A Gratitude Acrostic to Direct Our Minds Toward Heavenly Blessings

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

As we enter this time of national Thanksgiving, our hearts turn to reasons to be thankful. Of course, we should be thankful every day because we have been blessed by God beyond what we could ever imagine.

We have been given everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). But these gifts are not automatic. It is our responsibility to accept what Jesus died to give us and live in the victory He won. As you meditate on what these verses can mean to your life, ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight and application for every problem you may encounter. We can be thankful IN (not for) all things when we know the Lord will never leave us or forsake us.

Here is an acrostic to direct us to Scriptures that guide our minds toward heavenly blessings and gratitude from our heavenly Father.

Goodness – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17 NKJV)

Revelation – But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10 NKJV)

Attitude – Let Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be. (Philippians 2:5 PNT)

Treasures – But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV)

Instruction – Those who listen to instruction will prosper, those who trust the Lord will be joyful. (Proverbs 16:20 NLT)

Time – For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV)

Understanding – The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]. (Proverbs 4:7 AMP)

Deliverance – He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. (Colossians 1:13 NKJV)

Everlasting life – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 NKJV)

The Bible is so full of reasons to be thankful. These verses can’t capture the vast supply the Lord has given us. What can you add to this acrostic to show us more reasons to express gratitude?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts. 

A gratitude acrostic to direct our minds toward heavenly blessings (click to share on X)

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, may you remember that Jesus is there with you at your table too. Here is my most recent Crosswalk article, "10 Examples of Jesus Ministering to People Over Meals."  https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/examples-of-jesus-ministering-to-people-over-meals.html  May your Thanksgiving celebration be filled with joy and peace.

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Image by Jasmin_Völker_Fotografie from Pixabay

Autumn Can Show Us How to Let Go of Our Comfort Zone

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Each fall season, Ken and I, along with some friends, take a motorcycle trip to the mountains to view the spectacular color of God’s artistry among the trees.

From year to year the color varies dependent on the weather conditions of summer. But they are always a reminder of the creative power of our Lord. Pictures do not capture the brilliance of nature’s paintbrush. The shimmery golds, dazzling oranges, and fiery reds feed our eyes and minds with the amazing creative power of our Lord.

These leaves eventually detach and fall to the ground. The crunchy tree material drifts in spirals to the forest floor to decay and become part of the soil that will nourish new seeds in the spring. The beauty served a purpose for a time, but only lasts for a season.

What can autumn teach us about letting go of our comfort zone? Like the trees release their leaves, we can learn to release our own desires in favor of God’s desires.  

We can grow attached to accomplishments or places of knowledge with God. We may want to stay where it is comfortable. We don’t want to let go of what is familiar. But to expand and receive new levels of inspiration, we must follow the Creator’s leading.

We should periodically examine our lifestyles and find out if we have adopted some routines that may not be healthy. We may have developed eating habits that we aren’t conscious of, attitudes that are not holy, or lack of diligence in some of our work.

This is the time to step out in faith and obey the Lord’s leading for a direction we may not have been before.

To live in our identity in Christ means we live like He did. We follow His teachings through His commandments. Sometimes we may feel as if this is an impossible task. But He doesn’t expect us to do this through our own power.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

What kind of habits did Jesus live by?

He knew when to draw away from other people to be alone with His Father.

Prayer and Bible study can draw us closer to our Savior. We can hear His voice clearly when we take the time to listen.

Regular church attendance brings us into fellowship with other believers.

Falling leaves can remind us to let go of the past, live in the present, and pray about the future. Our heavenly Father always has new revelation, knowledge, and assignments for us as we seek to follow His will. (click to share on X)

What do falling leaves remind you of? Join the conversation