gratitude – Page 4 – Be Still…

Proverbs 28:15-28 – Greed Gets You Nowhere Fast

When we think of sin, greed is one of those that comes to mind for me. What keeps people separated from God? Their desire and preoccupation with money and wealth. How we view money and the acquisition of the same speaks volumes. Some people are so focused on that that they lose sight of God and what God wants for us. Our infatuation with money can be sinful when it keeps us from a relationship with God.

Money can also be a great asset used to do great things. It can be used for ministry, for feeding the poor, for leaving a legacy. When we use our wealth to further the kingdom, our priorities are in the right place. We are no longer greedy wanting the money only for our own selfish desires. God will bless that. It again comes down to the heart. What is our motivation? How will God be honored?

Esther 8:1-17 – Rejoicing With Gratitude

Read Esther 8:1-17

What a day for the God’s people! A miracle from God to be sure. Esther and Mordecai’s prayers have been answered in a mighty way. God’s justice was evident. Evil was conquered.

Did you understand what happened here? It took me a couple times reading through the passage. Haman’s evil plan to kill the Jews had been endorsed by the king. Apparently, an order of the king could not be revoked according to their law. So, another order had to be crafted to offset the first. Both laws were to come due, so to speak, on the same day.

Matthew 8:14-17 – Be Healed!

Read Matthew 8:14-17

This passage has always made me smile. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t Jesus’ intention to be fed when he stopped by Peter’s house. But it was a divine appointment. We aren’t told how long Peter’s mom had been bed-ridden. We aren’t told if Peter asked Jesus to come help. Peter would have witnessed Jesus healing people. Do you think he asked for his own mom’s healing?

Jesus didn’t have to be asked. He simply touched her hand. His healing touch was instantaneous. Being a good Jewish mother, she would have been on the ready to make her guests feel welcome. What better way than with food. Her illness was now a distant memory.

Psalm 144 – God First

Read Psalm 144

No matter what you are doing right now, you are doing exactly what God wants. He wants you to put him first, above whatever else you could be doing right now.

Sometimes it’s hard to shut out the world and all of it’s demands and distractions. For me, today, I am having internet problems. It may seem like a little thing to most people, but when that is the tool you use to help share with the world, it’s like coming to a roadblock or detour along your route.

I long to spend time with God, and my devotion time is precious to me. I hope it that way for you. If not, please visit these short devotionals and use them as a way to springboard back into your relationship with God.

This psalm will speak to each of us a little differently depending on what we are going through or where in our journey we are. For today, I’m going to focus on verse 3. “O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?”

Who Am I is a great song that really drives this verse home for me. Listen to it here.

We are only here for a flash in time when compared to eternity. I am constantly in awe of a God who could love EVERYONE and everything he created. Isn’t that just hard to comprehend?

Jesus has paid the price! He is our salvation. Little did the psalmist know, who would personify his cry of verse 11, “Save me! Rescue me fro”m the power of my enemies.”

Our Savior and King reigns and I agree with verse 15. “Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord.” Are you feeling joyful today?

Let’s pray. Lord, despite all of the trials and new directions my day can take, I am with you now. Thank you for walking with me through my frustration and helping me to feel peace. You are my strength, my shield, and my stronghold. I want to be your shining light. Help me to truly enter into a time of honor and praise to you. There is so much to be grateful for, and all if it is from you, Lord. Thank you for this day and another opportunity to sing your praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.