Happy Thanksgiving — A Heart That Grows Faith

Author: Rev. Daniel Johnson
November 27, 2025

Dear Church Family,

Happy Thanksgiving! As we enter this special day of gratitude, we want to share a brief reflection from last night’s Pie & Praise service and offer a blessing for you and your loved ones.
Last night, we gathered around a simple but profound truth:

“Gratitude is the soil where faith grows.” 

We looked together at the story from Luke 17:11–19, where ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy, and all ten were healed — yet only one returned to give thanks. And it was this grateful man, a Samaritan, who experienced not just physical healing but deep spiritual transformation.

Here are a few highlights from what was shared:

1. Grace Comes First
Before gratitude ever appears in the story, the grace of Jesus is already at work. The lepers bring nothing but need — and Jesus meets them with mercy. As they obey His word and step forward in faith, healing meets them “as they went.” God’s grace always moves first. 

2. Gratitude Reveals the Heart
Only one man turned back. Only one recognized the Giver behind the gift. And Jesus notices — not only the gratitude of one, but the silence of the nine. Gratitude is never just good manners; it is a window into the heart. 

3. Gratitude Grows Faith
Jesus tells the Samaritan, “Your faith has made you well” — not just healed, but made whole. Gratitude softens our hearts, sharpens our spiritual sight, and strengthens our trust. It enriches the soil of our souls so that faith can flourish. 

4. A Thanksgiving Challenge
The question Jesus asked still echoes today: “Where are the nine?”
Will we be people who receive God’s blessing and simply move on? Or people who turn back, fall at His feet, and give thanks?

This Thanksgiving, I want to encourage you:
Be the one who returns.
Be the one who stops and notices.
Be the one who remembers the goodness of God.
Because gratitude is more than a holiday feeling — it’s a spiritual habit that shapes us into people whose faith grows deep and strong. 

A Thanksgiving Blessing
Our prayer for you today is this:
May God soften your heart with His grace.
May He open your eyes to His blessings, both small and great.
May He strengthen your faith as you remember His goodness.
And may your home be filled with peace, joy, and gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving! We look forward to seeing you this Sunday for the very first Sunday of Advent.

With love in Christ,
Pastors Daniel & Sadie

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