Celebrate the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to transform your mindset, boost positivity, and cultivate appreciation in daily life. Discover the journey today!
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can shift our perspective and enhance our well-being. One way to harness this power is through a structured practice, such as the Gratitude Challenge. Today, we celebrate the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge, an initiative designed to help individuals cultivate a deeper appreciation for life.
Problem
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in negativity and overlook the blessings that surround us. Stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction can cloud our minds, making it difficult to recognize the good things in life. This is where the Gratitude Challenge comes in. By committing to a period of focused gratitude, we can retrain our minds to notice and celebrate what truly matters.
Does This Really Matter?
You might wonder if participating in a 70-day challenge really makes a difference. The answer is a resounding yes! Research shows that practicing gratitude can lead to increased happiness, improved mental health, and stronger relationships. When we take time each day to acknowledge what we are thankful for, we create a positive feedback loop that enhances our overall well-being.
Scripture
Many are familiar with the biblical verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." This verse encourages us to appreciate both the highs and lows of life. By engaging in the Gratitude Challenge, we embody this spirit of thankfulness, learning to express appreciation even during tough times.
What If?
What if you dedicated just a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for? Picture yourself waking up in the morning, taking a deep breath, and listing three things that bring you joy. This simple practice can set a positive tone for your day and help you face challenges with resilience.
Imagine
Imagine keeping a gratitude journal for 70 days. Each day, you jot down something different that you appreciate—be it a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend, or even a sunny afternoon. As the days pass, you’ll begin to notice patterns and themes in your life. Your perspective will shift as you start to recognize how much beauty and kindness exists around you.
My Experience for the Inaugural 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
I’ve said it for years, but I think I’ve only started to grasp it in the past 70 days…
Gratitude is a game changer.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I know what the studies show—if you feel gratitude and write it in journal in 21-28 days you’ll report being 10% happier. But I didn’t expect—choosing to give thanks, feeling gratitude for what I give thanks for and showing appreciation for what I feel gratitude for—to make such a profound difference in my life.
I’d tell people this is what I’m doing, “Well that’s easy”. I’m “The challenge is doing is every day for 70 days” and it was. By day 28 I was realizing I was laughing out loud more and singing worship songs when none were playing. It became fun…until around day 43. I got out of my rhythm.
My rhythm was to journal. I write down my thoughts to God. Present them to him so he can direct my steps or pour out my complaint to Him—yes those days still happen. Then I would write “What do you want me to feel gratitude for today?” And I’d meditate and read the Bible. Often in the meditation or Bible Reading I’d feel gratitude. If it didn’t happen, I’d be still and know He is God, then follow where my compassion led in my thoughts. Soon I’d feel gratitude, then I would write what I felt gratitude in the journal. Often it was for God or something He does, so my journal entry would naturally turn to praise because that’s how we show appreciation to God for who He is and what He does.
This is a rhythm I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
I am changed and I am being changed through gratitude. It’s a game changer.
You can do your own 70-Day Gratitude Challenge any time. You can do it with any body. My material is decidedly Christian, but you can do with people of any faith or no faith. All you need to do is:
Every day for 70 days…
Choose to give thanks Feel grateful for what you give thanks for Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for
And figure out how you’ll do it as a group. The possibilities are endless. You do you. Daily phone call or group text; weekly check in through a video call on at a local coffee shop; celebrating milestones—like letting someone in when they indicate they want to be in your lane—with a group cheer or night out.
Thanksgiving is a great time to start.
Studies show that 3 sets of 21 or 63 - 70 days our brains move our conscious thoughts to the autonomic part of our brain. You’ll naturally feel gratitude in about 63 - 70 days - which is why the challenge is that long.
Also did you know we can’t hold anxiousness and gratitude in our minds at the same time? It’s either one or the other.
Choose Gratitude.
Want to be a beta-reader for the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book?
70 days to help you give thanks at all times in every situation.
Are you ready to transform your outlook on life? In Live LIGHT: 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Reflections, you will discover a powerful journey designed to cultivate gratitude and appreciation in your everyday experiences. This book invites you to embark on a 70-day challenge that encourages you to focus on the positives, no matter the circumstances.
