Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 26, 2013
When he [Jesus] was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him. Luke 24:30-31
The eyes of Christ’s two hosts were opened to His presence when they saw His grateful heart. The Holy Spirit revealed the gift of the Son through the expression of gratitude for God’s gifts. Yes, we grow in our likeness of Jesus when we thank God for the small things in life. His rising sun that brightens the tops of shaded trees with autumn’s yellow leaves. Light rain that hums to sleep a whiny baby. A carpet of green grass for children to run, skip and laugh on. A blanket of snow that calms the soul. Ordinary blessings of God are extraordinary in their scope and significance.
Yes, we are compelled to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His everyday provision. It may be the moment by moment opportunity to fill our lungs with God’s oxygen or the meals He routinely provides to fill our stomach. Ordinary, daily blessings from Jesus give us the privilege to slow down and say thank you. Perhaps gratitude for a spouse’s support, a child’s love, a parent’s laughter or a friend’s faith. Neighbors who smile make us smile with genuine thankfulness. Our gratitude for the Lord’s ordinary gifts overflow our reservoir of faith. Joy fills our emotional cup.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:1-2, NKJV
How do you regularly express gratitude to God for your job? What are some ways you can say thank you to your coworkers? Maybe a simple thank you or a written note of appreciation. Offer to be responsible for a friend’s tasks, so they can take off a day. Show gratitude with a gift of cash, so an employee can take their spouse to dinner or pay down a school loan. Gratitude goes a long way in helping people face another day. Yes, be available to sit with the sick and serve them.
Lastly, be bold when you break bread to pray a sincere blessing of thanksgiving for the Lord’s provision. Mix it up at meal time and ask each person around the table to share one thing they are thankful to God for. Make a list of the Lord’s blessings you can refer to when you have a bad day. Look for Christ’s gifts in your ordinary, everyday life. Brag on Jesus to others who may need Jesus. Respectfully and humbly, declare what good things God has given you to enjoy today!
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:3-5, NKJV
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible, ordinary gifts You give me every day.
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 8:3; Nehemiah 12:47; Psalm 68:19; Acts 2:47; Hebrews 3:13
Post/Tweet this today: Gratitude goes a long way to help people face another day. #thankfulfortheordinary
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