Be Grateful

Will you be grateful for ____?

Big Point: Stop. Look. Go. Be grateful.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “America: the land of opportunity”, referring to the opportunities to earn a prosperous living and to succeed in the U.S., but what about a faith of opportunity in Jesus? Do you look for things to be thankful for—for opportunities to be thankful in...
your faith? How can we do this?

Start with God’s love and forgiveness and then STOP. Everything is fast-paced around us and it’s easy to fall into that same speed, but just take a moment to stop. Next, LOOK. Use your eyes, ears, nose (and taste buds!) to look for the wonders around us. Appreciate the gifts that have been given to you that you may otherwise pass over. Next, GO. Go do what life offers you in this moment. It’s an opportunity to enjoy!

True gratitude happens when we receive something of value that was given, not earned, and Paul wrote the following verses to help us understand where God wants us to focus so that we can experience that truth. He tells us to STOP, LOOK and GO to keep us centered on God.

READ IT… What does the Bible say?

Philippians 4:8-9 (New Living Translation)

⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ⁹ Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me – everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.  

Question: What happens when we fix our thoughts on the things Paul has instructed us to focus on?

Answer:

BELIEVE IT… What is the lesson for me?

If we are instructed what to fix our thoughts on, it implies we are to spend far less time thinking about anything else. Below, list some opposing words/phrases to help you know what to avoid.

True vs. _________ Honorable vs. _________ Right vs. ____________

Pure vs. _________ Lovely vs. ____________ Admirable vs. ________

LIVE IT… What will I do now?

Based on what Paul teaches in these verses, how can you be thankful to God in spite of a current struggle?

PRAY… Pray for an open heart, one that will focus on the positive things in your life rather than the struggles. Thank God for the wonders that surround us and ask for the ability to recognize these things amongst whatever chaos or struggle you may be going through. 

More Living It Out

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