30 November 2008
An Attitude of Gratitude
December/01/2008 11:03 AM
The words on this page will undoubtedly fall short in expressing the gratitude I have for God’s love and care for us! When I think of His goodness, mercy and kindness I am so thankful. He has completely saved me and turned my life around. He not only saved me from Hell through the death, burial and resurrection of His son Jesus, but He has also blessed me with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. Now those things would have been enough to praise Him throughout all eternity, but His blessings don’t stop there! You can go ahead and shout - it’s O.K!
God’s wonderful salvation not only includes sending His only Son to pay for my sins, but He has provided healing for my body and mind, protection, peace, and material and financial provision. Did I mention I get to spend an eternity in Heaven with Him? This is not just for me, but for all who receive Jesus and believe in Him.
Oh and it’s not over yet! He has given us the privilege of prayer and His written word so that we can access His power and know him as our best friend. And I thank God with all my heart for the Holy Spirit who is our comforter, helper, teacher, counselor, and the power of God working in us and through us! I know that was a mouthful. There are so many things to be thankful for, we could go on and on.
As I reflected on what God has done for me, my heart swells up with thankfulness and causes me to give Him thanks and praise with my mouth. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband (You know, my Father is the best matchmaker in the universe!) and our precious children. I see Him working so lovingly and patiently to bless, protect and guide them. There have been challenges, you who have teenagers understand, but thank God that prayer always works and always changes things!
I remember in our darkest and most stressful times how He always came through with just what we needed. When sickness attacked, I witnessed His supernatural healing power. Even the birth deformity of our youngest child totally healed to the amazement of the doctors! I am thankful that all my children are living for the Lord. I will continue to completely surround them on all sides with prayer. When lack threatened, he always provided.
I am also thankful for our church that was started and built by the Lord. Thank you God for the privilege of being a part of your work, the call you have placed on mine and Jeff’s life, and for the privilege of serving your precious people. God has truly brought together and amazing group of believers who are sold out to God and His plan. Lord, we just continue to welcome your presence, leading and anointing. This is your church and your people. Thank you for all the lives born again and changed forever. Thank you for the love and unity in your body. To God be the glory! It’s also important to be thankful for the people that God puts in our lives to teach us and believe in us. I’m sure you can think of some, just as I think of our parents and many important Godly leaders and relationships divinely placed in our lives.
As you can see, I find myself just pouring out the gratitude in my heart today. During the Thanksgiving holiday this past week we took time to give God thanks and praise for all His blessings. No matter how tough circumstances may get, we should always give God thanks. Actually we should have an attitude of gratitude every day of the year.
I Thess. 5:18 says, “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
David said in Psalms 34:1, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”
Having a thankful heart is not an occasion every third week in November. It’s not only when things are bright and sunny. It should be the continual state of our heart. Notice that the above verse in I Thess. said to be thankful in all things, not for all things!
A person with an attitude of gratitude is always offering up thanks and praise to God for what he has done, what He is doing and what He shall do. When a person does this he is activating his faith and releasing the power of God. This pleases God so much because the word says it’s impossible to please Him without faith. Our faith honors God.
Giving thanks actually paves the way for blessings that God has in store for us!
Psalm 50:23 says, “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”
Glory! When we live with an attitude of gratitude, it honors God and releases the blessings of His salvation!
All of you have something to be thankful for. I challenge you to be a blessing this holiday season and be an encouragement to others and share in the comments section. We all love to hear how God has blessed His people. Love you all!! Until next week…
kimconnor@whwc.org
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