Tag Archives: gratitude

April 25
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” (Psalm 121:7-8, NLT)

The weekend, with its change in our routine, offers us the opportunity to remember the Lord’s faithfulness to us.

Each day brings its own perils — both seen and unseen.  In each case, God is our protector, sustainer, and guide.
Through reflection, we maintain our sensitivity to these gracious, divine acts; and we remember what He has done for us, and for those near and dear to us.

It is a good thing to recall the loving acts of our heavenly Father!   – Luther

Tagged , , ,
April 21
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24, NIV)

Memory and gratitude are antidotes to many of the maladies that afflict our soul and that steal the joy of living. These maladies include self-entitlement, greed, a zero-sum view of common resources, and a competitive spirit when cooperation is what is needed.

When we “[remember] what great things [God] has done for [us],” such as giving us the things that money cannot buy (e. g. life, peace, joy, love, security of soul, integrity of mind); and an abundance of the things money can buy (e. g. food, shelter, clothing, transportation).  It provokes within us an enduring reverence for the Lord, and a burning desire to serve him with faithfulness and enthusiasm.

To count the relatively few things we don’t have — instead of the many blessings we do have — sidetracks us from the path that leads to peace with our heavenly Father. Remember — and be thankful.  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
April 14
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47, NASB)

The more we value something, the higher it rises in our list of what is important.

The woman in today’s scripture valued the forgiveness of God.  It wasn’t something she had taken for granted, and this singular act of God’s grace was always clear, near, and present.

Simon, who is also a part of the narrative of this scripture, took a lot of God’s gifts for granted — and it was apparent that he “loves little.”

Who are we: The woman who was filled with gratitude, awe, and love for her Lord because she appreciated the gifts of God; or Simon, who didn’t see the hand from Whom all of his blessings had come?  – Luther

Tagged , , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →