Date: 11/06/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This month’s key phrase is: Grateful. Being grateful is an act of faith in God. It requires that we trust God. True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life.

In I Thessalonians 5:16-18, the Apostle Paul tell us to, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”.  Thus, being grateful in every situation is actually God’s will for us!  We must be grateful in every situation, even when things don’t go our way.  Instead of complaining  about what we don’t have, let us focus on what we do have and thank God for it. Gratitude is intentional. It takes effort to stop and think about the good things in our lives. Just like the one leper, we need to make a conscious choice to be grateful and thank Jesus for all He’s done for us. Second, gratitude is powerful. When we’re grateful, it can change our outlook on life. It can make us happier, healthier, and more positive. 

How can we practice gratitude in our everyday lives. First, start a gratitude journal. Every day write down  three things you’re grateful for. The point of the journal is to get in the habit of recognizing and appreciating the good things in your life. You may think that gratitude works for those for who see the glass as always, half full or half empty. However, we must stop focusing on what we don’t have. Stop living for the if and when. And if only. God says this is one of the central ways we become enslaved… who should have what others have. God says this is how we are becoming enslaved… it’s called ENVY and coveting. Exodus 20:17 tells us we must not covet what our neighbor has. We can become enslaved by wanting what others have, that wanting is called coveting…and the underlying desire is called envy. Envy is resentful desire of something possessed by another or others (but not limited to material possessions). Brothers and sisters become mindful of what you have. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”. 

In closing, Lord, help us to be intentional about practicing gratitude. Remind us to stop and thank You for all the blessings in our lives. Teach us to build our gratitude towers, so we can experience the healing and joy that comes from a grateful heart.  There is great healing to be found in the regular practice of gratitude. Amen. The question I pose for next week is: “Is there a difference between thankfulness and gratitude?  Let us always remember, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop