“Grace and Gratitude” / Thanksgiving Eve

Grace = undeserved but empowering gift from the unobligated but generous giver.

Gratitude = making known to God and others in what way they have benefited (blessed - distinctively advantaged) lift.

Step into the story: "Ten men who had leprosy met Him (Jesus)."
Hansen's Disease

Big idea - Faith idea beings here: Pain propels me from an abstract view of God to a personal encounter with Him as a living reality.

1. Difficulties are not my destiny; pain is not my problem.

Transactional: "I'm so glad for me."

2. Shift from thanksgiving to thanks-livinng.

Transformational: "I'm so glad for Jesus!"

3. My gratitude is defiant - focused on Jesus.