How do you practice gratitude? Whether it's through prayer, journaling or blessing others, gratitude is how we remember what God has done for us thus far. As we are reminded of God's goodness, it fuels our faith to walk into what God is calling us to do. Abraham was called to build a nation, but had no sons and was of old age. Despite the odds stacked against him, Abraham had faith to trust God. Through his faith, God made a miracle. Abraham is reminded of God's blessing by giving back what God has blessed him with. Abraham didn't give for a blessing, he gave from his blessing. It is important we never forget God's miracles. Abraham understood this, and it is through this principle and practice that we can honor God today to give us faith for the future.

If you want faith for the future you need gratitude for today

1. Egypt Eyes

Abraham gave Lot the first choice of which direction he wanted to go to avoid any strife between them. Lot looked through his worldly eyes, and chose what was familiar to him, leading him to a place of captivity. When we use the lens of the flesh it blocks our eyes of faith.

Gen. 13:10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

2. Eyes of Faith

Keeping a perspective from the eyes of faith requires full trust in God’s direction for our lives. When Abraham separated from Lot, he did not rely on his surroundings as an indicator of God’s favor. He knew within his heart that his blessing was secure simply because God said so. At a later point, he was able to give a tenth of his blessing to King Melchizidek as an expression of gratitude, which honored the king while securing his legacy. We too are able to do the same in the form of bringing the tithe to the church.

Hebrews 4:4-6 ESV
See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

When we see through Egypt eyes, the call to tithe the first tenth of our income seems illogical. Yet through the lens of heaven, we know it is solely by faith. We don't give to get, but we get to give out of the pure gratitude of all God has first done in our lives. God is looking for men and women who are willing to put all their faith in who he is, trusting that he is our great provider, and the one who deserves all the praise. When we continue to step deeper into our faith, and grasp the fullness of all Christ has done, gratitude becomes our intake, leading to generosity as our natural output. As people of gratitude, Christ's superiority reigns over our lives, and blesses our legacy to come.