MESSAGES

BEING THANKFUL

"Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" -- Psalm 107:8, 15,21,31

Sometimes, we're so busy complaining that we forget to be thankful; yet, as believers, we really have so much to be thankful for. Can we be thankful when we are sick and in constant pain? When we’ve prayed and still remain in the same condition? When others---even our friends and family think we must lack faith or be sinning since we’re not healed?

You bet we can be thankful, grateful that God has given us the strength and Grace to come through what is a difficult journey. Grateful that God sees our hearts and knows the truth; that we believe and hope and love and trust Him through it all.

We can be grateful that we are the children of God---that He loves us and we will be with Him forever. Is there anything more wonderful than that?

God loved us enough to give His Son for us. He loves us enough to send His Spirit to indwell us. He loves us enough to give us His own power of Creativity.

The list of things to be grateful for could go on and on, but here's the thing to remember:

1. Thankfulness and Gratitude is an attitude.

2. So is complaining and murmuring.

3. God loves the first---He hates the second.

If you constantly have unrealistic expectations, you are setting yourself up for unhappiness. But, if you just rejoice in what God does for you, and really believe He is working all things together for your good, you are setting yourself up for a good life---for contentment and happiness.

"Multitudes in our nation have become specialists in the science of misery." -- Francis Frangipane Man is an 'expert' at how things should be; he expects an imperfect world to treat him perfectly. This is so unrealistic. Don't be a complainer or let the spirit of unthankfulness rule your heart.

Being thankful--grateful to God--will make your life joyful; being ungrateful will make your life a living hell. Which will you choose?

Gratefulness,
the truest test of character, humility.
No aching over 'could have been',
or sighing over 'should have been',
but peace with true reality.

Gratefulness is not obsessed
with how a thing is done.
No dwelling over 'could have done'
or hinting at the 'should have done',
or wondering 'how come?'

A grateful heart is truly blessed,
at peace with God and man;
thankful for what's here today;
believing that what comes its way
is working out God's plan.

GOD HAS GOOD

PLANS

FOR YOUR

FUTURE

know what I'm doing.

I have it all planned out--

plans to take care of you,

not abandon you,

plans to give you

the future you hope for.

"When you call on me,

when you come

and pray to me,

I'll listen.

Jeremiah 29:11

(Message Bible)

HOPE ON THE INSIDE is a Ministry of A Place Called Hope - www.aplacecalledhope.net

If you have to stay inside, make sure that Hope is on the inside with you.