Practice Gratitude Daily

Our battle begins in the mind; it is here that the devil plants a seed of doubt and discontent. It is in my thoughts that this battle must first be fought; and it is here where God has given us a strategy for overcoming. 

I cannot always pinpoint why I have descended into the valley of gloom, but I have learned that staying there can be a most debilitating thing. 

When I am over my head in perplexing thoughts or spiritual warfare, I make a deliberate choice; I choose to believe that God is present. Even in my darkest hour I dare not abandon hope, for hope dares to believe in an outcome which I cannot presently see. 

I must begin here in Hebrews 11:6 AMP “But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.”

If I believe He is real, then I must look for the good that is taking place in my life and not become preoccupied with my seemingly overwhelming challenges. 

This is where thankfulness is my most important weapon when feeling overwhelmed. Synonyms of thankfulness would be worship, adoration, gratitude and thanks; these are direct means of displacing preoccupation with self and placing my focus on God. 

If you want to see real change in your circumstances, practice GRATITUDE daily. 

~ Pastor Mike

Sometimes we need to escape our surroundings and breathe in God’s creative wonder. The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland are renowned for their rugged beauty, dramatic cliffside, and diverse avian life. I was awe struck with God’s handiwork, as I gazed over this scene in 2005. With God, I am never alone in this world, and I offer up gratitude daily to JESUS, my savior and eternal Friend.