Gratitude

November 7th – Hebrews 10:37

Hebrews 10:37

With the state of the world today, I find myself crying out, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” Oh how I long to hear the sound of the trumpets! Yet although I wish the rapture happened right now, this very moment, I need to be patiently thankful. After all, Jesus waited for me to accept His generous offer of grace and salvation. His sacrifice on the cross was an act of immense love and patience, ensuring that all have the opportunity for redemption. How could I not have a heart of love and gratitude as I await His glorious return. God’s timing may not align with our own, but we must persist in our faith and trust. To allow hope and endurance to empower us to persevere through the trials and uncertainties of life. Because God is in control. And the fulfillment of His plans is certain, even if it seems delayed. In this waiting period, hope sustains us, and endurance strengthens our faith, reminding us that the rewards of our patient trust in God are worth the journey.

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October 25th – John 1:16

John 1:16

We all sin against God daily. And not just once, but multiple times each day. Some sins we are fully aware of, some we commit without knowing. Thankfully, for those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we have access to an endless, overflowing source of God’s unmerited favor and love. Through Christ’s death and Resurrection, we are now reconciled back to our Father. That means no matter how many times we screw up, how many times we need forgiveness, when we come before Him with a truly repentant heart God is faithful. Faithful to not only to forgive but forget our transgressions. Never again to remember them nor hold them against us. (Ps. 103:12) For His love, mercy, and goodness are boundless. And His grace is continually poured over us. Always available to help us overcome challenges and give us strength in our weaknesses. Allowing us to live with confidence, gratitude, and an unwavering trust in His abundant love and blessings.

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October 23rd – Psalm 65:11

Psalm 65:11

I love country living. Each morning I follow a familiar dirt path on my daily walk. One filled with the beauty of the trees and speckled with wildlife. And everywhere I look, I see the beautiful handiwork of God. It’s my time to talk with my Father, give thanks for His creation, and be humbled by His blessings. My heart overflows when I think about His provision, goodness, and the abundance of grace, and mercy He never withholds. God crowns the year with His goodness, and His paths drip with abundance. How can I not have an attitude of gratitude for the bountiful blessings I receive from my Creator? How can I not trust in His guidance and continue to walk in His ways? For He promises to never leave nor forsake me. He uses all things for my good. And the richness of His His love, flows continually into my life. Most wonderful of all He doesn’t do this because of me, but in spite of me. So forever, I will follow His path which will always be marked by an overflowing multitude of His goodness.

 

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October 20th – Psalm 40:14-15

Psalm 50:14-15

With the war in Israel and the unrest in the Middle East, people are scared. But for those who know Christ as their Savior, we can not only find peace in these troubled times, but joy. For we serve a God of abundance. One who generously blesses us and showers us with His boundless grace. So in good times and bad, we can be filled with gratitude for the goodness and protection of God. Thanking God in hard times is not just about the present moment. It’s about cultivating a mindset of hope, resilience, and trust, even when the storm rages. A reminder that gratitude is an act of worship. And a way to honor God’s faithfulness. For He is always faithful. Even when we are not. When we call upon the name of the Lord with a heart full of thanksgiving, our relationship with God deepens. Our trust and dependence upon Him grows. We can find peace in all circumstances because God is near, ready to answer our call and bestow His blessings upon us. And He is always there to rescue us, His beloved children.

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October 13th – Colossians 3:17

Colossians 3:17

The apostle Paul encourages us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. This means aligning our thoughts, actions, and decisions with the teachings and example of Christ. Approaching all we do with an attitude of love, humility, and devotion to Him. Every aspect of our existence, from our words and actions to our thoughts and deeds, should be a testament to God’s goodness and blessings. By recognizing His lordship in our lives, we strive to bring honor and glory to Jesus in everything we do. It also means that our actions should reflect His character of compassion, forgiveness, and grace. Ultimately, doing everything in the name of Jesus is an invitation to live a life that emulates His love and reflects His teachings. It’s creating a positive impact on the world and contributing to the advancement of God’s kingdom. Because even in the smallest of actions, we have the opportunity to express gratitude and reflect God’s abundant love.

