Gratefulness

Let’s talk about gratefulness.  

Gratefulness is defined as showing appreciation for what has been done or has been received.  Some years ago, my friend Pastor Eric Thomas preached a sermon at our youth revival entitled “Is your execution your worship”. Meaning, does how you plan, organize, and do life, in general, reflect your worship of Almighty God?  One of the definitions of execution is the carrying out or putting into effect a plan, order, or course of action.

I ask you is your execution your worship?

Does your life show God that you are grateful for everything he has done for you? 

Do you move with intention and thoughtfulness, or do you just get up and go? 

Throughout your day do you talk to/with God? 

Do you include him in the things you are doing or want to do? 

Do you slow down and just sit with God? 

Do you remember him? I ask again, Do. You. Remember. Him? Let that sit with you for a moment. 

Our relationship with God is interactive and engaging. It is real, it is past, present, and future. Gratefulness requires you to pause and think. To think on all the ways God has covered you and your loved ones. 

As we end the year, get still. Reflect upon 2022. Think of your life, look at all the ways that God has guided your life even when you did not talk with him. Review how grace and mercy showed up in your life. 

 “Grace is getting what you don't deserve; Mercy is not getting what you deserve" 

Lisa Apello wrote, “The Power of gratitude, 12 Benefits of giving God thanks.” She lists these 12 ways benefits of giving God thanks:

1. Gratitude glorifies God. 
2. Gratitude helps us see God. 
3. Gratitude puts us squarely in God’s Will 
4. Gratitude brings peace 
5. Gratitude draws us to God. 
6. Gratitude brings a commitment to God. 
7. Gratitude deepens faith. 
8. Gratitude leads to joy. 
9. Gratitude defies Satan’s Lies 
10. Gratitude guards against envy, 
11. Gratitude helps us live in the present. 
12. Gratitude is a testimony. 

I close by asking again, “Is your execution your worship?” 

Does it reflect your gratefulness to our omnipotent God? Let gratefulness be a foundational principle in how you do everything in your life and watch how much more joy you will have, the more at peace you will be, the more love you have to share, and the more fulfilled in your life you will be. 

1 Corinthians 8:3 KJV says, “But if any man loves God, the same is known of him.” But I like the amplified version “But if anyone loves God [with awe-filled reverence, obedience, and gratitude], he is known by Him [as His very own and is greatly loved].”