Thankfulness depends on more than what we have. It's realizing where our blessings come from. Thankfulness is gratitude, a response to someone who has met our need.

God's goodness ought to be the deepest source of our thankfulness. Everything we are or possess is because of his loving kindness. Therefore, it is good for us all to pause at least once a year and say a big "Thank You" to God.

Have you thanked the Lord for food, shelter, clothes, and other material blessings? Don't forget that millions of people are hungry, homeless, and unable to afford basic necessities. So please, don't forget to tell God that you are thankful for all of the material blessings you enjoy.

And what about God's spiritual blessings? Millions of people have no church, no Sunday school, no minister. But we have those blessings right at our doorstep. Are you thankful for them? Do you make use of them?

Are you thankful that the best things in life-- forgiveness, assurance, peace, and joy--are still free? If you're wondering why you should be thankful for these things, it's because Jesus paid the ultimate price when he died for you on the cross. The Bible says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Are you thankful for the Bible? It will tell you that we all have sinned--that we cannot save ourselves, and that only Jesus Christ can save us. If you have never trusted him as Savior, he wants to change your life now! "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

What better time is there than Thanksgiving to tell God: I'm sorry for my sins. Knowing that I am a sinner, I now repent and ask you to forgive me. I trust Christ as my Savior, and I thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross and wash away my sins. I pray that you would help me, God, by your Holy Spirit, to live as your faithful follower from now on. In the name of Jesus, I pray these words. Amen.

Make this your prayer, and then show your thanksgiving by living for Jesus Christ every day of your life. You will be eternally thankful you did.