Gratitude of Abundance
Great morning! Great morning! Great morning! Today we want to honor the spirit of thanksgiving, by reflecting upon the abundant blessings that surround us. Every day should be a day of thanks and gratitude for us all. So, as we come upon the American Holiday, let us change our focus and truly be thankful as the Lord saw fit for us to do. Let us truly express our gratitude for the many gifts we have received. Today, I would like to explore the profound spiritual significance of gratitude and how it enriches our lives.
Scripture Reading:
Let us begin by turning to the words of the psalmist in Psalm 100:4-5: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.”
Gratitude as a Spiritual Discipline:
Thanksgiving should be a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to the heart of Yahweh. When we cultivate gratitude, we open our hearts to the transformative power of Yahweh's love. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul encourages us, saying, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of Yah in Yeshuah the Yeshuah for you."
Gratitude Should Transform Our Perspectives:
In our daily lives, it's easy to become consumed by challenges, worries, and responsibilities. However, a heart of gratitude transforms our perspective. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we begin to see the abundance that surrounds us. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshuah, giving thanks to Yah the Father through Him." When our perspectives are changed, we are open to greater possibilities. When our perspectives change, we can value the imagination and dreams of others. When our perspectives change, we can see the move of the Holy Spirit.
The Power of Thankfulness in Community:
Thanksgiving is a communal celebration. It is a time for us to come together and express gratitude for the relationships that sustain and uplift us. In 1 Corinthians 1:4, Paul writes, "I thank my Yah always concerning you for the grace of Yah which was given to you by Yeshuah the Christ.” As a person looks at Yahweh’s blessings with thanksgiving, it renews strength and instills courage to face tomorrow. Familial bonds that have been broken should be mended. Forgiveness should be given and received. Hugs and kisses should come forth.
Service as an Expression of Gratitude:
True gratitude is not just a feeling; it is expressed through our actions. As we give thanks for the abundance we have received, let us also consider how we can be instruments of Yahweh's love and grace in the lives of others. Galatians 5:13 encourages us, "For you brethren have been called to liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” When we learn to serve, we learn to have become and remain humble. When we learn to serve, we forgo selfishness. When we learn to serve, we do unto the least of them.
Conclusion:
As we celebrate our abundance, let us commit to cultivating a spirit of gratitude that permeates every aspect of our lives. May our hearts be filled with thanksgiving, and may our actions reflect the love and grace that Yahweh has so generously bestowed upon us. As we enter into His gates with open hearts, let us not only recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from above but let us remember His Grace, His Goodness, and His Guidance.
May the peace of Yahweh, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Yeshuah the Christ. Amen.
