Day 6 – Thank Him

How can we focus more on Christ?

We’ve read about the studies done by researchers and universities about thankfulness. A person with a thankful heart will sleep better at night, tends to live life in a better mood, and is healthier and has less inflammation in their bodies. The quality of life is just better for someone with a thankful heart.

That makes perfect sense since the Bible teaches us about having a thankful heart.

Psalm 100:4-5

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

How can we grow a thankful heart?

*Keep a gratitude journal, write every day, and reflect on the things written. Count those blessings, no matter how small.

*Thank God all the time. Let’s start saying “Thank you, Jesus” randomly throughout the day. Even when things get bad. Just say the words, “Thank you, Jesus.”

*Just ask God for a thankful heart. It’s that simple.

Ezekiel 36:26

And I will give you a new heart,

and I will put a new spirit in you.

I will take out your stony, stubborn heart

and give you a tender, responsive heart.

Thank you, Jesus!

Day 5 - Have Faith

How can we focus more on Christ?

Google’s definition of faith is to have complete trust or confidence in someone or something, a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

God’s definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

The word “faith” appears 336 times in the King James Version Bible.

Faith is not a prayer, but an additional step of obedience that typically grows from being in prayer.

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God.”

Faith is another way to Focus on God!

Faith can be hard. We are required to trust the thing we can’t see, give up control of our lives, and continue to live life without knowing the outcome of the days ahead.

Another quick google search shows the opposite of faith to be disobedience, fear, doubt, disbelief, and atheism.

There is so much freedom to be found in life once we have complete faith in Jesus. That faith gives our minds the peace we need to live free from worry and all the negative things that happen to our bodies when we stress and worry.

I was thinking and researching all the ways to have stronger faith. The posts I am sharing during this 31 Day - Focus on Christ are the ways to have strong faith. Let’s stay on this journey of drawing closer to Him and focusing on Him each day.

Day 4 - Move

How can we focus more on Christ?

Move our bodies!

I have never been one to slow down long enough to stop and watch the sunset. Yes, I have seen the sun set, but not nearly as often as my husband and daughter who both enjoy watching the sun go down. I get a little impatient those last few minutes. Ha-Ha. I need to work on that. The sun setting is another one of God’s beautiful creations.

It wasn’t until I started praying during my outdoor walks that I really started to see God’s amazing works all around me. I love going for a walk with God. The sky, the birds, the bright sun, the colors of the grass, trees, hills, streams, are all just amazing. Those walks have brought me closer to God enjoying His creations and talking to Him.

If I’m not praying during my walks, then I am listening to Christian music or podcast. My Spotify playlist has all my favorites from praise and worship music to Christian rap. There is so much good music out there that draws us closer to God.

My favorite podcast while walking is REVING the Word by Revelation Wellness-Healthy & Whole. The REVING the Word episodes are specially made to listen to while working out.

Going out and moving our bodies is time well spent with Jesus.

I didn’t even mention all the other many physical and mental advantages of walking. It’s just so good for our body and a great way to honor God by caring for the beautiful bodies He gave us.

As the new week approaches, let’s get out and move, pray, and spend time with God!