Your Daily Devotional for November 2, 2007

 

November 2,  2007

 

 

An Attitude of Thanks

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing."

 

Psalm 100:1–2

 

I once read this story:

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with golden hair; I envied her—she seemed so happy, and how, I wished I were so fair. When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle; she had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed, a smile. I prayed, Oh God, forgive me when I complain, for I have two feet.

And when I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm; he seemed to radiate good cheer, his manner was so kind and warm. I said, "It's nice to deal with you, such courtesy I seldom find." He turned and said, "Oh, thank you sir." And then I saw that he was blind. Oh, God, forgive me when I complain, for I have two eyes.

Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue; he stood and watched the others play, it seemed he knew not what to do. I stopped a moment, then I said, "Why don't you join the others, dear?" He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew he could not hear. Oh God, forgive me when I complain, for I have two ears.

With feet to take me where I'd go, with eyes to see the sunsets glow, with ears to hear what I would know, I am blessed indeed. Oh God, forgive me when I complain.

Many people in our world do not have all the comforts that we might have. In many countries people live in poverty and disease, yet they don't complain. Many children eat only worms, but do so thankfully. How many times have we complained about our food being cold or our supper being late? How often have we complained about not having anything to eat with cupboards full of food?

The problem lies in our attitudes. We have become accustomed to having things the way we want them and when we want them. Friend, the truth is, we don't deserve anything we have today! If life were fair, we would be on our way to an eternity in Hell! We don't deserve anything, and yet we expect so much!

Romans 12:1 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Presenting our bodies to God as a living sacrifice is reasonable after all He has done for us! When you really think of what Christ did for you on the Cross, it will change your attitude toward serving Him.

Be careful that you don't get so caught up with the comforts of this world that you expect more from God! Be thankful for what He has already given you! Ask God today to help you have an attitude of thankfulness!

Daily Bible Reading

Jeremiah 27-29 • Titus 3

---

================================================
THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE PLEASE DO NOT REPLY
================================================
Manage your online subscriptions at
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-login.aspx

To Unsubscribe from this list please follow this link
http://www.dailyintheword.org/email/user-unsubscribe.aspx?s=4159&l=1