Gratitude

It goes without saying that Thanksgiving is more that turkey day and football (yes it is, trust me!) It is about being Thankful to God for all he has blessed us with including the country we live in. The first Thanksgiving was founded on this very idea.

Gratitude is one of the most fundamental ingredients of a relationship with God. It shows both you and Him that you do not take what you have for granted and it is His will that you have what you do.

George Muller was a famous person in the fact that he prayed for everything and was thankful for it. In the wake of his incredible faith he created a system of orphanages in the UK that helped thousands of children for decades. When he died his home town of Bristol closed for 3 days in mourning. His impact was not only felt there but around the globe.

One instance of ministry he was involved in was having a couple come to him and talk about the next step in their life. They had recently lost nearly everything and were very sad and distraught on how to go forward. Muller told them to take what they had left and give what they felt was appropriate as at thanksgiving offering to God. Reason being is that he could have taken everything but he didn’t and they still had something.

The couple did give an offering. Sometime later they had returned with great news that their gratitude in this matter caused God to bless them with even more than they ever lost and soon they prospered once again.

Gratitude establishes the proper relationship with our Creator God. He gave us everything and we have really nothing to give back but ourselves through love and obedience. When we give, back what he has given us by offerings and service we allow that relationship to be taken to new growth and new heights we may have never experienced before.

Remember what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

No matter what seek joy and gratitude and see the ways it makes you closer to Him in the end.

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig