Martin Luther once wrote, What the Lord does is spectacular, but very few notice. They go from day to day surrounded by amazing providence, yet seldom do they thank God or give Him praise. God lavishes us with vital gifts such as sunlight, air, water; gifts that enable our existence, gifts too often taken completely for granted. Again Luther, They take advantage of what God has given, rooting around in God's gifts like a hog in a bag of feed and say, 'What's so special about the fact that the sun shines, fire gives warmth, ocean provides fish, earth yields grain, cows have calves, mothers give birth to children, and hens lay eggs?' Yes, such things happen routinely and typically, even without notice. But what if it stopped? What if the sun didn't come out tomorrow? What if it didn't come out for ten days?! Then when it came out again it would be such a great thing! Or what if all but one of the wells of the entire world went dry? A drop of water would be worth millions. Ordinary and routine as they may seem they are actually spectacular! But sinners are ungrateful and blind and don't even recognize them, or act happy because of them. Such is the case: God's spectacular deeds are appreciated only in the hearts of His faithful.

During the past months at Zion we've focused on stewardship; the Christian's response and expression of thankfulness, gratefulness to God. Christian stewardship is a gift itself. It is taught and enabled only by the Holy Spirit moving our hearts to action. Quite like that one healed leper that returned to say 'thank you' after the Lord healed him, the one to whom Jesus said, Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well. But apart from the Spirit there is no thankfulness.

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. Years ago Harry A. Ironside, bible-teacher, preacher, pastor of Moody church in Chicago went into a crowded restaurant for lunch. As he was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join. Ironside invited him to have a seat. As was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. The man watched and then asked, What are you doing? Ironside replied, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat. The man smirked, Oh, you're one of those. I never do that. I earn my money by my own hard work. When it's time to eat I just dig right in! Well said Ironside, You're just like my dog. That's what he does too.

Erma Bombeck once shared a story about an eight year old girl who was stricken with cancer. When asked what she wanted for her birthday, the little girl thought carefully then replied, I don't know. I have two sticker books and a Cabbage Patch doll. I have everything. During this month of thanksgiving, meditate the words of Psalm 103, Praise the Lord O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. And be filled with His Spirit and with thankfulness. Then and only then bring your thanksgiving sacrifice of praise before our spectacular giving God!

Pastor Kelly Mitteis