Don’t Miss the Headline

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

~ I Thessalonians 5:16

God notices the grateful heart!

Don’t miss the headline here.  God notices the grateful heart.

Does God have an ego problem?  No. But we do.  Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack, so we can see the blessings we possess.  Nothing blows the winter out of the day like a Caribbean breeze of thankfulness.

If you look long enough and hard enough, you’ll find something to bellyache about. So quit looking! Take your eyes off the weeds. Collect your blessings.

I Thessalonians 5:16 says “Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks—whatever happens.  That’s what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude is always an option.  Make it your default emotion—and you’ll find yourself giving thanks for the problems of life.

Impossible you say?  How do you know?  How do you know until you give every day a chance?

 

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Do Something “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."  Matthew 5:6 Healing begins when you do something. God’s help is near and always available, but it’s given to those who seek it. Healing starts when you take a step.  God honors radical, risk-taking faith.  When arks are built, lives are saved. When soldiers march, Jerichos tumble. When staffs are raised, seas still open. When a lunch is shared, thousands are fed. And when a garment is touched by the hand of an anemic woman in Galilee—Jesus stops! He stops and responds.  Compared to God’s part, our part is minuscule—but necessary. We don’t have to do much, but we do have to do something!  Faith with no effort is not faith at all! Write a letter. Ask forgiveness. Call a counselor. Call a mom! Visit a doctor. Be baptized. Feed a hungry person. Pray. Teach. Go. God honors radical, risk-taking faith. And He will respond. ****