A magnificent sunrise here in Alexandria, Louisiana. These wonderful scenes like this constantly remind me of the blessings God provides every single day.
Since Terri and I moved here to Louisiana from California six years ago the Lord has been teaching both of us to have a heart of gratitude. Back in California we pretty much had it all, great climate, the beach, the mountains, great food, great shopping and literally hundreds of things to do and see. Here in Louisiana life is different. It's a simpler kind of life devoid of all the distractions of city life. Many of the things we enjoyed in California simply don't exist here.
When we were enjoying all the things a west coast life provided we were never thankful or grateful for any of it. We never gave God any praise for it, in fact we often complained about it.
Today we both have a different perspective on things. Our life may not be as once was, but we now give the Lord the praise and glory for what he provides.
This week I received this message from Pastor Steve Smothermon of Legacy Church:
Possessing an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude is something that needs to be developed. I believe we would be much happier and more fulfilled as people if we would learn to be thankful.
Some people are only thankful and grateful to the Lord when things are going well. But when things go badly, then we begin to blame Him — we even begin to accuse Him of not caring about or loving us. How sad. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 28:47-48, Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joyfulness of [mind and] heart [in gratitude] for the abundance of all [with which He had blessed you], therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the Lord shall send against you, in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and in want of all things; and He will put a yoke of iron upon your neck until He has destroyed you.
Because people did not serve the Lord with joy and gratitude (one translation says, with enthusiasm — that means a spontaneous reaction), then we would live in want. We are to serve Him with joy and gratitude when things are going well and when things are not.
God has given us so much. He has given us life, air to breathe, food to eat, clothing to keep us warm. He has given us eternal life if we choose His way — receiving Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
We have much to be thankful for, so let’s develop an attitude of gratefulness and serve Him with joy.
Just a thought,
PSS
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