Advent Devotional Day 12: 
"Jesus was Obedient to God's commandments."
~ Choose a commandment and commit to live it more obediently.

You know how when you buy a big silver van - you suddenly notice all the other ones out on the road you hadn't noticed before (insert color and make of choice)...admittedly I could be having that experience here as I wrap up the major, initial organizing and writing of my book, Paths of Gratitude...I don't think so, though. I think closer to the truth is that the title, chosen many moons ago, was an outcropping of how I deeply feel about such things...about the importance of Gratitude; trying to more fully understand it, embrace it - and decidedly LIVING it.

Gratitude - A Biblical Theme

Gratitude is an indisputable, reoccurring theme of the Bible. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

In other words - Give thanks in ALL circumstances. Thankfulness isn't JUST an isolated gesture, a colloquial mannerism, or random occurrence. While it can be all these things, barely demonstrated, on the surface, gratitude is so much more. He taught that it should be a way of life for us. Indeed, it is a “commandment,” if there ever was one. Furthermore – I would propose it is at the root of not only the inception of all others – but the best foundational basis of their adherence.

There isAdvent Devotional Day 12: Read Matthew 3: 13-17 no denying it. The Savior was the perfect example of what gratitude is, what it looks and feels like, and how to LIVE it. Indeed, the Christian Atonement, in spirit and scope, is based on the Rules of Reciprocity - a universal at the core of any sincere gratitude.

Or is it the other way around? Is gratitude at the root of all else? This was said, or at least preserved the first time, over 2,000 years ago. Now, as with all timeless wisdom, we take it for granted via overused memes on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others."

~ Cicero, circa 54 BC

If the numbing glaze of familiarity has set in on this simple, but oh so important idea, here is a more contemporary admonishment:

“Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.” (James A. Faust).

Gratitude - A Life Attitude

Anciently, again, the writer of Hebrews says, “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). Peter gives a reason to be thankful for “grief and all kinds of trials,” saying that, through the hardships, our faith “may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7).

The people of God are always a thankful people, for they realize how much they have been given. One of the characteristics of the last days is a lack of thanksgiving, according to 2 Timothy 3:2. Wicked people will be “ungrateful.” Surely, at times, or at least in various places and pockets of modern society, this condition seems rampant.

When we experience genuine gratitude, our focus moves off our selfish desires and away from the pain of current circumstances. Committing to a spirit of thankfulness helps us remember that there is a lot we are not in control of – and that we must accept. Thankfulness, then, is not only casually good; it is healthy and extremely beneficial to us. It reminds us of the bigger picture, that we belong to God, (or, in the very least, something bigger than our selves). For those embracing a walk of faith, it lends to the focus of our spiritual blessings just awaiting our readiness. (Ephesians 1:3).

Also, contrary to dissenting opinion on gratitude, that these thoughts can encourage complacency, or a lackadaisical approach to things that deserve and need our focused attention: time and again has shown in various research, and in my own anecdotal life experience – the most grateful people, are in the end, the most productive and effective. They are not distracted with so much negative energy and have a keen focus on what they CAN do, instead of all that would suck their time, energy and resources to no avail.

There is a plethora of evidence, articles and sites dedicated to the importance and value of gratitude in our life. Here are a couple just to get started:

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/about

http://happierhuman.com/benefits-of-gratitude/

Truly, we do have blessed, abundant lives, everyone of us, (most likely, if you have the education technology, and conditions to be reading this). Our cup overflowing with gratitude is fitting, and natural, if only given the chance. (John 10:10)

Here are some Bible Versus to remind us.

Jesus Was Thankful

1. Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

2. Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

3. Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

His Disciples were (are) thankful.

4. Luke 17:15-16 And one of them [a leper], when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

5. Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

6. 12 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

7. Luke 2:38 And [Anna] coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

8. 2 Chronicles 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord;

9. Philemon 1:4-6 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, ,Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

10. 2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

11. 1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

12. Luke 19:37-38 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

13. Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

14. 2 Chronicles 29:30 Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise unto the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.

15. 2 Chronicles 29:36 And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

16. 1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

17. 1 Samuel 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

18. 2 Chronicles 33:16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.

19. Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.

20. Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

21. Daniel 2:23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.

22. Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

23. 2 Samuel 22:50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

24. Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Psalms of Thanksgiving

25. 28.. Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

26. Psalm 21:13 Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.

27. Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

28. Psalm 30:4 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

29. Psalm 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

30. Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

31. Psalm 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

32. Psalm 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.

33. Psalm 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

34. Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

35. Psalm 75:1 Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

36. Psalm 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

37. Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

38. Psalm 97:12 Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

39. Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

40. Psalm 105:1 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

41. Psalm 118:1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

42. Psalm 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.

43. Psalm 136:1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

44. Psalm 136:26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

45. Psalm 140:13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

46. Psalm 147:7 Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

47. Psalm 149:1 Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.

48. Psalm 16:8 Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

LIVING the Gratitude

49. Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

50. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

51. 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

52. Joel 2:23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

53. Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

54. 1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

55. Jeremiah 31:13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

56. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

57. Deuteronomy 26:11 And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.

58. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

59. Zechariah 2:10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord.

60. Isaiah 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

Thanks in all things,
The Fostering Mom