Last week, I wrote about the many benefits of gratitude.  Gratitude:

• Increases the awareness of God’s presence in our lives.
• Opens our eyes to His faithfulness.
• Encourages and helps us to grow in our faith.

As you spend time with the Lord this week, I pray you find encouragement from the verses below.

Gratitude Verses

Psalm 50:10,12 NLT, “For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills… for the world is Mine, and everything in it…. Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.  Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you and you will give Me glory.”

Psalm 50:23 NLT, “… giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me.”

Psalm 107:1-2 NLT, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever.  Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!  Tell others He has redeemed you from your enemies.”

What has the Lord done for you in your circumstances?  Tell someone!

Psalm 7:17, NLT, “I will thank the Lord because He is just;  I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Notice it doesn’t say to give thanks for all circumstances, but in our circumstances.  Sometimes in the fiercest of storms, the presence of God can be tangibly felt.

Case in point:  Joseph.  His story covers 11 chapters.   Joseph was in the worst of trials.  In chapter 39, you see the constant reminder that God was with him.  Never again in the remaining chapters do we see the reminder of God’s presence in Joseph’s life as we do in that one season.  If you’re in a hard place.  Take time to read Joseph’s story.  (Genesis 39 – 50.)

Colossians 2:7, “…rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 3:15, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

Gratitude gives us a greater awareness of God’s abiding presence.  It allows us to experience tangible evidence of His nearness and love.:)

LUNCHEON, APRIL 5TH

Speaker:  Dr. Leisa Leonard

Preserving our Brain Health