One of my goals for this year is to memorize Scripture verses. One of my favorites since I was a child is Psalm 100:

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness, come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God, it is He who made us and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture."

It's easy to be a grumbler, to find little or big things to complain about. Our culture teaches us to always want more, to never be quite satisfied with what we have. God gives us a far different way to live.

Charles Stanley says, "The Bible instructs us, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5: 18). It's interesting that this instruction was written by Paul, whose loyalty to Christ earned him severe persecution. How was he able to be grateful to God?

While the apostle's circumstances were difficult, he knew that his riches in Jesus far outweighed any earthly discomfort. And those same blessings are available to all believers. First, we gain a personal relationship with the one true God - the sovereign, omniscient, and omnipresent Lord of all creation. Second, our Creator loves us with an everlasting and unconditional love. Third, He sent His Son to pay our sin-debt so that we could spend eternity with Him. What's more, when we trust in Jesus, we are freed from the fear of death.

And the list of blessings keeps going: God adopts believers as His children (Ephesians 1:5). He has a plan for every life - and bestows special gifts to make it happen. He also promises to meet every need through His limitless resources (Philippians 4:19) and provides His Word and indwelling Spirit to guide us. No wonder Paul was grateful! Count his blessings as your own, and let God know how appreciative you are."

In the past, I've committed to writing down daily at least three blessings. I think it's time for me to renew this habit! What about you? How do you cultivate the attitude of gratitude in your own life?

In Christ's ministry together ~ Pastor Caryn

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want Psalm 23:1

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19