A Thankful Spirit

"We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,[c] encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." -1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (ESV)

If you approach every situation and every person with a thankful spirit- it changes how you think, how you feel and you react. Especially to adverse circumstances and relationships. Granted, that is MUCH easier said than done but well worth it.
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I know over the past few years for myself, things have been very challenging. Every day seems to be more and more difficult but I know the Lord is training me to be less dependent on myself and lean more and more and even more on His unending and satisfying grace.

• Don’t like your job? Be thankful you have one so you can earn money to take care of yourself and your family. 
• Don’t like your house? Be thankful you have a place to stay instead of living on the streets. 
• Don’t like people you have to deal with? Be thankful they’re not out to kill you (hopefully). Some people have to live under that heavy burden every single day simply because they were born.
• Don’t like your life in general? Be thankful you’re alive. Even if you’re not 100% healthy or the ideal size you want to be or look the way you want or have the things you want or not the person you wish you could be. You are loved by God who has an intentional purpose for you.

MATERIALS:

• Illustrated Faith A Thankful Spirit Printable Devotion
• ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
• Bible Tabs Printable- Digital Download
• Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint
• Mod Podge Sealer, Glue and Finish- Matte
• Illustrated Faith Alpha Stickers
  
• Illustrated Faith Sticker Sentiments
  
• ​Washi Tape