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Gratefulness



Growing in Grace was on Thursday October 11 and about 40 seniors came out to enjoy a Turkey dinner, a hymn sing lead by Melanie Effa, and a message from Senior Pastor Lou Leventhal.  I would like to highlight a few points from his devotional on being thankful.

A friend of his Paul Johnson once said in a message that he believed the surest sign of a healthy heart, both spiritually and emotionally is a constant attitude of gratitude.

Some reasons people do not live a life of gratitude:

They are self-sufficient: "I can do it."
They are lazy: "I don't have the time."
They are ungrateful:  "I don't have enough and deserved more."
They are self-centered: "I deserve it."
They are proud: "I don't want to admit my neediness."

Thanksgiving is not a holiday, it is a way of life.

Focusing on what you do not have will stop you from being grateful.

Scipture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.2For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, ascoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.3They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will bslander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.4They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.5They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

A few thoughts on living a life of gratitude:

Make it a discipline in your life to count your blessings.
Make a habit to express gratitude to others.
Gratitude not expressed is like a gift not given.
Learn to receive appreciation with humility.

Blessing to you as you continue to read God's word and apply it to your life.

Robin

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