It's Thanksgiving weekend! Can you believe it? This year, with all its varied events, is about over! But what a great time Thanksgiving is—a time to reflect on the past, examine the present, and look forward to what God has in store for the future. Our attitude should echo the frequent refrain of the psalmist: "Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

One all-encompassing word comes to my mind at this time—Grace! That's what I am forever thankful for. Looking back I realize it was by God's grace that He reached down to scoop me up from life's junk pile. It was by grace that He enriched me with my beautiful wife Lenya, a woman who has helped me blossom in virtually every area of my life. And it was by grace that God made me Dad to a tall young man who is now a pastor in his own right...and father-in-law to a beautiful young lady...and now, to top it all, Grandpa to a wonderful grandson. All this brings indescribable joy to my life!

And guess what? His grace still abounds right now in the present. Quite frankly, I'm amazed that God uses me for His glory. I take great delight in the truth that God "chooses the foolish things of the world" (1 Corinthians 1:17).

I'm thankful for more displays of His grace as well—for the God-fearing, servant-hearted team He allows me to minister alongside. When I look around at the quality servants of God on our staff, I see God's grace in action, working in and through these dedicated men and women. I'm also thankful for those we have the privilege of ministering to: people like you! All the faithful ones who attend our services, listen to our radio program, view our TV broadcasts, log onto our web pages, and read these devotionals...you're all our friends. Your enthusiasm for God's Word and work is contagious. It encourages me to keep at the task.

And as for the future—it can only get better! As good as things have been so far, the best is yet to come! As the words from the wonderful old hymn Amazing Grace declare, "'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."

This Thanksgiving, let God's grace stimulate a thankful heart in you. May you be filled with confidence because of what God has done and anticipation of what He will do!