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16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil.
23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

“In her now classic book, The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom tells about an incident that taught her the principle of giving thanks in all things.

It was during World War II. Corrie and her sister, Betsie, had been harboring Jewish people in their home, so they were arrested and finally imprisoned at Ravensbruck Camp.

Their barrack was extremely crowded and infested with fleas. One morning they read in their tattered Bible from 1 Thessalonians 5 the reminder to give thanks in all things. Betsie said to Corrie, ‘Corrie, we've got to give thanks for these barracks and even for these fleas.’

Corrie replied, ‘No way am I going to thank God for fleas.’

But Betsie was persuasive, and they did thank God even for the fleas. During the months that followed, they found that their barrack was left relatively free, and they could do Bible study, talk openly, and even pray there. It was their only place of refuge. Several months later they learned that the guards never entered their barrack because of those blasted fleas.” -

Les Parrott III, "Thank God for fleas," Rev., January-February 2001, 42.


Giving thanks always is one of the most difficult things that God asks us to do. With this pandemic - and the future continues to look bleak – what are we thankful for? Many are not able to work, others’ schedules include tasks they never had to do before, still others find themselves taking on more. I always begin at the beginning, giving thanks for God and His participation in our lives, sending His Son to teach us, to die for us, and then promising the gift of the Holy Spirit to encourage us along the way. We have the church that prays together. Most of us have a roof over our heads. A cupboard with some food. Family. Friends. Vocation. All gifts from our gracious and loving God.

With all this, how can you keep from giving thanks?
Peace and blessings this day.
Pastor V.