|
|
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 10, 2007 THX! |
A daily |
Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, January 10, 2007 By Penny Risen
I Corinthians 4: 7-11 - “Who made you better than your brother? Or what do you have that has not been given to you? If God has given you everything, why do you have pride? Why do you act as if He did not give it to you? You are full. You are rich.” - New Life Bible
In God’s awesome wisdom, we have everything we need, the apostle Paul reminds the new believers. He in His grace provides for us and thanks are in order for God’s gifts, not our boasting.
Sure, we want to think we help ourselves and build ourselves up --- and we want our children to have self-esteem too. But we’d like folks to show a little humility if they receive something from us or get help from us. We can try to teach gratitude or simply try to be a loving example of it. God doesn’t really “need” our thanks and praise. But Scripture tells us that it is our duty and privilege to glorify Him, and He does take notice of His children’s voices raised in thanksgiving.
My sons are shorthand thanks-givers, just like we are sometimes to God. If I’ve done something for them long distance, like send a package or I’ve put extra cash in their checking accounts for use at college, I get a text message on my cell phone or an email that says: “THX!” I know it’s hurried, but it is also heartfelt. It makes my day.
We surely owe God a few of these each day for all our riches, reminds Paul. Prayer and praise don’t always have to be elaborate or florid, full of “Gloria!” and “Hallelujah!” like the hymns of old. We can be brief, sincere and do this giving of thanks easily during our day whenever we need to speak to God about all He does for us.
In PDA-speak, we can say from our hearts: “THX, God. UR GR8! CUL8r & luv U 4ever.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, You fill me up each day with just what I need. My pride is in being called Your child. Thank you for loving me even when I forget to show You my praise for these riches. Amen.
|
|
All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
Visit the |
