A Life of Thanks

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP) In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

How often do you find yourself thankful for the life you have? I'm sure all of us can say that we could have better circumstances in our lives but take away the perfect life mind set and ask yourself if you are really grateful for what you have. It's easy for us to get so accustomed to the blessings in our lives that we don't even think of them as gifts from God anymore. The simple things like clean water, warm blankets, worship music, job opportunities and family. There are people all around the world that don't have any of these things. We are to give God thanks for everything in our lives, even for the situations that seem unfair because He is just and He is right. When I wake up each day I thank God for a new day and praise Him that I can get up and make a difference in someone's life. When I drive to work I pray and thank God for everything Jesus did for me on the cross. When I put my kids to bed at night I thank God for their health and our home and that we can sleep warm and cozy and feel safe. When I feel the warmth of a hot shower, I praise Him for the luxury of hot water in my home! I also praise Him when things in my life aren't going as I had planned because He knows what is best for me and my family. His ways are better than my ways. I have complete trust in Him because He created me and set a path for me to follow. I want nothing more than to please Him. There are many things I desire and can pray for but at the end of the day I really cannot complain about anything in my life. He has been good to me even when I didn't deserve it. We must come to a point in our walk with Christ where no matter what happens, we still are thankful to Him because this life is but a vapor and heaven is eternity and we should be doing the will of the Father, helping as many people as we possibly can, forgetting about self and putting the needs of others first so that He may be glorified and known in all the earth! He will give you the strength and energy you need for each day.

James 4:14 (AMP) Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air].

Ephesians 1:15-19 (MSG) That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

Pastor Bethany Gray

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