Grateful

Gratefulness, a condition of the heart, impacts how we manage life and ultimately relate to God.  I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Seriously, can you imagine what would happen if we actually gave thanks in all circumstances?  One thing for sure . . . to give thanks in all circumstances . . . is to trust the heart of God. As we thank God, the Sovereign Lord,  we are able to see that He has gone out of His way to intersect with us in a life-giving relationship.

So, what did the Exodus people miss?

 Moses said to them, "Don't leave any of it until morning." But they didn't listen to Moses. A few of the men kept back some of it until morning. It got wormy and smelled bad. And Moses lost his temper with them. (Exodus 16: 19-20, The Message)

The people did not comprehend that God would accomplish His purpose through them.  God called them to go where they could not go without Him.   To live beyond their limitations, they needed to focus, follow, and give thanks to God.

When you think about it, there is no one more grateful than the one that understands what it means to be freed from captivity . . .  to go where  God says to go . . . to do what God says to do . . . impacting the world . . . "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light" (Colossians 1: 12, NASB).  

Celebrate your release from the captivity of a life without Christ.
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  Be grateful.  Give thanks for a life in Christ with increased gratefulness each day.

Learning to KickStart the day with gratefulness,

Kerrie

(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)