When our gaze is so set on someone else or on personal circumstances, we will struggle to see the way to which God is leading. We will even struggle to see God Himself. Are we more concerned about our enemies…or our troubles…or the success of someone else – than we are on real solutions to those real problems?
Jesus is beaten and mocked relentlessly (John 19:2-3). The actual crucifixion was not enough. The beat down and humiliation was evil. Then the most cruel and heartless execution followed (John 19:17-18). Yet, death did not defeat Jesus. O church of God, rejoice in God’s grand work of salvation and consciously sharpen your focus on the empty cross and empty tomb!
Our relationship with Jesus can sometimes have a stronger base on the foundation of emotions than on the foundation of truth. When we build on the foundation of emotion in place of truth, we will wonder why we struggle with a strong relationship with Jesus and why we struggle with good decision-making skills.
Have you side stepped a genuine relationship with the Savior of the world but taken hold of the gift of salvation that He offers all who believe? Genuine relationship with Jesus impacts personal thankfulness. Today, we will study how the absence of growing genuine relationship with Jesus impacts a thankful heart.
Correctly diagnosing the barricades to thankfulness can open the passage to a thankful heart. What is hindering your ability to function in the realm of thankfulness? It is so helpful when we look to eliminate or walk past those things that hinder thankfulness! This week, we will only look at one choice that hinders our thankfulness.
You are not the only one who struggles with a specific temptation. You cannot find victory on your own. God will enable you to be victorious, as you call on Him for strength, and make the hard decisions to obey God in the small choices of life. You can choose to be thankful that God is working IN you and FOR you even during times of temptation.
