DAILY THANKSGIVING WITH CHARLES

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Many of you know my wife’s penchant for one CHARLES STANLEY.  I even mentioned a few months back that if something were to happen to me or if I “strayed” again, Beth would likely pack her bags and head to Atlanta to begin her pursuit of Mr. Stanley.

But with all kidding aside, Charles was an instrumental part in me and Beth’s marriage recovery.  He guided her through the hard times of my addiction and selfishness and 

now offers weekly inspiration for our continued growth.

This past week in honor of THANKSGIVING, CHARLES shared a message about THANKSGIVING EVERY DAY.  If you are frequent reader of this DISPATCH, I encourage you each day by asking “HAVE YOU THANKED HIM.”  

Why? 

Because GRATITUDE is a crucial element to our WALK with CHRIST and a non-negotiable in recovery. I have witnessed more recoveries crater due to a lack of gratitude than any other reason.

Gratitude keeps our hearts and minds focused on the LORD! – Charles Stanley.

Therefore it is imperative to GIVE THANKS daily!

So today I thought I would pull a portion of Charles’ recent talk and include it here the day before our “DAY” of THANKSGIVING as a powerful reminder of the IMPACT OF GRATITUDE!

True, heartfelt, daily thanksgiving has a powerful impact on our lives. It results in a changed mindset and a desire to obey the Lord.

Gratitude . . .

·        Keeps us continually aware that we are walking in God’s presence. This contributes to a godly lifestyle.

·        Motivates us to look for the Lord’s purposes in everything in our lives. Even if we don’t understand what He’s doing, thanking Him lifts the burden.

·        Helps us bring our will into submission to His when we suffer pain or loss. By thanking Him in the midst of our pain, we acknowledge His loving sovereignty.

·        Continually reminds us that He is our God and motivates us to tell others about Him.

·        Reminds us of our continuing dependence on Him.

·        Helps us trust the Lord. Because He alone knows what’s best, we can thank Him even if we don’t understand why something’s happening. God honors our thanksgiving the most when we feel like we have the least reason for gratitude.

·        Is essential for rejoicing in the midst of suffering. When the bottom drops out of our lives and everything looks dark, songs of praise and thanksgiving restore our hope, assuring us that God is the Light in our darkness.

·        Removes anxiety. Praise and gratitude drive out fretting and worry.

·        Keeps our focus on the Lord. The situation may not change, but our attitude will.

·        Energizes us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Ephesians 1:18-19 (MSG)

…grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

So Charles and I ask you this morning…HAVE YOU THANKED HIM?

 

Love you all

Freedom Church