This month, many people will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. I wonder how many people will actually acknowledge God during this time. Where does He fit into your holiday plans? It is important to always show gratitude toward Him for who He is and what He has done in your life.

Personally, I can think of a long list of things to be thankful for. Each day is an opportunity to thank God for His love, my health, family, relationships and so much more. So, rather than complain about negative things, I make it a point to be thankful for the good things God has done for me—the manifestation of His goodness in my life outweighs any trouble or setbacks I have ever faced.

There are a lot of things Taffi and I could complain about; however, we have chosen not to complain. We have made a conscious decision to watch our words; to build up and not tear down. It hasn't always been this way for us, though. I used to complain and be very critical about a lot of things. However, as I learned more about the love of God, I began to gradually step out of "complaining mode" and into "love mode."

I love God enough to change the things about me that are not pleasing to Him!

I want to be more like Jesus. And Jesus wasn't a complainer. He didn't criticize people for their mistakes; so why should I? I've learned to speak the Word of God over every area of my life. I figured why waste time speaking negative words and experiencing negative results, when I could speak God's Word and achieve positive results.

Do you often find yourself being critical of others, or complaining about the way things are in your life? Be honest. We all have opportunities to murmur and complain. It's easy to do so, especially when we think we have a right to do so.

No matter how we see things, nothing gives us the right to be critical. Love isn't critical, and love does not complain. God has given us a license to walk in love, not to judge others. We are supposed to judge ourselves to ensure that we are living in line with the Word of God.

Matthew 7:1-2 in The Amplified Bible reads, "DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you."

Judging yourself is not easy; however, it is necessary. It's hard to be critical of others when you're judging yourself. If you find yourself being judgmental or ungrateful at times, simply change your thinking about the situation and repent. Align your thoughts, words and actions with God's Word and develop a grateful heart.

I have learned that gratitude positions you for great things. Being grateful for what God has already done for you will create more opportunities for His goodness to manifest in your life. However, ingratitude and selfishness, on the other hand, will do the opposite.

Therefore, don't allow anything to block His blessing—His empowerment that allows you to prosper in every area of your life.

I personally know that change takes place when you're thankful and not critical. I remember my college days when I didn't always have enough money to eat a full meal. There were times I would suck the peanut butter off of a spoon whenever I was hungry. I remember buying groceries with food stamps, and not being ashamed. Talk about humility. You see, back then, you did whatever was necessary to eat.

Gratitude involves humbling yourself before God, and not trying to always "have it your way." Several times throughout the New Testament we read what Jesus said about humility (read Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14). He basically said those who exalt themselves will be brought down. Peter also gave clear instructions on what to do: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6).

My point is, no matter how rough things get in your life, do not complain. Your situation may not look pretty, but don't fuss about it. First Thessalonians 5:18 in The Amplified Bible reads, "Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]."

There is power in giving God thanks. Regardless of what's going on, thank Him for giving you the wisdom to change your circumstances. It may seem like everyone around you is doing better than you, but don't focus on who has what.Your change will come!

Keep in mind that the power to change is in your words. When you change your words, you will change your life! Words are powerful (Proverbs 18:21). So be conscious of what you say every moment. I like what my hero in the Bible, King David, prayed to the Lord concerning his words: "Set a guard, 0 Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3 AMP).

From this moment forward, if you find yourself being sarcastic or ungrateful, picture a piece of duct tape. Allow that duct tape to symbolically represent a guard to keep you from speaking anything that is contrary to God's Word.

I have heard it said, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." Well, I believe that as Believers, we should have a lot to say. We should make it a point to constantly speak in line with God and His Word, and not remain silent.
I encourage you to develop the habit of praising God every day. Thank Him for who He is and His love toward you.

Your thanksgiving will pave the way for you to experience the power of His love in your life!

World Changers Ministries
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