Give Thanks
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. —2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)
We have been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. Let us receive them with an open heart. Anything else is related to death and ungodliness and a child of God wants no part of it. If our minds are preoccupied with the things of this world, we may not be able to perceive all the beautiful blessings our Heavenly Father showers upon us every moment of each and every day. As believers, let us set our sights on the things above. Psalm 128:1 (AMP) says: Blessed [happy and sheltered by God’s favor] is everyone who fears the LORD [and worships Him with obedience], who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments. So let us enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and come into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. (See Psalm 100:4) Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; —Ephesians 2:8 (AMP)