Choosing Gratitude 8

James 4

30 days of thanksgiving:

71. The fact that God’s Word so accurately describes the human condition and daily struggles

72. The apparent work of the Holy Spirit in guiding what passage of Scripture I end up reading on a given day, as it often ends up being exactly what I needed at that time

73. The fact that God’s Word describes not only the problem but the glorious solution

74. Bible-study aids that help to dig deep into the meaning of the passage

75. Those who have diligently studied God as revealed through His Word and written down their findings to be of benefit to others

76. Space-heater

77. Regular job at a local bookstore

78. New spiritual eyes

79. Glasses to improve my physical sight

80. Being required to learn ten-finger typing during my school days, a great benefit to me now

Choosing Gratitude 7

Luke 17: 11-15

Lessons from the grateful healed leper: (pgs. 180-181)

1. He came loudly to thank Jesus – May our giving of thanks be as obvious and expressive as our sharing of needs!

2. He came close to thank Jesus – We never get any closer to Jesus than when we come with humble gratitude.

30 days of thanksgiving:

61. The reality that God stooped very low to rescue me from sin

62. The reality that God lifted me up to live in Him and not die in my sin

63. The reality that God will complete the work He has begun in me

64. Faithful brothers and sisters laboring for the Lord in faraway lands

65. Fellowship with brothers and sisters from Africa and Asia who come to Tulsa in the summertime

66. Hospitable hearts expressed in invitations to faraway lands

67. Comradery for the sake of the Gospel

68. Long skirts

69. Scented candles

70. 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner

Choosing Gratitude 6

Romans 11:36

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever, Amen.

“See if like Robertson McQuilkin you find your heart for God renewed by what he called ‘the reflex action of thanksgiving. My love flamed up from the dying embers, and my spirit soared. I discovered that ingratitude impoverishes–but that a heavy heart lifts on the wings of praise.'” pg. 178

30 days of thanksgiving:

51. Opposition to the Gospel, for it demonstrates that the truth is not of this world

52. Opposition to believers’ proclamation of truth, for though the world disapproves, God approves

53. Disbelief, demonstrating that the truth is not determined by how many believe it, but by Who declares it

54. Sufficient atonement to cover the sins of all who will turn to Christ alone

55. The protection of the Lord around His children

56. The lifting up out of despair that the Lord affects in the lives of His children

57. The listening and hearing ear of the Lord – His attention to our cries

58. The Lord’s sustaining power demonstrated vividly as we accomplish tasks beyond our strength

59. Sleep – ordained by God to replenish our energy for living the lives He has ordained for us

60. Courage – a gift from God for facing the circumstances He brings us into

(These came to mind as I read Psalm 3 today.)

Choosing Gratitude 5

Ephesians 5:15-17

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Question: How should this verse be lived out practically, in light of the preceding verses that speak of the change from darkness to light that God affected in our lives and in light of the following verses that speak of giving thanks to God for all things?

30 days of thanksgiving:

41. Laundry washing machine

42. Laundry dryer

43. Plenty of clothing

44. The Lord’s sovereign guidance, often through circumstances

45. Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s ministry

46. The opportunity every summer to spend time with people from all over the world

47. CreativeLIVE classroom where I can learn more about photography

48. My dad’s enthusiastic picture-taking when I was young

49. Men who study God’s Word to expound it well

50. Elders who keep close watch on the flock of God