It is easy to tell someone to be thankful for the blessings that they
possess, but if they don't take the time to be introspective and think
about their blessings, then they really won't see how much they truly
possess. What we must realize about life is that it is fleeting. What we
have today is not promised to us tomorrow and that is why we should live
each day thankful for the blessings of that day. We have so much to be
thankful for in life, but many times we focus more on what we lack rather
than being grateful for all that we do possess. I have learned that a
thankful heart is a contented heart and when I choose to bless the Lord
with my words of praise and thanksgiving, I am also blessing my own life
by recognizing and appreciating all that I have been given.
(Psalm 34:1-3) (1 Thessalonians 5:18) (Psalm 121:1-8)
The next time you are tempted to murmur and complain about the little that
you may lack, I encourage you to spend those few minutes thinking about
your many blessings. Think about your health, your family, your children,
your spouse, your job, your home, your car, your friends, your eyesight,
your legs, your heart, your lungs, your kidneys, your hands, and the list
can go on and on. Life without any one of these blessings will be much
more difficult than we can think or imagine and that is why we should take
the time to give thanks for them. An attitude filled with gratitude will
make one truly rich and will elevate their life to even greater heights.
See how truly fortunate you are and make every effort to live gratitude
minded because the good in your life greatly outweighs any bad by
comparison. (Deuteronomy 30:19) (Psalm 9:1-2) (Psalm 28:7-8)
I hope this message inspires and challenges your heart to focus on your
many blessings and choose to be thankful for each of them.
ONE GOOD DAY
I had one good day today. It started out with a morning walk with my dogs
under the starlight before dawn. It was so beautiful. Looking up I thanked
God for the stars, the Earth, and my life. After the walk it was time for
a warm breakfast followed by some exercises and prayer. Then I headed out
to the office. The sun was out and glistened off the melting snow. The
sight made me smile and since I was alone with nobody else’s ears to
offend I sang along with the CD playing in my car with a loud voice and a
happy heart.
My good day was just beginning, however. I helped it along by giving a
cheerful greeting to everyone I met. I shared smiles and was happy to have
them returned. I offered a helping hand to one friend and a pat on the back
to another. Later at the store I opened the door for a lady with her arms
full of packages. I bought a few boxes of pancake mix to put in the food
drive collection bin. I told a tired cashier what a good job she was doing
and watched her whole face light up.
When I got home I gave my daughter a hug, kissed my oldest son on the head,
and laughed and played with my youngest son before doing some work on the
computer. Then I answered letters trying to share a little good humor, a
kind word, a bit of inspiration, and a loving thought or two with my
friends around the world. Later in the evening I spent some quiet time
reading a good book, petting my dogs on the head, and scratching my old
grey cat under her chin. Finally I ended the day the way I started it:
walking my dogs under the starlight, and thanking God for this world, my
life, and the chance to live for one more good day.
Perhaps the key to having a great life is to live it one good day at a
time. Perhaps the key to being happy in this world is to love all we today
and let God take care of our tomorrow. May all of your today’s be good ones.
By Joseph J. Mazzella
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Psalm 28:6-8 “Blessed be the LORD, because He hath heard the voice of my
supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in
Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my
song will I praise Him. The LORD is their strength, and He is the saving
strength of His anointed.”
Psalm 34:1-6 “I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall
continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the
humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and
let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and
delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto Him, and were lightened:
and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard
him, and saved him out of all his troubles.”
Psalm 111:1-5 “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole
heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works
of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is honourable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth for
ever. He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is
gracious and full of compassion. He hath given meat unto them that fear
Him: He will ever be mindful of His covenant.”
Psalm 33:20-22 “Our soul waiteth for the LORD: He is our help and our
shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His
Holy Name. Let Thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: HE HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem155.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: AN ANGEL BY MY SIDE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony194.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |