Date: 11/27/23

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. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20

What is the formula for genuine happiness? If happiness is the question, what is the answer? The answer is simple: GRATEFULNESS. Not everything is perfect; not everything is successful. In this journey we call life, we’ll never be fully happy if we always try to win. Appreciating what life can give you is one of the first steps to happiness. To have a full realization of acceptance, you need to learn the value of gratitude first. If we want to experience genuine happiness and gratefulness, we must first be grateful. Gratitude turns what we have into enough. When a wise man does not grieve for things, he does not have, but rejoices for those things which he has. He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he has not but rejoices for those which he has. We must multiply our contentment towards our view of life by being thankful every day. Brothers and Sisters, we must choose our thoughts about our outlook in life. If we start being optimistic, we will generate optimism around us. We must learn how to value and share our positive energy to the people close to our heart by giving thanks and affirmation. Happiness is not about how much we have, but how much we enjoy and embrace life.

Gratefulness affects others and us. There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is ingratitude. We must share our blessings with others who need it the most. Gratefulness is not about receiving; it is about giving thanks without anything in return. Do not always focus on what you want. Learn how to give love to people around you by appreciating what they do for you. Compliment people because it will make their day. The gift of giving does not necessarily mean material things. Gratefulness is an attitude. If we are not thankful for what we have, we will not be thankful for what we are going to receive. We must subtract all negative thoughts. Be optimistic with life and always count our blessings. Do not let our fear and doubts get the best of us. If we always aim to compete with ourselves, we will forever be restless. Don’t let the world dictate who you should be. Find the source of your happiness and stick with it. Here’s a verse from the book of John which could guide us through our gratefulness towards life. John 14:13-14 tells us, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

In closing, ask yourself who are the people in your life whom you should say thanks to?” Do not hold on to the things that stop you from being happy and contented. Gratitude makes it easier for you to focus on amazing people, wonders of nature and significant events. By being contented with these things, you will grasp a fulfillment which does not demand more out of life. And of course, make it all for the Glory of God! All for Him, all for His gratification! Until next week, let us always remember, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop