreciation. The church at Corinth was a mess. Sexual immorality, relational tension, disruptive worship, favoritism, and other negative influences permeated their community. Paul had some very honest and direct words for them; still he chose to not become discouraged, angry, or embittered. He started his letter to them, “I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.” (I Corinthians 1:4) Despite their sinful behavior, divisive actions, and impure conduct, the Apostle Paul chose to give thanks for them. Gratitude lifted his eyes above their sinful lifestyle and refocused his attention on the grace of God. And God’s grace is always cause for thanksgiving.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc