In the Old Testament, the Psalmist David
demonstrated a grateful heart to God.
He declared in Psalm 100:4, “Enter
his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and
praise his name.” Later, in
the New Testament, the Apostle Paul modeled thanksgiving to God and to his
fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
In I Corinthians 15:57, he wrote, “But
thanks be to God! He gives us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” And in Philippians 1:3, he wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember
you.”
Such
an encouragement David and Paul are to us to have an attitude of
gratitude! Be thankful!
Thank God for His blessings upon the
Deaf church or ministry you serve.
Be grateful for the needs He has met and for which He has provided.
Thank those who pray for you. Be grateful to the prayer warriors who
pray continually for you, your leadership and your Deaf church or ministry.
Thank those who lead you. Be grateful to the elders, board of
directors and preachers who make decisions, guide, instruct and bless you and
your Deaf church or ministry according to His Word and will.
Thank those who support you. Be grateful to the ministry servants
who listen to you, follow your example, encourage you, and enthusiastically do
as you ask them to do and more as you reach out to and minister with deaf
people.
Thank those who are members of your Deaf church
or ministry. Be grateful to
those who are faithful to your weekly worship services and/or ministry
activities.
Thank those who allow others to be involved
in your Deaf church or ministry.
Be grateful to the parents who trust you and permit their deaf
child(ren) and/or teenager(s) to participate in your Deaf church or ministry
activities.
Thank those whom God uses to provide for
you. Be grateful to those who
provide for your needs, such as those who prepare and serve meals for your
gatherings to those who financially support the Deaf ministry.
Be
creative in how you express your gratitude. Send personal, hand-written cards. Send pictures of recent activities with which they have
helped and blessed. Give them
personalized gifts. Host
appreciation dinners honoring and thanking them. Call them on the phone or videophone. Take them out for a treat and express
your heartfelt, personal thanks to them face to face.
