Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:18
Last week we learned about replacing a complaining attitude; but, what do we replace it with...a thankful attitude. If we were to write a list of things we complain about vs. things we should be thankful for, the thankful list should far out way the complaints.
God has given us so much to be thankful for! No matter where we are in our lives or what situation we are in, there is always something to be thankful for. We are alive and breathing, aren't we? Every day that God gives us and allows us to wake up is a gift from Him. I witnessed this firsthand yesterday at church. In the back of my mind I knew this was the subject of the lesson this week, but I didn't really connect the two until today. Yesterday, I heard a man say "I want to thank the Lord for all of His blessings to me and my family. He has truly blessed us." Now, that may not seem like a profound statement to you, but as an outsider looking in I saw lots of reasons for this person to complain and doubt God, but he chose to be thankful instead. I truly admire this person for the testimony he has to the others around him.
Can we say that? Do people around us see that we are thankful and not complainers? The best way to witness to someone is to live in a way that shows Christ. When we know Jesus lives in our hearts people can tell by our fruit. This is off subject a little bit, but it ties together in the end. Here is one way to remember that others should be able to tell if we are saved by our fruit.
Focus - Is our focus on ourselves or on God?
Repentance - Have we truly repented of our sins and chosen to live for Christ?
Understanding - Do we understand why we are right with God? Because of Jesus' death on the cross
Invitation - When were you saved? We are not saved by works. We should remember a time where we humbled ourselves before God and allowed Him into our lives.
Thankfulness - For what God has done for us.
I would encourage everyone to do the two exercises at the end of today's lesson (pages 36-37). I believe God will bless those who are truly grateful for everything He give us and allows to happen in our lives(even things we think are bad at the time).
I pray this week we will all put into practice replacing our complaining attitude with a thankful attitude.
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5 comments:
Today I am thankful for...
1. The Bible study-it's making me grow.
2. My family
3. The Lord convicting Rebecca and leading her to a personal knowledge of Christ
4. my bills being paid on time even when I don't think it's possible
5. The night so I can rest and be rejuvenated for tomorrow.
Today I am thankful for...
1. Friends
2. Laughter even in the middle of something stressful.
3. Food
4. Baths
5. **not very spiritual but...** a good sale at Target so I find a computer part I've been looking for and a really good price!
Today I'm thankful for...
1. My family.
2. Getting all of my bills caught up (went through ALOT of stress a month or so ago) even when I didn't know where the money was going to come from.
3. Someone to help me clean beds at the tanning salon.
4. Having a roof over my head and a nice bed to sleep in.
5. For the time I have to quilt (and the patience to do it)
I have to say that I enjoy posting my 5 things here because I read them every night plus if anyone else posts their 5 things, I can read them and be encouraged.
Today I am thankful for...
1. Friends- again- can never have too many
2. Forgiveness
3. the fact that God uses us to encourage each other
4. Clarity of thought in my cases at work
5. Protection
today i am thankful for the family the lord let me have.2.for letting me watch them grow in his grace.the peace he gives even in the worst of storms.
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