The November holiday of  Thanksgiving in the United States offers us a time to  reflect on the grace of God in our lives.  The series will focus on the fact that gratitude is the rock of our faith; if we lose gratitude, we lose our way.

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I’M GRATEFUL FOR PASSION

There they all were, more than a dozen “graduates” of the Apprentice of Jesus program, crowded around a couple of rectangular tables in a small room, sharing an atmosphere of expectancy. Each one had been transformed by the grace of a loving God. Each was taking on the challenge of becoming an apprentice to the Master, answering the call to “come and see” and “follow me.” Each now experienced a world of brighter colors, richer relationships, and unimagined freedom.

As I looked around the room, I shivered. I knew that I was seeing the same Spirit-filled passion to turn the world upside down that the weary and frightened disciples felt after being re-united with the risen Jesus. “These are people who have truly met Jesus,” I thought. “What a joy to see their passion!”  And I began the meeting.

Passion sets the hearts of like-minded people beating as they think about sharing what they know and feel with others. Passion is the difference between nodding and and shouting “Yes!” Passion fuels action. Passion keeps us awake at night as new ideas demand attention. Passion turns the curious into the committed. Passion turns friends and acquaintances into fellow movers and shakers. Passion burns brightly even when discourage- ment and rejection pound on the door.

Passion changes pew-sitters into disciples. That is why I am grateful for passion.