A Beatitude of Gratitude

Living in the “Bible Belt”  I read many a church sign while driving. Some of them are rather witty and others are down right weird.

I did come across one that I liked a lot. It read,  “A GRATEFUL MIND IS A GREAT MIND.”

As I reflected on that particular sign I thought about my various “states of mind.”

Some days I’m focused.

On other’s, not so much.

On occasion, I can keep a very clear train of thought that allows me to accomplish much in record time. Then there are days I’m left looking around having nothing to show for my efforts.

Yet, when I focus on counting my blessings, I gain clarity that at other times alludes me.

When I am grateful, it puts into perspective all the minor and petty annoyances that don’t really matter. Headaches and temporary trials don’t compare to God’s great grace, mercy and favor.

If I did not continually count my blessings, I would get bogged down in the nonsense of the day, other people’s drama and become mired down in things that aren’t any of my business.

We must renew our minds daily as not to magnify our problems instead of our God!

mornig-mums-10-11-2016-devotional  We are implored by Romans 12:2  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 

When we make a habit to appreciate how good God is to us, we are compelled to offer mercy, compassion and kindness as we have received it. The realization that we are not worthy, but God loves us anyway, should move us to love our neighbor/brother enough to not just pray for them but actually “do” for them.

Allowing our gratitude to spur us into action produces great deeds and great love, the kind Jesus would have us show toward one another.

In this season of thanks, don’t merely settle for being grateful, act grateful.

Allow your gratitude to motivate you to do something. Your random act of kindness may make a world of difference for someone else.

Stressed out by the holidays?

Allow gratitude to adjust your attitude!

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
Psalm 30:4 NKJV

 

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

14 comments

  1. Very well said, Lilka! We need to do more of counting our blessings and giving thanks in prayer for them, both physically and spiritually.

    Steve

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. That’s a good thing isn’t it? I want to pray for you and your family . Here in this post. I will lift you up in intercession as the Spirit leads afterwards. Lord help me to pray for this family. Father I ask for peace and harmony for these good folks. May the bond they have grow deeper down into the river of life that you supply. Let them understand even more about your great love for them. Strengthen them for the service that they do in your name because you love them. I bind all strongholds in the life’s of this family. All the way to great grandchildren. Bring to their hearts all strongholds the enemy has on them, even in speech, thought and emotions. Lord your wonderful grace and love is more than sufficient for them. Give them all a spirit of prayer and deep fellowship with you. Let them find peace and joy in knowing you. You in them and they in you as the Father is in you. Reveal the mysterys that only those that know you can understand to them. Enlarge their territory oh Lord and give them a fresh annoiting upon their life’s. Let the wind of your spirit blow through their homes and jobs as well as everyday life. Give them favor lord with their enemies and each other. Father let them have good health and kind hearts. May they be great disciple makers for you. Lord cause then to test in you. Praise God. We thank you Lord for what you are doing even now in the life of this family even down to the great grandchildren.

        Much love Tom

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Tom,
        This brought me to tears this morning (good tears). I found this as I was about to dash out the door to work. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and prayer. I receive all of it! You have surely blessed me this morning. Thank you. We will “talk” soon.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Thanks for sharing this, such a wonderful thought “A grateful mind is a great mind”…
    🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝
    Keep going high and keep Doing you.
    Thanks B

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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