DNA of JOY

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.

“Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Give Thanks to the Holy One.

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His son.

And now, let the weak say ‘I am strong!’ Let the poor say ‘I am rich!’

Because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks.” - Moen

Thanksgiving:

...the DNA of joy is gratitude. Have you ever noticed that complainers don't have much of either? – Tripp

Too true. 

Therefore…

…Do everything without grumbling or arguing (Philippians 2:14 NIV)

I have GREAT confidence in ALL of you to be THANKFUL tomorrow as you celebrate in your tradition(s) around the table of my daughter Samantha’s favorite menu. 

The trick is how will you handle today?

There will be traffic.  Channel 7 confirmed it today.

There will be lines at the grocery.

Don’t forget for some tonight is the “start of the party” and you may encounter one or two that have partied a little too hearty.

So in light of ALL of this potential Thanksgiving turmoil and trial, I thought I would encourage us to stay focused, stay grateful. You might even want to “sing” that little refrain when the line at the checkout is ten deep and crawling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC0fkWA2INw

For:

·        Gratitude keeps the Lord close by.

·        Thanksgiving helps bring our will into submission.

·        A grateful attitude strengthens our witness.

·        Gratitude encourages an eternal perspective when current events cause stress.

·        Gratitude transforms anxiety into peace. Something sorely needed on one of the busiest travel and shopping days of the year!

And as Tripp reminded us, thankfulness and GRATITUDE are essential ingredients for joy.  There’s no way to “rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16) without giving thanks in everything (v. 18).

That’s why ungrateful people are so grumpy.

Hence, what will you choose as your attitude today?

Content or complaining?

Grateful or grumbling?

Thankful or testy?

May I offer a little help?

…in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus. (Colossians 3:17 (ICB)

William Arthur Ward said:

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. – Ward

Don’t miss your chance at joy and blessing today.

GIVE THANKS!

Have a blessed day…

I love you all!

FREEDOM CHURCH (CHAMPIONS NETWORK)