Are you ready to take on the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge? Gather your materials, set your intentions, and dive in! Embrace every moment of this journey and pay attention to how it affects your outlook on life. https://revtrev.link/thanks
Taking part in the Gratitude Challenge not only enriches our own lives but can also inspire those around us. Let’s celebrate this journey together!
“There will be joy and songs of thanksgiving, and I will multiply my people, not diminish them; I will honor them, not despise them.” - Jeremiah 30:19 (GW)
I find solace and joy as I meditate on the promises of my Heavenly Father. His word is a lamp unto my feet, guiding me through every twist and turn of life’s journey. With trust that is growing, I lean on His promises, for they are my rock and my salvation.
All of God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” in Christ Jesus. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. I keep my life free from the love of money and am content with what I have, because God will never leave me and will never forsake me.
I make it my goal to live a quiet life, minding my own business and working with my hands, so people who are not believers will respect the way I live, and so I will not need to depend on others. In my heart I have set apart Christ as Lord, and when someone asks about my hope I have, I am always ready to explain it in a gentle and respectful way.
When doubts assail me like a raging storm, I remember to not fear, because He is with me; and to not be dismayed, for He is my God. When I fear, I will trust in Him. The eyes of the LORD are on me, and His ears are attentive to my cries for help. He is for me and not against me and since God is for me, who can be against me? I remember that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.
I don’t want to grow weary in doing good, for I know that at the proper time, I will receive a harvest if I don’t give up. God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, so I don’t give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing. I know that as I wait for the Lord, l will renew my strength; and will mount up with wings like eagles; I will run and not be weary; I will walk and not faint. So, I wait on Him and don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Today, I gratefully trust in God’s promises. They serve as an anchor for my soul, guiding me through life’s seasons. As I reflect upon them, my faith is deepened and my heart overflows with gratitude for a loving God who faithfully keeps His word.
Reflection Questions to ask Holy Spirit:
How can I deepen my trust in Your promises and make His word a continual source of solace and joy in my life?
In what areas of my life do I struggle to fully lean on Your promises as my rock and salvation? How can I surrender those areas to You and find greater security in Your faithfulness?
How can I actively live out my trust in Your promises, both in my actions towards others and in sharing the hope I have in Christ?
Next Steps
Unlock a happier you with our FREE 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Course—transform your mindset at your own pace! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days …
Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
Learn how starting and ending your day with gratitude can transform your life. Embrace this simple practice for a more positive and fulfilling routine!
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” - Hebrews 12:28-29 (GW)
As I wake up each morning, I am filled with gratitude for the new day ahead. This is the day that the LORD has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it! He has ordained all the days of my life before one of them came to be. I am in awe of the greatness and goodness of my God. I take a moment to reflect on the blessings in my life and offer thanks to God. Knowing everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it’s received with thanksgiving; I thank Him for the warmth of my bed, my family—who love me—and every blessing He has entrusted to me.
Throughout the day, I strive to practice gratitude in every circumstance. I know I need to give thanks in all situations; for this is God’s will for me. I enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise and I so I pray and for His kingdom to come and His will to be done in my everyday world as it is in heaven.
In moments of stress or worry, I worry about nothing, pray about everything and thank Him in all things. I don’t ignore my problem or pretend they don’t exist, but I pray about them and exchange my problems for His peace. The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.
As the day progresses, I encounter challenges and opportunities for growth. I’ve learned and am learning to trust in the Lord with all my heart and to not lean not on my own understanding. In all my ways, I acknowledge Him, and He makes my paths straight.
Before I go to bed, I reflect on the day’s events and give thanks for the lessons learned. I give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever. As I close my eyes, I find peace in knowing that God is always with me. He goes before me and I can be strong and courageous. I don’t have to be afraid or discouraged. The LORD my God is with me wherever I go!
Today, whatever I do, whether in word or deed, I do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. My day begins and ends with gratitude, and gratitude guards my heart in the day-to-day of every day.
Reflection Questions to ask Holy Spirit:
How can I cultivate a spirit of gratitude throughout my day, even in the midst of challenges?
In what ways can I practice trust and reliance on God, especially when faced with uncertainty or difficulties?
How can I further deepen my understanding of God’s love and faithfulness, and let that shape my perspective and response to life’s circumstances?
Next Steps
Unlock a happier you with our FREE 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Course—transform your mindset at your own pace! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days … Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
Explore the transformative power of daily gratitude for God's presence in your life. Discover how this practice can deepen your faith and enrich your spirit.
Read I give thanks daily for God’s presence in my life
Reflecting on my life, I see the omnipresent nature of God in every moment. He is always with me. Since God is for me, who can be against me? How can I lose with God? He gives me every breath I breathe and to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Each day, I live with mindfulness and His peace, knowing that He will finish the good work started in me. I am incredibly grateful for this.
In times of joy and success, His presence is like a warm, radiant sunlight that fills my soul with immense gratitude. I celebrate the victories and blessings, understanding that they are not solely the result of my efforts, but also a testimony of His divine grace. The laughter, love, and harmony that I experience with my family and friends remind me of His endless benevolence.
In times of challenge and adversity, His presence becomes a beacon of hope and resilience. When I find myself lost in the storm of life’s trials, I experience His guidance subtly, gently leading me back on the right path. The strength that I find to overcome these challenges is a testament to His eternal support.
I also feel God’s presence in the quiet moments of solitude. In the tranquil mornings or the calm nights, when I engage in prayers or meditation, I feel a profound sense of connection with Him. These moments of tranquility provide me with clarity and wisdom, which are signs of His divine presence.
God’s presence is obvious in the beauty and marvels of nature around me. The majestic sunrise, the serene moonlit night, the chirping birds, or the blooming flowers - all stand as testament to His wondrous creation.
God’s presence in my life is not limited to specific moments or incidents. It is an all-encompassing, constant force that guides, nurtures, and provides strength to my spirit. Every breath I take and every step I move forward reflects His enduring love and guidance. I feel so grateful for His presence right now.
Reflection Questions to ask Holy Spirit:
How has God’s presence helped in times of grief?
Not that it’s true, but at times has it felt that it is true that He’s abandoned me?
How has He restored to me the joy of my salvation in the past?
Next Steps
Unlock a happier you with our FREE 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Course—transform your mindset at your own pace! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days … Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
Read I celebrate the small wins with gratitude and joy
I find value in celebrating every goal I accomplish, regardless of its size. I do not underestimate the importance of starting small or despise the day of small beginnings. Whenever I reflect on what God has done, I am filled with joy and gratitude. Today is a day that the Lord has made, and I choose to rejoice and be glad in it.
Growing more like Christ is the priority for me, so I take delight in recognizing His hand at work in my life. I am excited about every little bit of progress I make and grateful that God continues to mold and transform me. I have confidence that He will complete the good work He has started in me.
My life is filled with joy, because I am consistently working toward being more like Him and seeking His kingdom first in every area of my life. I have discovered that trusting God more is a reliable way to experience joy. Therefore, I place my trust in Him. The God of all hope fills me with peace and joy as I trust in Him, and His Holy Spirit empowers me to overflow with hope.
By the grace of God, I am who I am, and I recognize that His grace was not without effect on my life. I diligently work with the strength He provides to turn away from sin and live for Christ. A little effort each day ensures that I can experience joy and peace. I understand the importance of seeking God in every moment, which is why I make time for prayer.
In prayer, I exchange my problems for His peace. I cast my cares upon Him because He cares for me. Instead of worrying, I choose to pray about everything and give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude is a regular part of my life, and I appreciate any progress that brings joy to Him. His voice reassures me that He dances over me with singing.
Today, I am actively pursuing God’s will for my life and finding joy and gratitude along the way. I am committed to seeing His kingdom come in my everyday world. I choose to embrace how He sees me, my life, and my progress. With gratitude and joy, I celebrate each goal I achieve.
Reflection Questions to ask Holy Spirit:
Do I have more love and joy and peace and kindness and gentleness and faithfulness and goodness than I had in the past?
Am I adding to my faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love? How have I grown in these
Can I sense You are dancing over me with joy?
Next Steps
Unlock a happier you with our FREE 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Course—transform your mindset at your own pace! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days … Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
"I can sit back and view all the wondrous things God has done for me" encourages reflection on life's blessings, deepening faith and appreciation for divine grace.
I can sit back and view all the wondrous things God has done for me
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:7 (GW)
Listen to I can sit back and view all the wondrous things God has done for me
Read I can sit back and view all the wondrous things God has done for me
I take time to remember the good deeds of God. I remember to remember what He’s done for me. It’s so true. I have been through the fire and not been burned, and I have been through the waters and not been overwhelmed and I’ve been through the deep waters and not been drowned.
He’s made all things beautiful in its time. He’s worked and is working all things together for the good. What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned and is turning around for good. I know the best is yet to come because I believe. The future is bright because my good Father is already there. I know He is good because of what He’s already done. It’s not coincidence or luck, it’s His blessing and favour.
The favour of God is on me. Since God is for me, who can be against me? It’s not death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither my fears for today nor my worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate me from God’s love.
Does it mean He no longer loves me if I have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is mine through Christ, who loved me.
I reap what I sow. I plant positive seeds by thinking about whatever is good because I know the harvest will arrive and I will reap the benefits. So I have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. I look for what God loves in each of them and not just how they inconvenience or benefit my life. Christ’s love compels me and His life is me.
Today, I look for what He is doing and thank Him for what He has done.
Reflection Questions to ask Holy Spirit:
What is a difficult situation that God helped me through?
What is a miracle I’ve witnessed in other people’s life?
Do I wait with fear or enthusiasm for what I might find around the corner?
Next Steps
Unlock a happier you with our FREE 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Course—transform your mindset at your own pace! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days … Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7 (GW)
I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with His praise. I live and breathe with gratitude to God; if things aren’t going well, I choose to praise Him with heart-felt thanksgiving. God met me more than halfway. He freed me from my anxious fears. I look at Him; and give Him my warmest smile. I never hide my feelings from Him.
I rejoice when I can rejoice and lament when I need to lament. If my heart is broken, I’ll find God right there; if I’m kicked in the gut, He’ll help me catch my breath.
He is so good to me! I have so much to be thankful for. He overwhelms with more blessings than I can ever imagine! People who care about me surround me, and I am aware of their loving presence. Because of Him and because of them, I am full of gratitude.
Each day, I take a few moments to remind myself of my many blessings. I think of the people who love me. I take a moment to appreciate them in return. What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks for all that You have entrusted to me. I get to announce Your love each daybreak and rehearse Your faithfulness as night begins to fall. You make me so happy, God. I see Your work and I shout for joy. How magnificent Your work, God! How profound Your thoughts!
Thank you for Your physical and spiritual and relational and generational blessings! Thank You that You have blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus! I sing not only when I’m happy; I sing because of Him! I sing in response to what He’s done, for who He’s revealed Himself to be, and for what He’s promised to do.
I sing before the answer comes and I sing in the midst of the battle. I give thanks in all circumstances because this is His will for me. I worry about nothing. I pray about everything. I thank Him in all things.
Today, I am thankful for the blessings in my life. I take time to be conscious of each of them. With all of this abundance surrounding me, I am full of gratitude.
Reflection Questions to Ask Holy Spirit:
What do I feel thankful for today?
Who do You want me to serve today?
Am I willing to give You thanks before the answer comes?
Next Steps
Unlock a happier you with our FREE 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Course—transform your mindset at your own pace! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days … Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6 (GW)
I know I am truly blessed. I am grateful for the gift of life itself. Every single day I live has been carefully orchestrated by God. He places those who are lonely into loving families. He liberates prisoners and fills them with joy. I consider myself blessed because He has done these things for me.
I am blessed because God generously gives His righteousness to me. His gifts of love and favour overflow in abundance, all because of the freedom I have found in Jesus, the Anointed One. He has freed me from the burden, consequences, and control of sin.
And that’s not all. I am also infused with His explosive power from the majestic realm of His glory, which fills me with a profound sense of hope. He has revealed to me the immeasurable riches of His glory and favour, and my innermost being is flooded with supernatural strength. The life of Christ now lives deep within me, and His love has become the very foundation and essence of my existence. I cannot help but feel immense gratitude when I contemplate how God has deemed me worthy to receive His glorious inheritance, which He freely gives to me through His power and life.
As a result, I willingly share the blessings that have been entrusted to me with others. I lend a helping hand when a coworker is overwhelmed, and I take the time to listen when a friend is going through a hard season. I actively engage in volunteering within my community and extend my hospitality to both newcomers and old friends.
I make a conscious effort to focus my thoughts on what is good, right, and true. I avoid dwelling on past disappointments or comparing myself to others, as comparisons only steal away my joy and peace. Instead, I choose not to worry about anything but to pray about everything. I express gratitude to God in all circumstances, knowing that this is His will for me in Christ Jesus. I realize that in this present moment I possess everything I need to feel blessed because God has already blessed me with every spiritual blessing through my union with Christ.
Today, I take the time to count my blessings. I cherish each day as a precious gift entrusted to me by God. I am truly blessed.
Reflection Questions to Ask Holy Spirit:
How do You want me to spot blessings that initially look like hardships?
What is one blessing that I tend to take for granted?
What do I feel grateful for at this moment?
Next Steps
Unlock a happier you with our FREE 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Course—transform your mindset at your own pace! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Align your thoughts with God’s thoughts for you. Discover profound insights with our 70-Day Gratitude Challenge book, ebook, and audiobook—your wonderful guide to cultivating appreciation and joy! Learn more - https://revtrev.link/thanks
Enhance your journey with the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Journal, the perfect companion for the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge to inspire daily reflections and growth! https://revtrev.link/thanks
Don’t Forget to Give Thanks with Your Whole Heart
The Live LIGHT 70 Day Gratitude Challenge
Every day for 70 days … Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Learn to give thanks with your whole heart Check out the Live LIGHT with your Whole Heart course today - https://revtrev.link/heart
Discover how practicing gratitude helps your love for God and strengthens connections with others. Transform your relationships through appreciation.
In this message, we explore the profound connection between gratitude and love. Discover how incorporating gratitude into your daily life can deepen your relationship with God and enhance your love for others. We’ll share practical tips, personal stories, and insights into how gratitude transforms your perspective and strengthens your bonds with those around you. Join us on this journey to cultivate a heart full of appreciation and love!
Read the notes for How GRATITUDE Helps you Love God and Others More
When was the last time you stop to think about the unknowable love God? (Ephesians 3:16-19) I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. And I think I caught a glimpse of what Paul was talking about.
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT) I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
How I caught a glimpse of unknowable love
I was talking with this guy and trying to find out about him. I asked if he was married. And he said “I was, but it’s hard to live with a woman…I got married again, back home in the Philippines, but it’s hard to be so far away.”
I shared with him, “Next spring I’ll be married for 30 years.”
“Wow he said, how can you stayed married for 30 years?”
I replied. “It’s not me, it’s my wife. She’s the one who has had to put up with me this whole time.” And I followed up with “You need to love your wife and let her love you.”
But that got me thinking about how much I loved Karen when we were engaged to be married. I thought I was at the top of my love. I was bursting. Then when we got married and lived together, I knew the love I felt for her before we were sharing a life was nothing compared to the love I we shared when we did life together.
Life has hardly been easy, but we’ve purchased homes together and had kids together and raised kids together. Buried love ones together. Married off love ones together.
I honestly would be lost without Karen. Cats can look after themselves for a while. Dogs will die if their owner leaves them to themselves. Karen is more like a cat. I’m more like a dog.
Anyway, I see how I had loved my bride, but had no idea how that love would grow, over the years, through the trials, in the celebrations, in the day-to-day of everyday and that is how we can know the love of God, which is unknowable. We can’t even comprehend forever and we have forever to experience His love. We can know His love now, but it’s nothing like how we’ll know his love later.
Today we’re going to talk about how to grow ever-deeper into loving God and loving others. Let’s turn to what John has to say about loving God and loving others.
1 John 4:1-20 (NLT) Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.
Can I pray so Gratitude helps?
Pray for help to love You and love others more and more.
So we’re talking about how to grow in love for God and others.
John makes it clear the we can love each other because God first loved us. Love that comes from God to us and then flow through us back to God and others is perfect love. I want you to realize that we can’t love like God wants us to love without His love first coming to us to flow through us back to God and others.
Do you need more convincing gratitude helps?
To live loved means we love even our enemies
We don’t take revenge… Romans 12:19 If our enemy is hungry we feed them or thirsty we give them something to drink… Romans 12:20 We bless those who curse us… Luke 6:28 We pray for those who persecute us… Matthew 5:44 If someone strikes one cheek, we turn the other to them… Matthew 5:39 We represent our Father who is love and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous…Matthew 5:45
We can’t do that without His love coming to us and flowing through us back to him and others. We can try…and we’ll be frustrated. We’ll feel taken advantage of and at the bottom.
But when God’s love comes to us and flows through us…that is what we’re created for. It’s our natural state of being. We are loved so we live loved.
How do you Live LOVED?
L - Leave pretence behind Psalm 62:8 O - Operate out of who God says you are Ephesians 2:10 V - Value revelation Romans 8:15-17 E - Embark on having well-healed wounds Psalm 147:3 D - Draw ever-deeper into His Love Ephesians 3:14-19
We need to draw ever-deeper into His love to show love like that to others.
Does it really matter gratitude helps?
That’s a great question. I’ve found 7 reasons why it’s essential.
7 Reasons Why We need to Grow in love for God and others
Spiritual Fulfillment Matthew 22:37
Positive Relationships Matthew 22:39
Emotional Wellness 1 John 4:19
Moral Guidance 1 Corinthians 13:1
Personal Growth Galatians 5:22
Betterment of Society 1 Corinthians 16:14
Betterment of the gathered church Matthew 18:20
Think about how gratitude helps
Think about what it would be like to be in healthy relationships with people who continue to grow in love with God and others?
Some of you don’t have to. You have them. You are them. That’s awesome. But if you don’t have people in your life who intentionally want to grow in love for God and Others, imagine what it would be like to have those people in your life.
Can you imagine what it feel like to trust God is going to finish the good work He’s started in someone, just like you know He’s going to finish the good work He’s started in you, because you see their love for God and others continue to grow?
The Problem
What’s the most natural way to grow in love with God and others?
That’s a great question. I am so glad you asked.
I need to preface what I’m going to tell with the understanding that I am on Day 18 of a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge where every day for 70-days I
Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what I give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for – Action Every day for 70 days I give thanks with my whole heart. Find out more at https://revtrev.link/thanks
And in this process I am learning….
Gratitude Grasps Grace
What do I mean by that?
I understand grace FROM God and grace FOR others better, so I can respond and grow in love for God and others more.
Gratitude Grasps Grace
What is Grace?
Most of us have heard acronyms to remember what GRACE is…
God's Riches At Christ's Expense God's Redemption At Christ's Expense Gift Received At Christ's Expense God's Righteousness At Christ's Expense Great Redeemer And Compassionate Empathizer God's Rescue And Compassion Extended
We’ve trivialized grace in an attempt to grasp it. All of them focus on part of an aspect of grace.
But they don’t help us grasp grace like gratitude does.
Gratitude grasps grace
The best definition for grace that I’ve ever heard is:
Grace is God’s empowerment to do the things he wants us but we’re not able to do on our own.
What do I mean by that? What does God want us to do that we can't do without His help?
By grace we are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 By grace we are justified. Romans 3:24 By grace we are sanctified. 1 Corinthians 15:10 By grace we are empowered. 2 Corinthians 12:9 By grace we have the gifts of the Spirt. Romans 12:6 By grace we persevere. Hebrews 13:9 By grace we have unity. Ephesians 4:7 By grace we have forgiveness. Acts 15:11 By grace we have hope and assurance. Romans 5:2 By grace we have sustenance in trials. 1 Peter 5:10 We have grace in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 We have grace in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 Grace teaches us. Titus 2:11-12 Grace keeps us from sin. Romans 5:20
Everything God wants us to do, that we can’t do on our own. His grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Why is it important that gratitude grasps grace?
We naturally respond to grace with love. It’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.
The more we know and experience grace, the more we’ll grow and know love from God that we can pass on to God and others.
And GRATITUDE grasps grace.
How to you draw ever-deeper into His love?
That’s another great question, I’m so glad you asked.
When we grasp grace with GRATITUDE we grow in love with God and others.
Gratitude grasps grace. We naturally respond to grace with love. It’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). If we want to grow in love for God and others we need to better experience grace and so we start with gratitude.
Grasp Grace with GRATITUDE Tool
G - Give thanks with your whole heart. Psalm 86:12 R - Remember to FEEL gratitude. Colossians 3:15 A - Appreciate what you feel gratitude for. Psalm 9:1-2 T - Turn to prayer with thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6 I - Integrate thanksgiving with worship. Psalm 100:4 T - Thrive as gratitude connect you to His presence. Psalm 95:2 U - Understand peace through giving thanks. Colossians 3:12-15 D - Decide to give thanks IN all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 E - Enjoy giving thanks FOR things naturally. Ephesians 5:18-20
Let’s unpack this.
G - Give thanks with your whole heart.
Psalm 86:12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
Giving thanks is a decision.
The Hebrews understood the whole heart to be the seat of our decisions, emotions and actions. So we need to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation.
It is a decision to give thanks to God with your whole heart. It’s a decision that becomes easier with training and an emotion we need to embrace, as well as an action we need to do.
Giving thanks to people can just be the polite thing to do, but people know when you express heartfelt gratitude. You know when it’s given to you. What makes you feel better —a quick “thank you” because of social convention or the warm embrace of genuine gratitude? I know what I appreciate and I know what I want to learn to naturally share.
Gratitude helps. Gratitude is a choice.
Am I giving thanks with my whole heart?
R - Remember to feel gratitude.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Feeling gratitude is important. There was a study that had people feel gratitude for a specific things and then write what they felt gratitude for in a gratitude journal https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/gratitude_journal
Two things were important - they needed to feel grateful and write it down in a journal. What they were testing—unbeknownst to them—was giving thanks with their whole heart. People had to decide, feel and do.
In the study, people reported being 10% happier in 21 days.
Does that sound impressive? Well if your income doubled in 21 days you’d be 10% happier, so it is significant.
Feeling gratitude takes away the rote-ness of form of social contention or personal habit of giving heartless thanks. It revolutionizes our relationship with God and revolutionizes our relationship with others. Because it places us in that present moment and we are fully there.
I’m telling you feeling gratitude is amazing.
Gratitude helps. Gratitude puts us in the moment.
Do I feel gratitude for what I decide to give thanks for?
A - Appreciate what you feel gratitude for.
Psalm 9:1-2 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvellous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.
Showing appreciation is the third part of giving thanks with your whole heart. It puts action to your decision and emotion.
Appreciation to God is praise. It’s a natural response to thanksgiving.
Appreciation to others is showing them in a way that they’d appreciate as appreciation. What do I mean by that? Remember Proverbs 27:14 A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!
Gratitude helps. Gratitude needs an action.
Do I show appropriate appreciation for what I feel grateful for?
T - Turn to prayer with thanksgiving.
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
How can you worry about nothing, pray about everything the thank him for everything?
We need to start by understanding we can cast our cares on him BECAUSE he cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) Gratitude helps us to understand that he cares for us. With gratitude we see how he’s done it in the past. We see how he’s done it for others. We see grace at work in our lives and others.
So when we go to prayer we can exchange our problems for his peace.
When I go to prayer for others, sometimes I can plead to God on their behalf. Sometimes that’s appropriate intercession. Often it’s me asking God “If you can do anything…” As if I can plead my case properly something would be done. That’s not how we should ever intercede. Thanksgiving for who they are and what God is doing in their life, radically changes prayers for others. I can know that since God is going finish the good work He’s started in me until the day of Christ Jesus, He will finish the good work He’s started in them until that day as well. I start speaking blessing instead of cursing.
Paul had it right: Worry about nothing. Pray about everything. Thank God in all things.
Gratitude helps. Gratitude empowers our prayers.
Do I exchange my problems for His peace?
I - Integrate thanksgiving with worship.
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Heartfelt gratitude for who God is and what He has done leads us to worship that is done in spirit and truth. We need to praise God with our whole heart and thanksgiving helps us with the decision, the emotion and the action.
With gratitude, we remember; with thanksgiving we celebrate the now, with appreciation we look forward with hope and anticipation. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
Worship changes our perspective. Gratitude changes our perspective. It does it for God. It does it for others. Let me give you an example.
When my wife comes home and tells me about her day, I can see it as impinging on my telling her about my day, OR I can thank God that she trusts me to hold a safe space for her to self-express her thoughts, feeling and emotions without judgement, criticism or condemnation.
Thanking God for her, even in that moment changes my approach. Gratitude changes my perspective.
T - Thrive as gratitude connect you to His presence.
Psalm 95:2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
God is always with us. It’s easiest to be with Him when we’re thankful to him and for others. Gratitude allows us enter his presence.
