Stepping Stones: Receive with Thanksgiving

Transformational Tip
Try thanking God regularly throughout your day; for each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider. In our past, we suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns...our "healing"reaction is developing defenses to make sure we don't get hurt again. One of our defenses is independence and control...making sure we have a plan and not dependent on others plans because we know better what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a different plan than ours. Our choices...1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed, because our plan didn't happen, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome God had a better plan to really do what is truly best for us. Thankful might seem more difficult, but really is much better for you in your relationship with GOD, others, and yourself. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is; the Author of your life and your faith. So what do you choose today when life goes different than you want....frustration and angst or thankfulness. It's easier than you think...try it.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
I know I'm supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to you that sometimes my prayers are hollow, I can say them without feeling thankful at all...especially during difficult times. I know my Lord that I am totally dependent on You for everything...even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You my Lord.
I pray this prayer in Jesus' precious name - AMEN.

The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17