The church family and pastor together did a wonderful thing. Thanks for stopping by today. Let me share this verse first, and then I will tell you about the challenge.

“Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people” (1 Chronicles 16:8).

The church family accepted the pastor’s challenge. In fact, more than just accepting his challenge, many embraced it. Pastor Kenward had been sharing with the church family the blessings of being a thankful person and the many great opportunities that the Lord would bring to them to speak just a word or two about Christ. “It would be great if people allowed you to share the entire gospel, but if that isn’t going to happen, be intentional in sharing a word about Him. Share something with folks around you for which you are thankful and bring the Lord into it,” the pastor encouraged them.

The next day Frank was paying his toll at the toll booth. “Wow! Are you enjoying the beautiful sunrise that the Lord is painting for us? I am so thankful to belong to Him,” he said to the toll collector.

Annie stepped into the conference room. Sheryl was sitting there looking kind of sad. These had been hard days for her. “Sheryl, I would not for a moment ever tell you I know how you feel. But I am thankful for the privilege of praying for you.”

And then there was Arnie. What a sense of humor the Lord had given to Arnie. He said to the waitress, “I’m thankful to be able to laugh because the Lord helps me every day. And He will help you, too, if you’d let Him,” he continued.

All over the region, the church family expressed thanksgiving and brought the Lord into it. It makes me stop and think a little bit about you and me. How about you? For what are you thankful, and how will you bring the Lord into your conversation “among the people”? I surely am going to be intentional.