Day One of Gratitude Challenge

Colossians 3:12-17 (NASB)

¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. ¹⁴ Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

It has been said that “gratitude is learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and from others.”  The scripture above shares with us that we should allow God's Word to DWELL within us - which means to abide or live within us.  Get rid of the negative things that cause "heartache" and put on a new heart filled with God's blessings. 

Attitude of Gratitude

New Year Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. 

Okay, maybe I should be starting a diet as that is the usual New Year's challenge that people vow to complete.  I used to do that each year but it never worked.  I do intend to lose weight but that will be part of my Attitude of Gratitude Challenge.

I now realize that there is more to a problem than just the problem. . . What?  I am overweight.  Why is that?  It is more than just being overweight.  How did I get there and why?   How do I fix this problem(s).  I am starting my transformation with an attitude adjustment.  I am starting with GRATITUDE.  I am a Christian - but am I truly grateful to God for the blessings in my life?  In my recent bible study of God's graciousness and gratitude, I realize that I do not measure up.  Gratitude is more than saying THANK YOU.  It is the demonstration of gratitude through my life.
 "Attitude determines Altitude."

Gratitude is the key to transformation.  “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Colossians 3:17 Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord giving thanks to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

This challenge is inspired by Revive Our Hearts.  Here is to a new heart and new year.