[Faith-talk] FW: [PFS] Today's Encouragement from Prov 31 Ministries

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "Steph" <smathews at hctc.net>
To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
Subject: [PFS] Today's Encouragement from Prov 31 Ministries
Date: 
Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:48:50 -0600

Thank You Power | Encouragement For Today | Proverbs 31 MinistriesThank
You Power 
25 Nov 2009 Rachel Olsen 

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in
Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) 

In my (part-time) job as a university teacher, I'm frequently reading
research. I know . it sounds as dry as an over-cooked turkey. Sometimes it
is but often I find interesting stuff in that scientific prose. For
example, I read about a study that showed just how great it is to be
grateful. 

The researchers found that grateful people report higher levels of
positive emotions, more satisfaction with life, and more vitality and
optimism. All good qualities I want more of in my life. They also found
grateful people show lower levels of depression and stress - two things I'd
like to experience less in my life. 

What's more, they found tha t people who write weekly in a journal about
things they are thankful for are healthier. They exercise more regularly,
report fewer physical symptoms, and feel better in general than people who
journal about neutral or negative life events. That sounds great, and I'll
take all the help I can get in the exercise department. 

Finally, the research showed that people who daily count their blessings
report higher levels of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, and energy.
Wow, the benefits of being grateful are remarkable and many! I guess that
shouldn't surprise me after considering today's key verse. The Bible urges
us to give thanks . all the time . in every situation . because this
practice is the will of God. 

Let me be clear, there are terrible things that happen to us that may not
be the will of God, but us praising God and giving thanks in spite of them
certainly is the will of God. 

As Christians, we can always find reason to give thanks - thanks for the
salvation of Christ, the nearness of God, and the counsel of His Spirit for
starters. The psalmist declared, "I will give thanks to the LORD because of
his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High"
(Psalm 7:17, NIV). We can do that too. 

Christian poet John Milton once wrote about every grey cloud having a
silver lining. Purposing to give thanks, no matter the weather, will train
us to look for it. Continuing in this manner day after day ensures that
gratefulness will become a normal mode of operation. 

No wonder those researchers found that people regularly counting their
blessings grow happier, healthier, and more optimistic. After all, that
research wasn't discovering anything new, but rather confirming the will
and wisdom of God. God already knows how great it is for us to be grateful.
Now "science" does too. 

What can you give thanks for today? 

Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your Son and Your Sp
irit, given to me. Thank You for the provision of shelter and food I have
today. And Lord, thank You for this reminder to become more mindful of my
blessings. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

Related Resources: Jesus Calling: A 365-Day Journaling Devotion by Sarah
Young 

Visit Rachel's blog - My Life in Chapter and Verse for more on this topic


Click here for refreshing ideas on giving thanks 

The Tale of Three Trees (hard cover or chubby) retold by Angela Elwell
Hunt 

Application Steps: Start a gratitude journal. At the end of each day
between now and Christmas, take a few minutes to jot down 3-5 things you
are thankful for. Keep the notebook and pencil by your bed. Your list can
include "big" things like good health, or "little" things like a flower in
bloom. Give thanks to God for all of these. 

See if you feel any happier, healthier, or more optimistic after a few
weeks of regularly giving thanks. 

Reflections: How often do I give thanks to God? 

Do I notice, or remember, the little blessings in my days? 

Do I want to feel happier, be healthier, and think more optimistically?
More importantly, do I want to do the will of God? 

Power Verses: Psalm 118:19, "Open for me the gates of righteousness; I
will enter and give thanks to the LORD." (NIV) 

Psalm 107:22, "Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works
with songs of joy." (NIV) 

© 2009 by Rachel Olsen. All rights reserved. 

Proverbs 31 Ministries 
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105 
877-P31-HOME (877-731-4663)