Tag Archives: gratitude

April 10
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“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 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 2
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“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 on 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 also is a part of the narrative of this scripture, took 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 acknowledge the hand from Whom all of his blessings had come?  – Luther

Tagged ,
February 1
Leave a comment
Uncategorized Aside

“Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.  ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’  Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”  (Matthew 20: 32-34, NIV)

“They received. . . and followed him.” 

Having just received sight, the two men suddenly had a lot of options not available to them in their former condition.  Suddenly, there were new places to go, people to see, and pleasures to experience.  However, in gratitude to the One who had compassion on them — when all others were unable or unwilling to help — after receiving their sight, they used both their new sight and their new insight to follow Jesus.

What is it we do after we have received the one thing we’ve asked of God?  Do we choose to follow Him that we might learn more about Him; to be more like Him?  Or, do we choose to return to our former ways of living and thinking; or do we use our new faculties to follow other “masters”?  – Luther

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow, as normal.  Please have a good day in worship, praise, and fellowship.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday!

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →