“THIS IS GOD” S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS” 1 Thes.5:18

In a society where we tend to have disagreements on many things….We can all certainly agree that this has been indeed a year marked by sudden alterations. The Word Transition as defined by Websters Dictionary is CHANGE. However most can sincerely testify these changes in 2020 have not been simple to say the least. And yes, we all can say we have experienced some changes this year, and also that the time has advanced rather speedily regardless of these vast and sometimes daunting transitions. Time has a way of not waiting no matter what is happening. Whether good or not so good at all….
So we find ourselves now into the eleventh month & It is a significant month since 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it as a National day of “Thanksgiving & Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens”

Our English word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia which was associated with the ideas of grace and gratefulness. Experiencing the Grace of God should result in gratitude expressed in praise and worship with our life and every aspect of our lives throughout our journey no matter what is going on. “Give Thanks in all things for this is God’s Will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How we have stewarded this year through these challenges reveal if we have employed wisdom. Wisdom is paramount if we are to navigate successfully through the changes that have in many ways been abruptly thrust upon us. Although wisdom cannot be employed if we do not put it in its proper order. The Word of God tells us that the beginning of Wisdom is to Fear The Lord. (Proverbs 9:10) To Fear The Lord is to recognize HIM for who HE is and to give HIM the respect, awe, submission, and honor that is due HIM with a lifestyle of Gratitude by giving our very lives over to HIM. The Apostle Paul states it is our reasonable service in Romans 12: 1.

It is interesting that Psychology which is the science of mind and behavior states a grateful person will be characterized by behavior that is…..
# 1, Costly. # 2, With expressions of gratitude that are valuable to the recipient. And # 3, Intentionality, the choice to be grateful.

These investigated facts proven by scientific evidence can undeniably be traced back to THE BIBLE…. we are created in HIS IMAGE and HE is ABSOLUTELY THE MOST GENEROUS OF ALL. It Cost HIM significantly, (HIS SON JESUS) and with expressions that are very valuable to us who will receive HIS GIFT, also HIS ACTIONS ARE TOTALLY INTENTIONAL for our benefit. Science recognizes that people who are thankful and live lives of ongoing gratitude regardless of their circumstances are people who are the most content and healthiest on the planet. Research has shown that practicing gratitude will boost your immune system and ushers in a resilience to stress, increases feelings of energy, determination and strength. Robert A. Emmons a Professor of Psychology at the University of California states gratitude blocks toxic emotions such as envy, resentment, regret, and depression. Not only does a grateful heart boost your physical and mental health, but gratitude is a sure path to receive God’s Grace that strengthens our Faith. Jesus acknowledged the importance of the gratitude of The Samaritan Leper “ Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:15-16. The word well in this particular text in the Greek is actually SOZO which includes saved, whole, healed and preserved. Sincere Thankfulness expressed is such a powerful virtue! The Roman Philosopher Cicero declared “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” The Psalmist in Psalms 100:4 instructs us to give Thanks for GOD HIMSELF. This leads us into a deeper relationship with HIM. Also Gratitude promotes humility as we realize that these gifts were given to us freely, we did not earn any of it. As triune beings made up of Spirit, Soul, and Body having all 3 parts of our makeup designed by THE ONE TRUE LIVING CREATOR GOD, we can actually see that every part of our being is totally impacted by Thankfulness and Gratitude! This Thanksgiving Season in the midst of vast transition that may be still quite challenging…. We have the opportunity for it to be turned into the most productive and peaceful times if we allow HIM to conform us more into HIS image and walk through in gratitude and generosity intentionally. While typing this note, We have been reminded of that old Hymn, “Count your many blessings name them one by one, Count your many blessings see what God has done.” So when the frustration seems to be mounting and we have struggles regarding a whole host of changes that we did not ask for…. and the temptation is strong to murmur and complain...it serves us well to follow that Old Hymn’s instructions, and get into alignment with The Apostle Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This is HIS WILL for us IN CHRIST JESUS. And David said it precisely, “ I give Thanks to YOU, Oh LORD my GOD, with my whole heart, and I will glorify YOUR NAME FOREVER.” Psalm 86:12