Gratitude #4~ We need to speak words of gratitude and what we want to be and have.

“O Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”  Ps. 95:1-3

While working on my sermon I was looking for material to substantiate the message I wanted to portray. Words are so powerful and we can't be silent any longer. God spoke the world into existence. God left us with His word. His word is life. When the children of Israel no longer had the cloud or the fire, only the Arc their lives changed, their direction changed, they entered the Promise Land. They had to stand 2 cubits back from the Arc. From my studies I learned that the reason we were to follow from a safe distance was to be respectful, honorable and to humble ourselves. When we follow God's presence (the Arc) we must be lead by Him. God tells us Jesus Christ is the Word and the Word was made flesh. The Word tells us to renew our minds, be Christ-like and Christ-minded. If this is the case we need to speak as Christ spoke. Speak what we want not what we see.

The Power of a Grateful Heart, 7 Things It Can Do:Reprinted from Debbie McDonald 

1. It gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God.
2. It reminds us we're not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him.
3. It helps us to recognize we have so much to be thankful for, even all of the little things, which often we may forget to thank Him for...but they really are the biggest, most important things in this life. It takes our attention off of our problems and helps us instead to reflect on, to remember, the goodness of His many blessings.
4. It reminds us that God is the Giver of all good gifts. We were never intended to be fully self-sufficient in this life. A grateful heart reminds us that ultimately God is our Provider, that all blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by His hand.
5. A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining. For it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.
6. It makes the enemy flee. The forces of darkness can't stand to be around hearts that give thanks and honor to God. Our praise and thanksgiving will make them flee.
7. It opens up the door for continued blessings. It invites His presence. Our spirits are refreshed and renewed in Him. God loves to give good gifts to His children. He delights in our thankfulness and pours out His Spirit and favor over those who give honor and gratitude to Him.                                                                                                     

ACTION STEP: Today is your day. Each morning we have the opportunity to speak the powerful words of God. Just as light travels and drives out darkness, our words change the course of life--my life and your life. Today, praise God! Today, praise God and be thankful for what you have. Refuse to agree with the negative forces of our fallen world. Our words are powerful! Use them to your advantage.