Tag: gratitude

Gratitude and Humility

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING:

               “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mathew 5: 3.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS:

                In this scripture, the phrase “poor in spirit” refers to the attribute of humility (a precious treasure that creates joy in the hearts of all those who possess it.)  Practicing humility means acknowledging that God is the giver of all good things.  The Lord provides us with our food, shelter, clothing, careers, relationships, and all of the other necessities of daily living.  He has complete power over all of creation; the very air we breathe is a gift from Him.  Although the humble offer God many praises, the prideful acknowledge only themselves; they mistakenly believe that everything they possess is the product of their own intelligence and hard work.

                Nebuchadnezzar was one of the mightiest kings who has ever lived.  He became ruler of the Babylonian empire in 605 B.C.  Like most powerful men, humility was not one of his greatest attributes; he demanded that his subjects worship him in the manner of a God.  One day as he strolled leisurely through his palace, he spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?”  Before he was finished speaking, a voice came from heaven saying, “The kingdom has departed from you […] your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field.  They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven years shall pass over you, until you know that the most high rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses” (Daniel 4: 30 – 32.)  Indeed, because the Babylonian King had failed to give God the credit for his possessions, he slipped in to madness and began acting like an ox for seven years.

                As believers we must not make the same mistake as Nebuchadnezzar.  Instead, we must acknowledge that all good things come from God; that every possession is a blessing and a gift.  Those who desire to enter God’s kingdom would do well to continually honor Him.  Practically, Christian humility can be expressed through prayers of gratitude offered to God daily; we can also say grace before meals and praise the Lord in our private time and during worship services.  Tithing is another acknowledgement of God’s goodness.  Ultimately whatever form of thankfulness we choose to offer, it should come from the heart; and from a deep appreciation for everything that God has so graciously given us.

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your many gifts and provisions; for our food, our clothes, and our homes (to name a few.)  We recognize that all good things come from You.  Help us to maintain a spirit of gratitude and humility.  Cleanse our hearts of pride, that in lowliness we might better serve You and our fellows.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you.

Gratitude

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING
                Now it happened as he went to Jerusalem that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.  Then he entered a certain village, there met him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.  And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, master, have mercy on us.”  So when he saw them, he said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the preists.”  And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.  And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face, at his feet, giving him thanks.  And he was a Samaritan.  So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed?  But where are the nine?  Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”  And he said to him, “Arise, go your way.  Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17: 11 – 19.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

                Jesus healed ten lepers physically; yet just one leper was healed spiritually.  Only the Samaritan’s heart had been fully restored.  Filled with thankfulness and true appreciation, he returned to the messiah to worship and glorify the one True and Living God.  Often the greatest indicator of genuine faith is gratitude.  Most who have been healed spiritually (and physically), cling to Jesus; they make him the foundation upon which they build their lives.  Those whose hearts have been mended are continually filled with love for God; a love that is expressed through prayers of thanksgiving, songs of worship, acts of kindness, daily bible reading, and obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

                Many years ago, before God performed a miracle in my heart, I was the resident of two mental institutions.  Daily I contemplated suicide, and attempted it on one occasion (but the attempt failed.) For years I was a slave to drugs and alcohol, cigarettes, fornication, and every manner of evil readily available to me (In scripture, Jesus healed a man possessed by demons; the man had been cutting himself; I too had been cutting myself and burning my skin with lit cigarettes.)  When I finally met Jesus Christ, he cast out the demons that dwelled within me.  My mind, my body, and my soul were healed.  Today, my heart is filled with peace and love; love for God; love for others; and love for myself.  The Holy Spirit lives in me; in Christ, I am a completely new creation.  Having received a miracle, I return to the Lord every day to thank Him.  I speak to Him in prayer; I read His word; I live out His commandments, and obey His teachings.  As is the duty of every Christian, I also make an effort to spread the message to others; that they too might be healed and receive the Spirit of God.

                Has the Lord done a work of healing in you?  Have you been transformed by the Spirit of the Living God?  If Jesus Christ has touched your life, then may gratitude pour from your heart.  May you give God glory, and honor, and praise.  Obey His commandments and love your fellows.  Read His word and offer up prayers of thanksgiving.  Reach out to those who are in bondage; tell them about the wonderful miracle that the Lord has performed in your life.  May God guide you; may He continue to sanctify you, and may His peace never leave you; from this day forward, until the day of His return [Note:  If you have never experienced the miracle of salvation, contact me; I would love to discuss how you might do that today.]

                “Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for all of Your wonderful works, and for the gift of salvation.  You have transformed us; You have healed us; You have given us new lives.  May we remain ever grateful; may love rule in our hearts and minds; and may we continually praise, honor, and worship Your Holy name.  Father, we love You, we thank You, and we praise You; and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.”  God bless all of you.