5-Day Devotional - Day One

Any Way You Slice It… Be Thankful: Part One Pastor Paul Stieb Day 1: The Foundation Of Gratitude Devotional Take a moment right now and breathe deeply. Feel that air filling your lungs? That's your first reason to be grateful today. Life has a way of overwhelming us with challenges, bills, relationships, and endless responsibilities. In the midst of it all, we often miss the most basic blessings right in front of us. Gratitude isn't just a nice spiritual discipline; it's a game-changer. When we choose to focus on what we have rather than what we lack, something shifts in our hearts. The same circumstances that felt overwhelming yesterday can become manageable when viewed through the lens of thankfulness. Maybe you're reading this from a warm home. Perhaps you have food in your refrigerator. Maybe you simply woke up this morning with another day of possibilities ahead. These aren't small things. They're evidence of God's goodness in your life. God doesn't change from season to season. He remains constant, faithful, and good whether we're on the mountaintop or walking through the valley. His character isn't dependent on our circumstances, and neither should our gratitude be. When we anchor our thankfulness in who God is rather than what's happening around us, we build an unshakeable foundation for our faith. Starting with gratitude for the basics creates a pathway for recognizing God's hand in every area of our lives. We’re not about ignoring problems or pretending everything is perfect. We’re choosing to see God's goodness even when life gets complicated. Bible Verse “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Reflection Question What are three basic blessings in your life right now that you may have taken for granted? How might acknowledging them change your perspective on your current challenges? Quote “You always have something to be thankful for.” Prayer Father, thank You for the breath in my lungs and the life You've given me. Help me see Your goodness in the simple, everyday blessings. Open my eyes to recognize Your faithfulness even in difficult seasons. In Jesus’s name, amen.  that what God has spoken will come to pass, even when we can't see how or when. Jesus modeled this perfectly. Before multiplying the loaves and fish, He gave thanks. Before raising Lazarus from the dead, He thanked the Father. He didn't wait to see the miracle before expressing gratitude. His gratitude was part of releasing the miracle. When we thank God in advance, we're aligning our hearts with His will and creating space for His power to work. We're moving from a posture of doubt to a position of faith. We’re moving from begging to believing. Bible Verse “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” –Philippians 4:6 Reflection Question What promise from God are you still begging Him for instead of thanking Him for? How would your prayers change if you started expressing advance gratitude? Quote “Start thanking God before you see the promise come to pass.” Prayer Father, I choose to thank You now for the promises You've made to me. Help me to act in faith, believing Your Word is more certain than my current situation. Increase my faith to praise You before I see the breakthrough. In Jesus’s name, amen.