Take heart and build an ‘attitude of gratitude’

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Week 2

November 8: Guard against Entitlement

For 30 days, ask God to show you the many ways He has blessed you. Take a few moments each day to write down specific thoughts and praises. Thank Him daily for His blessings.

Scripture: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:10

Take Action: It’s easy to be happy and thankful when our hearts overflow with gratitude because of the good things going on in our lives. But sometimes it’s those full hearts that lead us to feel entitled and become entangled in the ‘it’s all about me,’ syndrome. Those who are committed to the Lord don’t spend much time thinking about themselves or about what they don’t have. It’s about feeling grateful for what we do have. Make a list of two things that you have felt entitled to in recent days. Then humbly bow your head and confess your prideful ways and ask for His continued blessings upon you.

November 9: Giving & Generosity

For 30 days, ask God to show you the many ways He has blessed you. Take a few moments each day to write down specific thoughts and praises. Thank Him daily for His blessings.

Scripture: “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11

Take Action: Where gratitude grows so should generosity. When you feel deep gratitude you often want to help others who are in need. This is certainly the season for giving as we are bombarded with requests for giving to community agencies, programs, and  special projects to name a few. Pray for wisdom as you make decisions to help others. Determine if you want to spend time with people in need, give your talents to a special project or give financially to a cause you are passionate about. God’s word says that we are to be a grateful people who are generous. Acts 20:35 reminds us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Read Genesis 12:2-3 and Proverbs 11:25. What do these scriptures reveal to you about gratitude and giving?

November 10: Count Your Blessings One by One

For 30 days, ask God to show you the many ways He has blessed you. Take a few moments each day to write down specific thoughts and praises. Thank Him daily for His blessings.

Scripture: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:3

Take Action: There are a number of ways to count your blessings. You can journal about your blessings, create quotes and scriptures to memorize or carry with you, or teach your children about gratitude and thankfulness through activities and bible lessons. One way to keep track of praises and blessings is to create a Gratitude jar. Take the time to jot down on slips of paper your daily blessings, surprise moments, LOL moments, favorite memories with family/friends and special accomplishments. Twice a year empty the jar and re-read the things you were grateful for; you will be reminded of God’s faithfulness over and over again.  

November 11: Let The Real You Shine Through

For 30 days, ask God to show you the many ways He has blessed you. Take a few moments each day to write down specific thoughts and praises. Thank Him daily for His blessings.

Scripture: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Take Action: In a world where we are saturated with people who are self-centered, mean-spirited or show little respect for others, it’s easy to become tired and worn down from the negative.

Instead we must surround ourselves with positivity and uplifting words and actions. We must model kindness, gentleness, harmony and peace. We must respond with the ‘Golden Rule’ and treat others as we would want to be treated. We must live a life of gratitude and thankfulness.

If we are intentional and genuine with our commitment to Christ, we can change the world. We can use our servant hearts and acts of gratitude and kindness to be GAME CHANGERS.  Let’s live by the fruits of the Spirit and astonish the messed up world we live in.

November 12: Think, ‘Less is More’

For 30 days, ask God to show you the many ways He has blessed you. Take a few moments each day to write down specific thoughts and praises. Thank Him daily for His blessings.

Scripture: “But Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Take Action: Contentment is the greatest form of wealth. But in a society that breeds discontent and greed, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting more in order to be happy. During your prayer time this week let God know you’re not asking for anything, but instead thanking Him for all you have. Happiness isn’t getting all you want. It’s enjoying all you have. Read the scriptures below. What do they say about contentment?

Luke 12:15; Philippians 4:11,19;  Hebrews 13:5

November 13: On Days When You’re Not Feeling Grateful

For 30 days, ask God to show you the many ways He has blessed you. Take a few moments each day to write down specific thoughts and praises. Thank Him daily for His blessings.

Scripture: “This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Take Action: There are days we wake up and while thankful to have another day, we just can’t seem to get moving. Very little of the juices, creative or otherwise, are pumping inside of us. But instead of allowing ourselves to be weighed down in the miry muck and clay, why don’t we put a smile on our face, strap on the armor of God, remember who we belong to, and conjure up a little gratitude?

With His words planted firmly in my heart I know I can make the decision to be grateful for all parts of my life. And the steps I take to follow through on that will require a lot of prayer, along with asking God to cultivate in me a heart of gratitude. I must trust Him even through the challenging times and circumstances, for there is nothing too big for our God to handle.

Consistently practicing gratitude gives our life meaning and it allows us to experience the rich blessings God has in store for us, even when things don’t go as planned. Jot down those times recently when you haven’t been at your best. Give your burdens over to Him and ask Him to breathe new life into you.

November 14: Reap the Benefits of a ‘Thankful Heart’

For 30 days, ask God to show you the many ways He has blessed you. Take a few moments each day to write down specific thoughts and praises. Thank Him daily for His blessings.

Scripture: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John 1:2

Take Action: A heart full of gratitude does the body good and contributes to spiritual health. Enjoy this season of thanksgiving. Don’t let stress overwhelm you. The holidays are more about family and friends, and less about the to-do list. Plan for some quiet time to meditate and reflect on your favorite scriptures. Ask God to show you how an attitude of gratitude contributes to your well-being.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Thank you for your unconditional love and the abundance of blessings that are far more than I deserve. Continue to show me day after day how gratitude benefits my physical health, my emotional health and my spiritual heart. Father, you are the source of my joy and happiness and I pray that you will continue to cover me in your grace, goodness and mercy. In your precious name, Amen!