The Light

Your mind isn’t old—keep stretching it. This is good advice for everyone, no matter what age.

Join Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he examines the condemnation and rebuke of a friend with hasty assumptions.

From the Series: Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance

read more

A grateful heart can transform the way we see life, handle challenges, and grow closer to God. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin explores biblical gratitude, why giving thanks in all circumstances matters, and how cultivating thankfulness can strengthen our faith.

Highlights

• Discover why gratitude is an essential part of God’s will for your life.
• Learn how thanksgiving shifts your focus from struggles to God’s faithfulness.
• Understand how a grateful heart can protect you from bitterness and negativity.
• Reflect on seven prayers of gratitude for difficult seasons and everyday challenges.
• Be encouraged to thank God not only for what He gives but also for what He withholds and protects you from.

Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.

Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword

Do you want to listen ad-free?

When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! 

Sign Up Today!

Full Transcript Below:

Cultivating a Healthy Heart
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). 

How healthy are you these days? And how healthy is your heart? 

While you can try to steer clear of germs, eat more nutritionally, and exercise regularly, one of the healthiest habits you can develop is to regularly express a grateful heart. 

That's right. Gratitude makes your heart healthier. 

Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between a positive attitude and improved health (and even a longer life!). To be positive, in short, means to be grateful. To find the good in every situation. To be thankful in all things. 

I'm sure God had our physical, as well as spiritual, health in mind when He inspired the apostle Paul to write these words to the Thessalonians. After admonishing them to display proper Christian conduct, he wrote:

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB). 

Did you notice that Paul didn’t just say, “In every good circumstance, give thanks.” He also didn’t write, “When things work out well for you, give thanks.” He specifically said, “In everything give thanks.” In the good times, as well as the bad. In the pleasantries of life, as well as in the pain. During difficult times, trying times, and frustrating times, too. That’s because when we’re thanking God, we're focused on our blessings, rather than the bitternes

In the ministry of Jesus in the gospels, we see the new creation breaking into the old in a moment of miraculous wonder. The individual healings and the great feeding miracles point us to the ultimate outworking of the redeeming work of Jesus at the cross: all things will be made new. The sick will be restored in resurrection bodies; the hungry will feast at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Have we come to Jesus to receive a place in this new creation? Are we delighting in the prospect of joining him there?

Choose to forgive others as Christ has forgiven you.

Donate: https://store.intouch.org/donate/general

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What about fasting? Why did people fast and is it required for believers today? I forgave a debt but still hope it's paid in the future. Is that okay? Are we robbing God if we don't tithe 10%? What does New Testament giving look like?