I hope you all had a wonderful time with your family during the Thanksgiving weekend. If you missed Sunday’s message you can find it on youtube:
October 11 – https://youtu.be/XXdHmTs1k-4
After hearing the message about thanksgiving, I hope you would include these in your thoughts of Thanksgiving:
- Thanksgiving is a sign of Maturity
- Read Job 1 – Pay attention to his response to God
- Thanksgiving is a weapon
- Read 2 Chronicles 20:15-22 – Notice how the battle was won, not in typical army fashion
- Thanksgiving leads to peace and comfort
- Read Philippians 4:6-7 & Psalms 100:1-5 – You will find guidance and instruction on how to use Thanksgiving to bring you peace and comfort
- Thanksgiving is part of God’s will for us in Christ Jesus
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) – Paul tells us what God’s will for us is in Christ Jesus
As we grow in maturity, I believe that we should make every effort to grow in our character. This requires intentionality, consistency and discipline. Here are some tools that have been helping me on the journey to maturity:
- Create a Gratitude Journal – Studies show that if you have trouble sleeping, before you go to bed write 3 things you are grateful for and this will improve your sleep
- Write a Gratitude Letter – one per month to remind you of all the things you are grateful for.
- To build a healthy habit of gratitude to God – If you are in Discipleship refer to Lesson 19
- Steps to Initiate Growth in Godly Character
- Choose a character trait
- Pray daily for that trait
- Identify a time you failed, and listen in prayer for practical steps
- Learn & memorize Scripture about your trait
- Tell someone & ask for their prayers
- Be filled with the Holy Spirit
- Receive inner healing (if applicable)
- Confess any bitterness or offense (if applicable)
- Continue to renew your mind, by meditating (memorize) on eternal things
- Keep in step with the Spirit (stop & choose correctly)
Bonus: Find someone who has an Attitude of Gratitude and ask them what they do and how they do it.
Father, we thank you for everything you are doing in our lives, seen and unseen. We want to honor you not only in our words but in our actions too. I pray that the spirit of Thanksgiving will be upon all of our hearts. I pray that we would not need a holiday to be thankful but that we would grow in thanksgiving and develop an attitude of gratitude. Father, as we journey together with you Lord, to become mature sons and daughters in Christ, I pray that you would give us strength to make every effort to mature and to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. I pray for your grace and mercy over our lives during this season. Protect us and keep us safe. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!