The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude (71 page)

In order to live in victory, it’s important that we make up our minds to live for God no matter what. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to throw off every sin that entangles us. It is virtually impossible to be a spiritual success with known, willful sin in our lives. I don’t mean to say that we must be absolutely perfect in order for God to use us, but I am saying that we must have an aggressive attitude about keeping sin out of our lives.

When God says something is wrong, then it is wrong. We don’t need to discuss, theorize, blame, make excuses, or feel sorry for ourselves—we need to agree with God, thank Him for showing us, ask for forgiveness, and work with the Holy Spirit to get whatever it is out of our lives forever. Purity leads to power, and with God’s help, we can live abundant, powerful lives.

Father, I thank You that You point out sin in my life so that I can move past that sin and live in victory. Today, I want to set aside any sin that entangles me and live a pure and holy life for You. Thank You that You will help me every step of the way.

Our real success and value in life is not found in climbing what the world thinks to be the ladder of success. It is not in a job promotion, a bigger house, a better-looking car, or being in the right social circles. Thankfully, true success is more simple than that… and more powerful.

True success is knowing God and the power of His resurrection. It is knowing that He loves you unconditionally and that you are made acceptable in Jesus, the Beloved Son of God, who died for you to pay for your sins. True success is found in living for God and His glory. Be a good steward of the abilities and resources that God has given you and you are sure to succeed, because He is with you every step of the way.

You never have to compare yourself with anyone else to determine if you are successful. Be the best version of you that you can be. You are a success!

Father, thank You that real success is found in You and not in anything the world has to offer. I am grateful that I have the gift of salvation and that You are with me always. As I do my best for You, I know that I am destined to succeed.

I have been offered once-in-a-lifetime deals from time to time, and I have found they are not always as good as they sound. They are usually intended to move us emotionally to make a quick decision so we don’t miss this “marvelous, once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-repeated opportunity.”

Thankfully, what God offers us in Christ is not a sales gimmick. It is available for anyone, any time they need it! Jesus, the substitutionary atonement, paid our penalty. He became guilty so that we could become innocent. He was guilty of no sin, yet He took on Himself the guilt of us all (see Isaiah 53:11). Live your life today thankful that your salvation is a free gift. There is no greater deal than that!

Father, I am thankful that I have the assurance of eternity in heaven with You. Thank You that Jesus took away my sins and gave me His righteousness. I will live every day grateful for my new life in Christ.

Nobody has a perfect life, and it is entirely possible that if you want someone else’s life, they are busy wanting someone else’s too; perhaps they even want your life.

Unknown people want to be movie stars, but movie stars want privacy. The regular employee wants to be the boss, but the boss wishes he did not have so much responsibility. A single woman wants to be married, but quite often, a married woman wishes she were single.

Contentment with life is not a feeling—it is a decision. Contentment does not mean that we never want to see change or improvement, but it does mean that we will do the best we can with what we have. It means that we are thankful for what God has given us and we are determined to enjoy the gift of life.

When I am tempted to be jealous of someone else’s life, Father, I pray that You will help me to be content with who I am and what You have given me. I thank You that I have a purpose and destiny for my life. Today, I choose to be grateful and content.

Try beginning each day by saying, “I love my life!” Our own words have an effect on our mood, so it is best to say something that will help you feel good rather than something that will make you mad or sad. You can let staying happy be a fun challenge. See how many days you can go without getting into a bad mood or complaining.

Celebrating life is something we should do on purpose because we understand what a gift life is. God is life (see John 1:4), so in reality, when we celebrate life, we are celebrating God. Without Him there would be no life at all. Go ahead and try to create a better mood by saying, “I am thankful and I love my life!” If you really want to feel good, try this: “I love God, I love my life, I love myself, and I love people.”

Thank You, Father, that I am not a victim of my own moods. I can speak positive, faith-filled words and improve my attitude and my day. I am thankful for the life You have given me, Father. I love my life!