| Today's Word May 27, 2009 |
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Today's Word for Wednesday May 27, 2009
Gratitude
Defined by Webster:
The quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.
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"The generous soul will be made rich."
Proverbs 11:25.
"Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord
for His goodness."
Psalm 107:8.
"Always giving thanks to God for everything
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
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It is very difficult at times to show gratitude to not only God but to our family, friends and associates. This is especially true when we are facing seemingly insurmountable crises in our lives. We are aware that we have readers of these DAILY DEVOTIONALS from every corner of our world so our "crises" are very different. All of us have different concerns based on our culture, the political and economical situations we live in and the standard of living that God has given us.
We have been to over 90 countries of the world and we have often commented that those that have so little in earthly "THINGS" show so much more gratitude then many that have so much more.
We are reminded of our visit to a home in the Philippians sitting on top of a garbage dump. This dear family had so little but we noticed a Sunday school book sitting on a box being used as a table. There house was built from pieces of wood and cardboard that they had collected from the garbage dump. They did not have running water, sewage or electricity. The little girl was sitting on the dirt floor and that little Sunday school book was her one prized possession. Our mission had sent copies of that book to the Philippians about one year earlier. She told us that she reads through the book every day and she was so grateful that we had sent it to her. Can you imagine what this little Sunday school book meant to this dear little girl who had no doll, no toy or no other books?
Have you given any thought about your blessings and are you grateful for what you do have? The things that you do not have will not seem that important when you are grateful for what you do have. This illustration from the Philippians should remind us to be thankful and show gratitude for ALL that God has given us.
We urge you to daily thank the Lord for the blessings He has given you. This is how you show gratitude to God. We also need to show gratitude to our family every day. Showing gratitude to parents and children has an impact on each one. Gratitude encourages and lifts up ones spirits. When you show gratitude you honor the Lord and in turn encourage your family to live a life honoring the Lord.
It is also important for us to show gratitude to others. When someone helps you, do you say thank you? Do you respond to one that lets you in a lane on the freeway or opens your car door, or lets you off the elevator first? These are all just examples of acts of kindness that you should respond to. If we can be grateful for the small things in life it will make us more aware of how blessed we are.
God encourages us so many times in the Bible to show gratitude in all that we do. Train your children to show gratitude. When you have dinner tonight ask your spouse and family - "Who did you show gratitude to today?" You will be surprised at the conversation that follows.
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Give me an attitude today of gratitude in all that I do. Help me to show kindness and gratitude to my family and more important to you my God and my Savior. I thank you today for your goodness, for your protection and for your love. I praise you for all you are and for all your blessings.
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Your Friends,
Ken and Dottie Phillips
"Today's Word" is sent to you free
to encourage you to commit today to
serve and honor God as a family.
These Family Devotional Thoughts are written by Dr.Ken Phillips, ministry director for World Bible Society, and his wife Dottie. Ken has had ministry positions with The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, World Vision, Youth For Christ, World Opportunities International, and World Bible Society. He also has consulted for more than 20 Christian ministries in management and stewardship development. Ken and Dottie have been married for 52 years, and have 6 children and 21 grandchildren. Come back regularly to enjoy their Family Devotional as they share their thoughts about living in God's Word!
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23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. |
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