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Today is a special day for me.

It’s the day I celebrate a very special human being who makes my heart dance.

26 years ago, on this very day, a beautiful human being said “I do” and we’ve been doing life together ever since.

Truly thankful, from the bottom of my heart.

It’s the people, not the possessions, in life that make it rich and wonderful.

Who are the special people in your life?

Don’t leave it 26 years, 26 days, or even 26 minutes before you tell them how important they are to you. Reach out today and let them know.

The richest man or woman in the world is not the one with the most money in the bank.

“And Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”” (Luke 12:15 NKJV)

G.K. Chesterton wisely observed:

“There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.”

Contentment is a pipeline through which thankfulness can flow.

Selah.

Gratitude seems to be a buzzword nowadays, but the Bible was on to this secret long before the zeitgeist.

Throughout the Scriptures, we’re encouraged again and again to live a thankful life.

Why?

Certainly, one reason, and the one I want to share today, is that we become what we behold.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)

We’re told to magnify the Lord and move mountains in His name, but how often do we magnify the mountains?

Here’s how:

With unveiled face. Ditch the doubt and shame. Your face may be dirty, but when you look in the mirror, it’s a new creature looking back at you. This is the miracle of redemption. Loving eyes stare back at you. You are accepted in the Beloved, so be loved.

Beholding as in a mirror. Who do you see when you look in the mirror? God sees His glory in you and wants you to see the same.

Be Transformed. Let this glorious love transform how you see yourself, and the world around you, and your perception of it, will change.

If you spend your days lamenting what you don’t have, wishing yourself different, and down on your dreams, those thoughts will frame your world.

If instead you take quality time to quieten your mind, and look steadfastly into the Word of God, believing who it says you are, thanksgiving will be the overflow.

A simple set of rules for successful living.

“Rejoice evermore.

Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

My focus today is giving thanks. Living grateful.

Gratitude embraces grace and overlooks weakness and failings.

It opens the door for tranquillity to reclaim the umpire’s seat in your soul.

Instead of performance, peace.

Instead of drivenness, delight.

Instead of regret, a sense of accomplishment for how far you’ve already come.

The metrics of the world are wonky. I hope you realise that.

It’s not by height, might, power or prestige. Not by reputation, reasoning, cleverness or clout. Not by bank, bigness or bluster, but by my Spirit says the Lord.

And He lives in you.

Let that glorious truth land today.

You are enough.

The endless chasing can cease.

Choose gratitude.

Tomorrow I’ll share some ways to exercise this (because ideas without action are empty containers). They must be filled with the Breath to stand up and walk.

There will come a day when the curtains close on this era and a new and glorious Kingdom takes its place. Jesus will rule from His Jerusalem throne and all will be well.

In the meantime, we have to deal with this mean time.

People are confused, questioning, seeking and searching for truth. Groping in darkness in the hope of a better way.

Can you show it to them?

And yes, I’m speaking of the gospel. That’s the central furrow in the field. But life is lived and cultivated on many levels. We preach a Kingdom not just an altar call. Once someone has stepped across the line their journey has not ended, it has only just begun.

And the Kingdom extends to the ends of the earth. Every realm of life, every business, every precious place.

What are your areas of expertise and experience? And how can you help others reach their potential?

For example, I write and publish books. Lots of them.

Those skills I now use to help others do the same.

I create online training products.

So I mentor others to crystallise their value into courses and resources.

I’ve spent thousands of hours in prayer. So I teach people to pray.

Here’s the picture.

A tree has a purpose. Many people think that the purpose is fulfilled when the tree bears fruit.

Of course, that is a wonderful result of the tree’s growth, a benefit if you like. But the tree’s destiny still lacks one fundamental and ultimately essential key.

The tree is designed to produce another tree!

And another. And another.

Our goal is not just to become a fat disciple or a business success.

It is to produce disciples, to champion the success of others, to call forth their latent gifts and cheer them to their finish line.

When we do this, we fulfil an even deeper need that goes beyond our own success.

Someone is waiting for you today to step up. They need to hear your voice.

It may take some time to hone that voice. To really grasp the essence of your message and what you bring uniquely to the table.

But start now.

The longer you leave beginning or taking that next important step the longer others will be left scratching their head wondering where their answer is coming from.

Create, don’t be late!