Be Thankful!

             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. 

            One dear friend of mine has blessed Deaf Missions in many different ways.  I met with him face to face and said, “You know, I feel saying thank you isn’t sufficient, because I just cannot thank you enough.  Deaf Missions may not reward in accord to the blessings you’ve given to us and deaf people, but God sure will!”  These simple heartfelt, but profound, words of gratitude meant much to him.  And, he continues to bless Deaf Missions tremendously!