AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

It's easy to be grateful when life flows along like we think it
should - when the sky is blue, the sun shines brightly, pleasant breezes
blow, and a surplus builds in our bank accounts. But what about those
times when health wanes and money is scarce? Even during such times of
need a spirit of thankfulness is important because it reminds us of the
trustworthy character of God.
The psalmist wrote, "Many ... are Your wonderful works ... and
Your thoughts which are toward us ... they are more than can be
numbered" (Psalm 40:5). In response, we are challenged: "In everything
give thanks; for this is the will of God ... for you" (1Thessalonians
5:18, italics added). The simple power of a grateful heart is
impossible to exaggerate.
An attitude of gratitude encourages a feeling of well-being.
Occasionally, I write down the things for which I'm thankful. For
example:

* Faith in a caring heavenly Father
* The comfort and direction I receive from reading the Bible
* The love of family and friends
* Health that is reasonably good
* The challenge and enjoyment of work
* The privilege of contributing to the lives of others
* The ability to meet my financial obligations
* A good night's sleep
* Waking up to the smell of coffee and burnt toast (I like burnt
toast)
* More than my daily bread to eat
* The privilege of taking our thirteen grandchildren out to
breakfast one at a time, and learning their likes and dislikes
* Fellowship and inspiration with the people of our local church
* Finding a parking place, especially when I'm late
* Laughing enthusiastically until it hurts
* An occasional afternoon nap - "nature's sweet restorative"
* Pruning roses in our garden or picking berries
* Reading a good book
* Listening to old songs ... and remembering when ...
* Watching the sun rise and then set at the close of day
* The sound of rain beating on the window pane
* Chatting with neighbors about small things

Especially, I'm thankful for the privilege and pleasure of
prayer. That, in all the experiences of life, I'm invited to, "by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let [my] requests be made
known to God" (Philippians 4:6).
Above and beyond everything else, I would join with Paul the
apostle in saying, "Thanks be to God" - for what? - "for His
indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).
The worst moment for an unbeliever must be when he's really
thankful and has no one to personally thank. But for believers, an
attitude of gratitude is a solid foundation on which to build our lives.

From Too Soon To Quit: Fifty Ways to Experience the Best that Life Has
to Offer, reprinted with permission of Dr. George Sweeting

Today's devotional is from REAL VICTORY FOR REAL LIFE - published by
America's KESWICK. Why not consider this as a Christmas present for your
family and friends. You can order right from our website or call the
Keswick Bookstore at 732-350-1187 ext 31.

Great quote: "The main thing we learn from a serious attempt to practice
the Christian virtues is that we fail. If there was any idea that God
had set us a sort of exam and that we might get good marks by deserving
them, that has to be wiped out. If there was any idea of a sort of
bargain-any idea that we could perform our side of the contract and thus
put God in our debt so that it was up to Him to perform His side-that
has to be wiped out.' C S Lewis Mere Christianity