Day 8 - Practice Gratitude

DAY 8 - PRACTICE GRATITUDE

"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." PHILLIPIANS 4:4-7

1. Make gratitude a LIFESTYLE NOT AN EVENT - v4 "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. AGAIN I will say, rejoice!"
   
2. Be gentle (kind, forgiving, merciful) to everyone; even the ones who have been unkind to you. God SEES and KNOWS your heart and He will HONOR you for it - v5 "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand."


3. Do NOT be afraid; only BELIEVE - v6 "Be anxious for nothing..."


4. The proper response in every season and circumstance of life is PRAYER and THANKSGIVING - v6 "...but in EVERYTHING by PRAYER and supplication, with THANKSGIVING..."


5. Be specific as you pray. God cares about the details - v6 "...let your REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN to God"


6. Receive the peace of God which will sustain you until the answer to your prayer manifests - v7 "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
   

THINGS TO DO AS YOU PRACTICE GRATITUDE

1. Acknowledge God's goodness, blessing and favor in your life as you pray - for His grace, mercy, love, blessing, favor, good health, relationships, job, home, etc.


2. Take a moment to send a note, text or email to your spouse, parents, a friend, a pastor, a mentor, coach, etc for something positive they have done to make you the person you are today.


3. And remember to include those who might be classified as your enemies. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven..." Matthew 5:44-45

Following hard after God,

Keith A. Craft

Day 8 - Practice Gratitude