Giving Thanks

The First Thanksgiving by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863–1930)
Public Domain

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

35 Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 &35 NIV

Thanks. Giving…. Giving Thanks…

I have been thinking a lot again these last few weeks about what Thanksgiving means and was struck by the two words found in the one… Thanks. Giving. I have been pondering thanks, (gratitude) and giving, and how they impacts our lives.

Thanks. Without gratitude, our attitude becomes toxic – literally. I discuss how what we think has direct repercussions on our health in my book, Master Your Mind. We must stay thankful to stay healthy! I believe our attitude will affect how successful we are in all areas of our lives. I want to be thankful at all times.

Giving. I think there is a similar principle for our finances. Without giving, our finances become ‘all about us’… and that can be toxic to your finances! I believe we must give with a cheerful heart for our finances to stay healthy! I want to be generous at all times.

Many years ago, I heard about Robert Gilmore LeTourneau. RG LeTourneau was a prolific inventor and held nearly 300 patents. He was a very successful businessman, whose earthmoving equipment, and Engineering vehicles, represented nearly 70 percent of the machines used during World War II. The University he founded, LeTourneau University, is still among the top of its kind, and “unapologetically Christian”.

But what struck me about his story, was not how much money he made, but how much money he gave! RG, during his day, was called “God’s Businessman”, and was known for his extravagant giving. LeTourneau gave 90% of all he made and lived on 10%. He called it the “reverse tithe.”

I want to be like that! I want to be able to give the finances that I am blessed with to change the world! There is great power in giving. Try it! It can change your life!

I am giving thanks for many things this Thanksgiving… Here are my “Top 10 things I am thankful for”:

1. God the three in one – the Father, the son Jesus & the Holy Spirit.

2. My family

3. My friends!

4. Promises of God, including eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.

5. Belonging to God, and His family.

6. God’s Protection from any enemy.

7. God’s Provision of ALL I need (Food, shelter, clothing…) and God’s abundance, above and beyond…

8. Having a purpose to live for, and a destiny to fulfill.

9. My health & soundness of mind.

10. My freedom.

This week I give thanks to God for all He has given me! And I want to give back.

What are your Top 10 Thanks, and how are you doing with Giving?  If you want to grow in your THANKS, I suggest you get the I AM THANKFUL! JOURNAL, available through the Destiny Center.