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We each have much to be thankful for, but because of our shortsightedness,
we sometimes fail to see how blessed we really are. Many times we focus
more on what we are missing rather than being thankful for the great
bounties that we possess. If we take a moment and think of those who are
less fortunate than we are, we would quickly realize that we have nothing
to complain about. We are to be thankful for our health, our family, our
friends, our jobs, and the list can continue on. Train yourself to be one
who gives thanks to the Lord multiple times each day. Do not allow
yourself to murmur and complain when the temptation arises, but rather use
that opportunity to let God know that you are trusting in Him and know
that every trial will be used to make you stronger than you were before.
Give God thanks for all that He has given to you. You will soon find that
being thankful will ease your burdens much more than your complaining
could ever do. (Philippians 4:19) (Psalm 103:1-5) (Psalm 146:5-10)
I hope this message challenges your heart to be one who gives thanks and
praise to the Lord in all situations no matter the temptation to murmur or
complain.
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
Leaving for work one morning, I noticed that my newspaper hadn't been
delivered yet. Since I always brought it to work, it upset me that I would
have to stop at the store and pick one up. I was already running late, but
figured I could make it if I hurried. This would really throw a monkey
wrench into my morning though and it was putting me in a bad mood.
As I pulled into the parking lot of the store, I noticed a young man in a
wheelchair at the far end of the lot who seemed to be struggling. “I'm
sure he's all right”, I thought, “or if he's not, someone else will stop
and help him.”
Judging by the customers and cars that were passing him by, I guess they
were thinking the same thing. I got out, and walked over to see what the
trouble was.
“Is there anything I can do?” I asked. It was then that I noticed he wasn't
able to speak, and was still struggling with the chair.
“Is there someone I can call for you?” I said. He still couldn't give me
any indication.
I looked down at the chair and noticed that the clamps holding the
electronic keyboard and chair controls had apparently loosened causing the
equipment to slip down, out of his reach.
“Is this the problem?” I said, as I pulled it back into place, hoping I
wasn't doing more damage than good. I then re-tightened the clamps. His
hand jerked over to the keyboard and he hit a single key. An electronic
voice told me, “Thank-you.” He then found the toggle control that steered
the chair, turned and left.
I got back in my car and headed off to work, completely forgetting my
newspaper. As I drove, I felt a gratitude come over me like I had never
felt before! I was truly blessed to have the physical abilities that allow
me to live a normal life.
Here was this young man who relied on a mechanical chair to get him around
and a voice simulator to communicate. He probably dreamed about doing all
the things that I take for granted every day. I vowed from now on, not to
take those things for granted anymore. I would be grateful to God for his
blessings that could be gone tomorrow.
It's funny, fifteen minutes before that happened, I was whining because my
morning paper hadn't arrived on time. I'm glad I was able to help the
young man, but more importantly, he was able to help me gain a new
perspective on my priorities in life.
By John Fern
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 John 4:20-21 “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a
liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love
God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he
who loveth God love his brother also.”
Romans 8:31-32 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us,
who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him
up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
Psalm 16:8-11 “I have set the LORD always before me: because He is at my
right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory
rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my
soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at
Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
1 Timothy 6:6-10 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing
out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they
that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the
love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they
have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: EVEN IF
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem108.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: TAKING A GOOD LOOK
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony189.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