Try it next time you feel that you can’t stop and feel His presence. Do this:
Be still. Be grateful…and soon be in awe.
Gratitude connects.
Gratitude helps us to connect with each other - it fosters positive relationships (1 Thessalonians 5:11) enhances empathy and understanding (Colossians 3:15), promotes forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32), creates a positive atmosphere when we gather (Philippians 1:3), encourages acts of service (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Gratitude connects us all.
Gratitude helps. Gratitude connects.
Do I connect with God and others with thanksgiving?
U - Understand peace through giving thanks.
Colossians 3:12-15 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
If you want to grow in love with God and Others, you’ll want to pursue peace with God and peace with others.
You have peace with God because of Christ’s work on the cross (Romans 5:1)
For each other we need to seek peace and pursue it.
One thing I’ve learned we can do is to: Ask Holy Spirit what He loves about them. It helps you to get a new appreciation for them. Then show them that you appreciate them.
Peace rules in our heart. Gratitude protects our heart.
Gratitude helps. Gratitude protects our peace.
Do I seek peace and pursue it?
D - Decide to give thanks IN all things.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
We are commanded to give thanks in every situation. It’s God’s will for us and good for us.
God’s will is for us to give thanks in all circumstances. It not only encourage us, it encourages the people around us. I’m not talking about the un-heartfelt declaration of thanks, I trust you understand.
When we give thanks with our whole heart - our decision, our emotion and our action - Gratitude changes the reality around us.
Gratitude helps. Gratitude changes the reality around us
Am I choosing to give thanks in all circumstances?
E - Enjoy giving thanks FOR things naturally.
Ephesians 5:18-21 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
When we are continually being filled by the Spirit we will be…
Speaking to one another with songs and hymns and Spiritual songs Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always to God the Father for everything Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ
Giving thanks FOR everything is the natural response for being continually filled.
And as we are filled we treat each other really good.
Gratitude helps. Gratitude flows naturally.
Do I naturally give thanks FOR all things?
Wrap up so Gratitude Helps
We grow in love for God and Others as we experience more and more about grace and gratitude grasps grace.
So let GRATITUDE help you to remember…
G - Give thanks with your whole heart. Psalm 86:12
Gratitude is a choice.
Am I giving thanks with my whole heart?
R - Remember to FEEL gratitude. Colossians 3:15
Gratitude needs to be felt.
Do I feel gratitude for what I decide to give thanks for?
A - Appreciate what you feel gratitude for. Psalm 9:1-2
Gratitude needs an action.
Do I show appropriate appreciation for what I feel grateful for?
T - Turn to prayer with thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6
Gratitude empowers our prayers.
Do I exchange my problems for His peace?
I - Integrate thanksgiving with worship. Psalm 100:4
Gratitude changes our perspective.
Do I let gratitude change my perspective?
T - Thrive as gratitude connect you to His presence. Psalm 95:2
Gratitude connects.
Do I connect with God and others with thanksgiving?
U - Understand peace through giving thanks. Colossians 3:12-15
Gratitude protects our peace.
Do I seek peace and pursue it?
D - Decide to give thanks IN all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude changes the reality around us.
Am I choosing to give thanks in all circumstances?
E - Enjoy giving thanks FOR things naturally. Ephesians 5:18-20
Gratitude flows naturally.
Do I naturally give thanks FOR all things?
Gratitude grasps grace. We naturally respond to grace with love. It’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). If we want to grow in love for God and others we need to better experience grace and so we start with gratitude.
Full circle…
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7
Next step so gratitude helps…
Will you pick up the gratitude challenge?
I’ve set it 70 days because three sets of 21 days forms new neural pathways in your brain and you will naturally give thanks in all situations. You don’t need my help, but I do have tools to help you.
Every day for 70 days, give thanks with your whole heart. Choose to give thanks – Decision Feel grateful for what you give thanks for – Emotions Show appreciation for what you feel gratitude for – Action Read more or sign up for the free course >>> revtrev.link/thanks
Application so Gratitude Helps
I want you to practice giving thanks for your whole heart.
Play music. - Enter His gates with thanksgiving and courts with praise
Quiet yourself. - Be still and know He is God.
Ask Holy Spirit : What do you want me to feel thankful for today?
