NKJV 365 / Gratitude - A Thankful Spirit

NKJV 365 Day Reading Plan

Day 341 of 365 Gratitude A Thankful Spirit Gratitude begins by acknowledging who God is and what He has done. This heartfelt emotion is not dependent on the response of another person or on the nature of what is received as a gift. Ingratitude, on the other hand, begins with a heart that refuses to be satisfied, that rejects the Giver as well as His gift (Rom. 1:21). Life itself is a gracious gift from God. There is no gratitude except what is built on this foundation. A spirit of gratitude must be cultivated, then passed on to others, especially to those in your own household, by example. These are some ways to accomplish this: * Remember that a grateful person is humble and focused on God, while the ungrateful heart is full of pride and focused on self. Ruth beautifully emulated such a spirit of gratitude and humility (Ruth 2:10). She responded graciously even to the smallest kindness. * Do not take for granted the small and ordinary daily blessings (Matt. 6:11). * Look for blessings from God, being careful not to overlook the hidden, subtle, indirect gifts from God (Col. 4:2). Recognize that not every gift you desire may be beneficial to you. God is the all-wise Giver. Consider His plan and priorities for your life, being careful not to lose sight of the big picture because of a tragic but small interruption. * Remember to thank God even in the midst of adversity and trials (Hab. 3:17-19; 1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 1:3; 2:14; 1 Thess. 5:18). * Gratitude to God and others should be expressed not only regularly but also publicly (Ps. 35:18; John 11:41, 42). Family members and close friends should not be taken for granted. * Record your blessings and keep a record of God's faithfulness to you. * Complete the cycle of gratitude by reaching out to give to others in the Spirit of Christ (2 Cor. 9:12). A grateful spirit and thankful heart are an integral part of the holy life. The woman who is thankful and has a heart full of praise brings joy to the Father and glory to His name. An attitude of gratitude will bring to your heart a host of blessings and make you a channel of blessing to others. Taken from The Woman's Study Bible Psalms 98:1-9 NASB 1 O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. 2The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Shout joyfully to the Lord , all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. 5 Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, With the lyre and the sound of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn Shout joyfully before the King, the Lord . 7 Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy 9 Before the Lord , for He is coming to judge the earth;