Date: 11/13/2023

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. 

Brothers and Sisters, how do you know if you are operating from a spirit of gratitude? Gratitude is an important part of keeping a healthy psychological outlook, but it is closely related to thankfulness. 

• Thankfulness fades – Gratitude remains: Gratitude begins as thankfulness, but the difference happens when we keep our focus on everything that remains as thankfulness fades. Gratitude will stay with us. 

• Gratitude deepens our inner connections – Thankfulness is external: We should feel thankful when something happens externally. When we practice gratitude, we rely on our inner voice to stay positive and remain appreciative in all circumstances good and bad. 

• Thankfulness is about the present interaction – Gratitude improves the long-term relationship: We may feel thankful to someone at the moment, but gratitude is an ongoing showing of appreciation in our relationships. Practicing gratitude in our relationships will bring us closer to the ones you love and to God. 

Romans 1:18-21 tells us, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them; …when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Also, II Timothy 3:2 tells us, “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection…”.  These verses reminds us that thanklessness and ingratitude distinguishes the godless and wicked people who suppress the truth about God’s goodness. Gratitude and thankfulness are synonymous with faith and love. They are the natural response to God’s goodness and gifts of grace. God is glorified through the thanksgiving of His people.

In closing, gratitude to God does not happen overnight. It takes a lifetime of daily practice to master. Cultivating gratitude is a skill. God gives us 86,400 seconds each day to practice gratitude! Now is the time to begin! Let us give Him thanks with a grateful heart! Until next week, 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