Pocket Thoughts - 11/18/25
Special Gratitude Edition
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’ The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole family.” – Acts 16:25-34
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“A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord. Thank God in the midst of trials and every persecution.” – Billy Graham
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Gratitude and grace…a good book * brave friends who inspire us to do better * babies * unexpected margin * road trips * pumpkins and other pretty things * rain but not too much rain…
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“Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 52:8-9
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Sprinkles from heaven…snail mail * getting stuff done * catching up after a long absence * rainbows * the favor of the Lord * cotton candy sky * a sense of humor…
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“A sensible thanksgiving for mercies received is a mighty prayer in the Spirit of God. It prevails with Him unspeakably.” – John Bunyan
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Gracious Father, we’re overwhelmed by Your goodness! Your gifts are lavish, but they pale in comparison to the richest gift of all – Your presence in our lives. As we count our blessings, may we not neglect the miracle of Your nearness as most precious above all. May our finite minds strain and stretch to grasp the wonder that You our King delight to dwell among Your feeble people. And may the blessing of belonging saturate our souls with songs of rejoicing! In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.
