Let's take a journey of thankfulness. First, we’ll reflect on the blessings of the past year—those big and small moments where God’s faithfulness shone through. Then, we’ll dive into how we can cultivate gratitude even in the midst of life’s challenges. Finally, we’ll look ahead to the new year and explore practical ways to make thankfulness a daily practice in 2025.

References to Bible Verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 107:1; Luke 17:11-19; Lamentations 3:22-23; Colossians 3:23-24; Acts 16:25; James 1:2-3; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15-17; Psalm 136:1

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Credits:

Cover Image & Music from Pixabay

Introduction

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Jason: Welcome, and thank you for listening. My name is Jason, and I'm your host. As we approach the end of yet another year, it is the perfect time to pause and reflect on one of the most powerful gifts that God has given us the ability to be grateful in every season of life. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5 18 to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. These words challenge us to embrace gratitude, not just when life is going well, but also when we face trials, uncertainties, or moments that stretch our faith. In today's episode, we'll take a journey of thankfulness.

So grab a cup of coffee, find a quiet place, or just keep me on as you drive. I'm excited to count our blessings together and step into the new year with hearts full of gratitude.

Podcast Achievements and Growth

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Jason: Now, before I really get into this episode, I want to tell you about the blessings that my ministry mission has received. Over the past 12 months or so, I've been blessed to speak with and share the testimony of 15 amazing guests.

I mean, praise God for that. In addition to that, I rolled out a new type of episode, just trying something new, and I've called it Fellowship and Faith, which are kind of a fireside chat, a roundtable type conversation with other Christians. I was able to host two of those episodes this year, and they were both phenomenal.

That is a 374 percent increase in the number of unique listeners and 413 percent increase in the total downloads this year. I couldn't have done it without you, so please continue to share this podcast with your friends, your family, your church family, strangers on the street, the guy at the drive thru window, whoever you meet, please share it because There's an episode that God has inspired that someone needs to hear, and I need your help spreading the word.

What moments of growth stretched and refined you? Perhaps it was a deepened relationship, an unexpected opportunity, or even a quiet moment of peace that reminded you of His presence when you needed it the most. The Bible encourages us to recognize these blessings and give thanks. Psalm 107 verse 1 says give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

His love endures forever. God's goodness has been constant even in seasons when we don't fully understand his plan. A story that's beautifully captures this, this power of gratitude 17 verses 11 through 19 where Jesus heals 10 lepers. And out of those ten, only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him. Jesus asks, Were not all ten cleansed?

Where are the other nine? This man's thankfulness set him apart. And Jesus tells him, Rise and go. Your faithfulness has made you well. Like the Samaritan, we, too, have a choice. To let blessings pass by unnoticed, or to intentionally Return to God with gratitude. This year, maybe you experienced growth in ways you didn't expect.

Perhaps a prayer you thought God had forgotten was answered and in his perfect timing. Or maybe a challenge drew you closer to someone in your life, building a relationship you now cherish deeply. These moments are evidence of his faithfulness. As Lamentations 3, 22 and 23 reminds us, Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. God's mercies are ongoing, renewing daily and sustaining us in ways we don't even know, we haven't even seen yet.

Personal Testimony of Faith

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Jason: And I want to tell you a story about my life and one of my blessings. I have this job. I had a job with a company that, I mean, it paid really well, but I felt misaligned to the culture.

He told me, learn to find joy in him where I was. And Colossians 3, 23 and 24 came into my mind. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Since God You know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

It fit my life. My schedule gave me more time with my with my daughter, and I felt very much aligned to this company culturally, so I interviewed. I trusted God to help me figure out the financial part, and I am very happy with my job. I took the opportunity to trust God, and my life has been all the better because of it.

As you think back on this year, let's not miss the chance to return to Jesus, like the Samaritan leper, and thank Him for the seen and unseen ways that He has been faithful in our lives. Look back on the decisions you've made and where you've trusted God, and it, and it hasn't Beared fruit just yet, but it will.

Trust Him, it will. Remain faithful and you will be rewarded, but understand that we've already received the greatest reward from Christ.

Gratitude in Trials and Challenges

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And in moments like these, gratitude can feel elusive, even unnatural. When we look to God's word, we see how thankfulness, even in trials, can be a powerful way to grow spiritually and to deepen our trust in Him. The story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. 25 is a striking example of gratitude in the face of adversity.

After being beaten and imprisoned for sharing the gospel, Paul and Silas did something unexpected. They prayed and sung. hymns of praise to God while sitting in a dark, filthy jail cell. Their circumstances were dire, yet their focus was on worshiping the one who sustains us in every season. God responded with a miracle, shaking the prison open and, and, and its doors, not just letting them free, but to bring salvation to the jailer and his entire household.

What would it look like for us to embody that kind of faith in our own struggles? The Apostle James gives us an answer to this in James 1, verses 2 and 3. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

It's not just that we rejoice in him, in the pain itself. But that we trust God is using it to strengthen us, to refine us, and draw us closer to him. This year, you might have faced some gnarly challenges that felt very overwhelming. Maybe you dealt with a strange relationship, a financial setback, a health scare.

I mean, there's so many things. But in these struggles, God was at work. He never allows us to go through trials without purpose. As Romans 8 28 reminds us and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Even when we don't see it in the moment, we can trust that God is using every difficulty for our ultimate good and his glory.

This kind of gratitude is, it's not passive, it is an act of, it's an act of faith. It says, Lord, I don't understand why I'm going through this, but I trust you. I know you are faithful, and I thank you for walking with me, even in these valleys. Paul and Silas didn't know what the outcome of their imprisonment would be, but they praised God anyways.

It may take time and prayer, but as you do, you'll discover how God is not only presenting a present in your pain, but also working to bring beauty from ashes. Let gratitude be the light that guides you through, reminding you that God is unshakable. His promises are unshakable and his love will never fail you.

Living with a thankful heart, it's not automatic. It takes intentionality. Philippians 4, verses 6 and 7 gives us a framework to get that started. It says, Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation prayer and petition. By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Did you catch that? Gratitude isn't just the goal, it's a part of the process that brings us peace. which transcends all understanding.

Practical Habits for Daily Gratitude

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At the end of each day, write down three things that you're thankful for. They don't have to be profound. Maybe it's a kind of word from a friend, a meal you enjoyed, a simple thing of beauty that, like a sunrise. Writing them down helps you slow down and notice the ways God is blessing you, even in the mundane.

And over time, this habit trains your heart to focus on His goodness instead of all of these worries of life. Second thing is begin your prayers with thanksgiving. Don't dive into this is what I want, God. Take a moment to thank God for who he is and for what he's done. Reflect on his faithfulness in the past and in the ways he's already provided for you.

This aligns your heart with his and reminds you of his sovereignty over whatever challenges you face. And sometimes, sometimes it's hard. Sometimes I just thank you for another day on earth, and that's what I got. But Colossians 3 verses 15 through 17 encourages us in this. It says, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you are called to peace.

And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wow. Gratitude isn't about feelings. It's not about how you feel. It's about action. When we let thankfulness guide our prayers, our words, our deeds, it transforms every part of our lives. Every part of it. Number three, set reminders to thank God daily. Sometimes we just need a nudge to refocus. Set a daily reminder on your phone or leave a sticky note in places you see them.

Maybe write a note in your bathroom mirror with dry erase markers. They can simply say, thank God today. Use those moments to pause, take a deep breath and offer a quick prayer of thanks. Even a few seconds of gratitude can completely reframe your day. When we cultivate gratitude daily, something amazing will happen.

Our perspective shifts. Instead of dwelling on what's wrong, we begin to see what's right. We seek what's right. Instead of focusing on what we lack, we notice all the wonderful things that we do have. Gratitude doesn't erase life's challenges, but it gives us a lens to see God's presence and provision through it all.

Gratitude also brings joy, not just the fleeting happiness that depends on circumstances, but a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing and trusting God. This joy sustains us, even in the toughest of times, because it's rooted in the unchanging character of Christ.

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It won't always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Imagine how different this year could have looked if we made gratitude our default response to life. Not just for what God has done, but for who He is. Faithful, loving, and ever present. Let's commit to starting this new year with a simple but powerful prayer.

Lord help me to see your hand in every moment. Teach me to give thanks, not only in abundance, but in need, not only in joy, but in trials. Let gratitude transform my heart and bring glory to you. As we embrace these practices, may the peace and joy of Christ fill your heart and guide you through every day of this new year.

Conclusion & Prayer

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Psalm 136 verse 1 reminds us, give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever. This simple yet profound truth will anchor us. God's goodness and love remains steadfast no matter what changes around us. And I'd like to close in a prayer together. Heavenly Father, as we come before you with hearts of gratitude, as we reflect on this year, we thank you for your blessings you've poured into our lives.

We ask that you fill our hearts with. A spirit of thankfulness reminding us daily of your presence and provision. Teach us to see your hand in both the big and small moments of life. Let gratitude transform how we live. Bring us joy and helping us to reflect your love to those around us. We thank you for your unchanging nature, your, your enduring love and your faithfulness that has carried us through every season.

May we live each day of the new year with hearts aligned to your will and overflowing with praise. We offer this prayer in the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and King. Amen. Thank you for joining me today on my ministry mission and thank you for being a part of this podcast success. As we head into this next year, remember that God is good, His love endures forever, and His faithfulness will sustain you in the year to come.

May you walk forward with a heart full of gratitude and the peace that only Christ can provide. Now remember to read your Bibles, remember to love each other, may the Lord bless you and keep you. Happy New Year and God bless you.