The Way of Gratitude (Week 3)
GRATITUDE IS A LIFESTYLE
The life (pattern) which Christ taught and demonstrated for us to live is a life of gratitude. It becomes a way of being, a state of mind and a lifestyle of action.
Gratitude is a Daily Practice, not an occasional emotion
Psalm 118:24 (NASB95): This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Gratitude helps us in our daily life to stave off some of the enemy's greatest attacks against us; Worry, Discouragement, Stress etc.
Psalm 42:11 (NLT): Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
Gratitude is a lifestyle of consistently living Christ’s ways — this allows us to be, exude, and offer an invitation to the world of the peace and joy of a life in Christ.
Colossians 4:2, 5–6 (NLT): Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart… Live wisely among those who are not believers… Let your conversation be gracious…
Gratitude, on a daily basis, draws us continually into God’s presence — the place we need to be to live fully devoted to Him.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB95): 6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
The Grand Puba of gratitude. The one-anothers of scripture are the ways of Christ that daily drive me into gratitude.
John 13:34–35 (NLT): So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT): Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
1 John 3:17 (NLT): If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion, how can God’s love be in that person?
James 2:15–16 (NLT): Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, ‘Goodbye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well’ — but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing, what good does that do?
Romans 12:13 (NLT): When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Hebrews 13:16 (NLT): And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
How I live the Gospel out in my daily life here in the “land between the lakes” of Mt. Juliet is applicable in the same capacity to someone living in the jungles of the Amazon, the Serengeti Plain of Africa, or the island of Cuba
Daily acts of gratitude!
