A Thankful Spirit

I found a devotion in a study Bible I've had for years. It so well-written and so appropriate for Thankful Thursday that I must share it. My Gratitude list follows.

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GRATITUDE: A Thankful Spirit
(from The Woman's Study Bible [NKJV])

Gratitude begins by acknowledging who God is and what He has done. This heartfelt emotion is not dependent upon the response of another person or upon the nature of what is received as a gift. Ingratitude, on the other hand, begins with a heart that refuses to be satisfied, that rejects the Giver as well as His gift (Romans 1:21).

Life itself is a gracious gift from God. There is no gratitude except what is built on this foundation. A spirit of gratitude must be cultivated, then passed on to others, especially to those in your own household, by example. These are some ways to accomplish this:

• Remember that a grateful person is humble and focused on God, while the ungrateful heart is full of pride and focused on self. Ruth beautifully emulated such a spirit of gratitude and humility.
  Ruth 2:10 -- "So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, 'Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?'"
  She responded graciously even to the smallest kindness.
  
  
• Do not take for granted the small and ordinary daily blessings.
  Matthew 6:11 -- "Give us this day our daily bread."
  
  
• Look for blessings from God, being careful not to overlook the hidden, subtle, indirect gifts from God.
  Colossians 4:2 -- "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." Recognize that not every gift you desire may be beneficial to you. God is the all-wise Giver. Consider His plan and priorities for your life, being careful not to lose sight of the big picture because of a tragic but small interruption.
  
  
• Remember to thank God even in the midst of adversity and trials.
  Habbakuk 3:17-19 -- "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls--yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills."
  
  1 Corinthians 10:31 -- "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
  
  Philippians 1:3 -- "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."
  
  Philippians 2:14 -- "Do all things without complaining and disputing."
  
  1 Thessalonians 5:18 -- "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
  
  
• Gratitude to God and others should be expressed not only regularly but also publicly.
  Psalm 35:18 -- "I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people."
  
  John 11:41-42 -- "Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, 'Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.'"
  
  
• Record your blessings and keep a record of God's faithfulness to you.
  
  
• Complete the cycle of gratitude by reaching out to give to others in the Spirit of Christ.
  2 Corinthians 9:12 -- "For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God."

A grateful spirit and a thankful heart are an integral part of the holy life. The woman who is thankful and has a heart full of praise brings joy to the Father and glory to His name. And attitude of gratitude will bring to your heart a host of blessings and make you a channel of blessings to other.

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I'm thankful for:

• Shafts of sunlight peeping through the blinds, sparkling with autumn hues -- calling me to time alone with the Lord.
• Making bread for my family using my favorite recipe from Marilyn Moll @ The Urban Homemaker.
• This week's plentiful harvest of sweet bell peppers that will bring the flavors of summer to our winter stews.
• The maturing friendships with my children.
• Holding my grandson's hand while we walk.
• Planning our special get-a-way with my dear husband.
• Praise and worship music on the radio while I clean.
• The alluring scent of apple butter bubbling on the stove.
  

A Thankful Spirit

https://typingone-handed.blogspot.com/2008/09/thankful-spirit.html