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October 12th – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

My heart is broken with the tragedy of the war in Israel. The reports of the brutality against God’s people are horrific. Yet even when our circumstances are dire, tragic, and devastating, Paul tells us to embrace a spirit of joy, gratitude, and prayer. Finding such joy and gratitude can be challenging. But God is always with us in our pain. And His love can guide us towards a place of renewed hope and appreciation, even in the midst of heartbreak. For His abundance is always present through His grace, mercy, and the hope we have in Christ. So no matter what we face, we can always rejoice in joy over our relationship with God, and give thanks in all circumstances. For His love and provision are steadfast. And no matter the what the Enemy tries, God is always in control. And the best defense is to rejoice pray without ceasing. Because it connects us to the abundant source of God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. Allowing us to draw strength and hope from His unwavering presence.

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October 11th – Psalm 100

Psalm 100

In Psalm 100, we find an exuberant call to give thanks, make a joyful noise, and enter God’s courts with praise. For we are His people. And the gates of His presence are open, welcoming us into the abundance of His grace and blessings. So how can our hearts not overflow with gratitude for His unwavering love and faithfulness? And how can we not accept His invitation and approach Him with thanksgiving and praise? For it is only because of His never ending grace, that we feel God’s abundance in every aspect of our lives. And by acknowledging His sovereign rule and enduring love, we not only connect with the abundance of God’s blessings but also cultivate an attitude of gratitude and contentment in our lives. This attitude of praise can inspire us to share God’s abundance with others, to serve and love them unconditionally, and to be instruments of His goodness in the world. And celebrate Him as our Creator and Shepherd.

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October 5th – Deuteronomy 8:7-10

Deuteronomy 8:7-10

The words of Moses to the Israelites, offer timeless wisdom that we can apply to our lives today. They serve as a reminder to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and humility in the midst of abundance. Just as God’s people were to remember that their prosperity came from Him alone, we too should acknowledge that everything good in our lives comes from the gracious hand of our Creator. That’s why we are encouraged to be mindful of the source of our abundance. And to never take God’s provision for granted. For He doesn’t just meet our physical needs, but also lavishes us with His goodness and favor. These verses call us to recognize that God’s abundance is not a result of our own efforts but a gracious gift from a loving Creator. One who delights in blessing His children. And in a world that glorifies materialism and focus on oneself, God calls us to use the blessings He gives to honor Him and bless others as abundantly as He blesses us.

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September 29th – Hebrews 13:15

Hebrews 13:15

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”

Praising God for all of the good things in our life is easy to do. But what about when things don’t go our way? Are we still willing to give God glory in the bad times too? A sacrifice of praise shows our devotion to God, regardless of our circumstances. It recognizes that God is worthy of praise at all times, and our worship doesn’t depend on a trouble-free life. But instead it’s  grounded in our unshakable faith in Him. Praise is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to God’s holy name. It’s not just an expression of joy during moments of comfort and abundance, it can also be a sacrifice in times of difficulty and hardship. Just as ancient sacrifices required a cost, praising God when circumstances are challenging can be a sacrifice of our own will and emotions. This act of worship shows our unwavering faith, trust, and gratitude, regardless of our circumstances. It’s a beautiful reminder that in both the highs and lows of life, our praise has the power to draw us closer to God and bring His presence into our situations.

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September 26th – Colossians 3:15

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

In a world where everyone is busy and not finding enough hours in the day, peace is what we crave. Jesus offers such peace. And His peace is vital because it serves as a divine compass in our lives. In times of confusion, the peace of Christ brings clarity, calms our anxieties, and guides us toward decisions and actions that align with God’s will. By letting this peace be our guide, we cultivate harmony in our relationships. We experience inner serenity and walk in the path of God’s purpose for our lives. With gratitude in our hearts, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the blessings in our lives and for God’s role in them. Moreover, we are urged to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, guiding our thoughts, actions, and worship. Whether in our daily interactions or in the moments of solitude, these verses remind us that living a Christ-centered life involves a deliberate and continual practice of gratitude, peace, and devotion. Ultimately allowing the name of the Lord to be glorified in all we do.

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