GRACIAS

I enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas, with its cheerful atmosphere, giveaways, and carol services. Sharing heartfelt messages and delicious food adds to the joy, and the abundance of love makes the season even more special. 

 This joy stems from the profound meaning of Christmas—the gift of Jesus Christ to all. As we transition to the new year, drafting resolutions and plans is fantastic, but there are key considerations to keep in mind.

Thanksgiving

No matter what challenges you faced in the past, if you're able to read this, that alone is a reason to express gratitude. Often, our lack of thankfulness arises from greed, entitlement, or comparing ourselves to others.

Note that any elevation comes from God, not solely from your skills or abilities. You're not self-made, and if you didn't receive an answer to a prayer despite asking, how about the many other things God has made possible? Remember, if you won't praise God, even stones will do so. 

Praise surpasses prayer, let go of any sense of entitlement.

Carefully scrutinizing, you might find that some of the prayer points you raise are wants, not genuine needs, perhaps stemming from fleshly desires or comparisons. 

Cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving; you have ample reasons for it. Turn it into a habitual practice rather than a once-a-year end-of-year service

Gratitude is a gateway to multiplication. 

The challenge with Israel, despite God's love for them, lies in their frequent forgetfulness. Distinguishing between faith and entitlement is crucial. 

God is deeply invested in your prosperity and salvation; He loved you first and sent His son for you. So, why assume entitlement to His promises without showing gratitude for all He has done? 

Let's take a look at the scriptures,

Ps78:5(TPT) "The story of Israel is a lesson in God’s ways..."

Then from vs 9"‭‭Take, for example, the sons of Ephraim. Though they were all equipped warriors, each with weapons, when the battle began they retreated and ran away in fear. They didn’t really believe the promises of God; they refused to trust him and move forward in faith. They forgot his wonderful works and the miracles of the past, even their exodus from Egypt, the epic miracle of his might. They forgot the glories of his power at the place of passing over."

These are the Israelites who witnessed some of the greatest miracles ever, to help their unbelief, and evidence of God's love, power, and might. But...

[19-20] Like spoiled children they grumbled against God, demanding He prove His love by saying, “Can’t God provide for us in this barren wilderness? Will He give us food, or will He only give us water? Where’s our meal?” [21] Then God heard all their complaining and was furious! His anger flared up against his people."

Guess what, God still provided for them. He fed them the food of angels, it rained quails. They ate and were full, but not until God got angry did they remember, oh this is the mighty God who protects and delivers us from our enemies, few moments later they forgot again their repentance only lasted while they were in danger. 

[41] Again and again they limited God, preventing him from blessing them. Continually they turned back from him and provoked the Holy One of Israel!" 

God wanted to do more for them, He was eager to help them, and irrespective of their behavior He didn't stop forgiving, providing, and protecting. 

So you see that your inability to get more from God can be a result of your negligence towards what He has been doing in your life, you haven't given gratitude for the one you have. You only remember The Lord when you need something. 

2024 and every other year is your year, whatever you receive is dependent on your approach. If you go to God grumbling like Isreal, you will limit God. 

Your gratitude is also a faith work. 

This also applies to your earthly relationships. Always express sincere gratitude to people.

Please take time, go on a retreat, and ask nothing of God. Just stay there in gratitude 

Merry Christmas 🎄 and a happy new year.

I love you and thank you.

Cheers to growth and painting better colors on LIFE'S CANVAS🎨 ❤️