"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)
What impression do people have of Christ dwelling in me when they see and talk to me? Am I thankful and cheerful, or am I critical and ungrateful? If the spirit of God abides in me then there should be this difference, one that reflects in my entire character. I should act and react differently, letting God's love guide my life. God wants us to be in a continually thankful state of mind! I need a gentle push from Him in every circumstance throughout my day to remind me of all my blessings, and to be thankful. With God on my side I can be thankful in all circumstances! When I begin to count my blessings the list is endless, and it is my responsibility to demonstrate my gratitude by representing Christ wherever I go and whatever I say.
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as your Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." (Colossians 2"6-7)
The month of November is always the time to reflect on everything we have to be thankful for, and my objective is to praise God every day for something I am deeply grateful for. And it is so easy to do, because I have so much to appreciate! And I find that I am much more optimistic after I've spent a few minutes reflecting about my many blessings and feeling grateful for them. I can welcome more abundance into my life when I say, "Hey, thanks God for all I have!" Not only does it make my spirits soar, but it creates a light on my face and a joyful attitude and behavior. This is what brings honor to Christ and gives me the ability to live differently and faithfully, and it's what will make a difference that people will recognize and hopefully non-believers will desire. Every single second in my life I have something to be thankful for, and I want the feeling of "Thanksgiving" in my heart throughout the year; it doesn't only come in November. :)
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. In turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity...it turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melodie Beattie
Thankful to be linking up with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday!
Hi Denise - lovely post. I most certainly am more focused on being thankful because of all the lovely bloggy ladies that constantly draw my attention to it. And being thankful definitely changes one's attitude. Great post and thank you, I am thankful for your joining my bloghop :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Denise,
ReplyDeleteSo often when we think of blessings we think the the material things that can be seen, but when we start to count our blessings we discover that his blessings are more than material outward things, but that which is inside, He blesses us with His peace, His joy, a contented heart, it is those blessings that are priceless.
Blessings to you Denise.
Kandi
Love this reminder to be thankful and love, love your closing quote. I'm thankful for fellow bloggers like you that are such a source of encouragement. Be blessed and enjoy your day, Susan
ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteThose pumpkins are darling! It's good to be reminded of what our words and actions are reflecting to others about our Christian walk. Sometimes I wonder--do I look any different than the rest of the world? And if I don't, then others are not seeing the light of Christ in me inviting them to meet Him.
Blessings,
Janis
Hi Denise,
ReplyDeleteIt is truly amazing when the condition of our heart/ minset reflects outward! I think there would be little use for antidepressants if more people just started to give thanks!
Lovely post
~God Bless you dear one~