How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

July 12, 2026   Chaplain Doug Kinder

The Origin of Thanksgiving Becoming a National Holiday

Thanksgiving is a KEY WORD throughout the scripture.

Duet. 8:10       God’s Command to Israel

Pslm 100:4     I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart

Col. 1:11-12   Give thanks for Eternal Life

Eph. 5:20         Always giving thanks to God for everything          

1 Thess. 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances

Job 1:21           The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord

Habakkuk 3:17-18      “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be on the vines. The labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat. The flocks shall be cut off from the fold. There shall be no herd in the stalls. Yet will I rejoice in the Lord.”

What is True Contentment?

1 Timothy 6:6-10         ”But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Eugene Peterson       “A devout life does not bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.”

Philippians 4:11-13    ”I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Deborah Norville       “The Power of Thank You.”

A fascinating study on how gratitude plays a key role in one’s physical and emotional well-being.

FOUR PATHS TO A GRATEFUL HEART

1. Worshipping God
2. Learning to be Thankful in times of anxiety and frustration
3. Start Expressing It
4. The Discipline of Noticing