November 2008: Thankfulness
How do we know that the virtuous woman was thankful?
We
know it because of all the other virtues that we see in her life. The
virtuous woman is kind, giving, thoughtful, a servant, wise, a good
mother, a good wife and the list goes on. These attributes go along
with being a thankful person.
People who are not thankful
complain. They look out for themselves and will blame others for any
misfortunes that might come their way. Thoughtfulness is definitely not
a characteristic of the unthankful.
Kindness is definitely an
attribute of a thankful person. Kind people are pleasant, compassionate
and caring. Unthankful people, generally, do not possess these
qualities.
What does it take to be thankful?
Trying
to make ourselves to be kind, thoughtful, generous, etcetera will not
make us thankful. It takes a change in the way we think. Meditating on
Philippians 4:8 can be quite helpful on the road to having a thankful
heart. It tells us to think on things that are pure, just, true,
lovely, of good report, excellent and praiseworthy. This scripture has
helped me tremendously concerning my attitude. Thankfulness is an
attitude of the heart.
Perspective in life can make or break an individual.
Do
you look at your gas tank and see it half full or half empty? Do you
look at what someone else has and wish you had it? Are you grateful for
the things God has already done for you in the spiritual and natural
realm? Even when things are rough there is something you can be
thankful for in it. Look at your situation and find what it is.
Peter Daniels is an example to me of a thankful person.
The
Daniels grew up in Australia. They were between 8-12 years old during
World War II. Peter talks about the day the American soldiers came
marching through his city and how exciting it was. He realized that had
the Americans not fought Australia would have been conquered by Japan.
When he became an adult, he got saved watching an American evangelist,
Billy Graham preach God’s Word. He became a successful business man as
he read books by successful American businessman. Americans have helped
shape Peter’s life. As a result, he travels around the United States
ministering in churches for free, helping people become successful. He
does it because he is thankful for the place the United States has had
in shaping his life. He is a gracious, generous, kind man. It is
because he is thankful.
Purpose in your heart to be thankful. Look for the good in situations.
Meditate on Philippians 4:8.
I purpose in my heart to be thankful and I look for good in every situation.
What happens when we are THANKFUL....
When we are thankful God’s peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)
Thankfulness to God silences our enemies. (Ps. 8:2, Matt. 21:16)
It is God’s will for us to be thankful. (1 Thes. 5:18)
When we are thankful, we enter God’s gates. (Ps. 100:4)
When we are not thankful, our minds become dark and confused. (Rom. 1:21)
We honor God when we are thankful. (Ps. 69:30)
When we are thankful, we have joy. (Ps. 28:7)
When we are thankful, we keep our vows. (Ps. 56:12)
When we are thankful, we bring glory to God. (Ps. 69:30)
When we are thankful, we will make known to others what God has done in our lives. (Ps. 105:1)
When we are thankful, we show that God is our salvation. (Ps. 118:21)
When we are thankful, we show that God’s love endures forever. (Ps. 136:26)
We give thanks because God has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57)
When we are thankful, we are able to do what we do as a representative of the Lord. (Col. 3:17)
When we are thankful, we put our hope in the Lord. (Ps. 42:11)
When we are thankful, it causes us to be encouraged and happy. (Ps. 43:5)
When we are thankful, it is good. (Ps. 54:6)
When we are thankful, we do what is right. (Ps. 64:10)
We honor God when we are thankful. (Ps. 69:30)
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