Monday (11/25/2019): Running on Faith Weekday Devotions:
This week’s theme is Gratitude. Gratitude is proportional to knowing our undeservedness & the giver’s unobligated genorosity. Gratitude opposes entitlement.
Let’s begin w/our innate depravity originating from Adam & Eve’s sin, disobeying God, in the Garden.
Genesis 3:23–24: “therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.”
Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
The better we understand our individual sin, our absolute undeservedness of anything good, the greater our gratitude for even a single atom of good.
We study the Bible to know: our depravity, God’s Holy & Righteous character, His salvific work through Jesus, & deepen our relationship with Him; increasing our gratitude.
Tuesday (11/26/2019): Running on Faith Weekday Devotions:
Gratitude – Day 2 of 5
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
One afternoon as a K-State student, I ran @ ~5:30 pace on the north side of Anderson Ave near Denison. While striding out in my t-shirt & nylon running shorts, I landed on a baseball-size rock. My right foot instantly turned 90 degrees to the inside as it propelled downward. Ouch!!
I immediately rotated the bottom of my foot to its rightful position. I hobbled for a few steps, nearly uttering words to avoid. I quickly returned to pace.
I quickly praised God for all that was right! The long list included that I remained healthy, I could run & at a respectable pace, the clothes & shoes I wore, an ankle to turn & legs to run on, & nerves & brain to register the wrong position & pain, heart, lungs, & arms. I don’t always respond as well.
What is Right with you? Praise God, Always!
Wednesday (11/27/2019): Running on Faith Weekday Devotions:
Psalm 9:1–2: “I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.”
Can you think of a better topic for gatherings with family & friends tomorrow & this weekend? Graciously help those who struggle to give Thanks & praise.
Share what God is doing in your life, giving Him all credit & praise. Conversely, God condemned the Israelites & others for grumbling, for complaining.
When traveling, dwell on the wonders of God in your life. If traveling with others, share various wonders of God. Make gratitude a habit, or a greater habit. Be known & remembered as Grateful & Praiseful. This will enhance your life & relationships.
Have you lost family? Discuss how great it was for God to place them in your life. We love & miss them because of the attributes God gave them to impact our life.
Give thanks to God with your whole heart!
Safe travels!
Thursday (11/28/2019): Running on Faith Weekday Devotions:
Thanksgiving Day 2019
Colossians 3:14–15: “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the
perfect bond of unity (Lit. “The uniting bond of perfection”).
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in
one body; and be thankful.”
Cherish your time with family & friends today. Thank the Lord, among other things, for them, the food, the conversation, & laughter.
Tell your loved ones that you love them and what you appreciate about them.
Thirteen years ago (12/01/2006) when I received the call that my dad was in his final hour(s), I didn’t have to drive like a madman to arrive before his death. I had told him over 3 years before when he was perfectly healthy all that I needed to say.
Yes, the verbal expression was awkward for both of us
Have have grateful Thanksgiving!
Friday (11/29/2019): Running on Faith Weekday Devotions:
Psalm 107:1: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Only gratitude anchored in God the Father, Son, & Holy Spirit will yield an enduring impact on your life & relationships of all types.
This necessitates recognizing our sin & God’s forgiveness. This leads to seeing God’s hand (sometimes causing, other times only permitting) in everything. Ask God to show you how & why to be grateful for challenging circumstances.
Virtually, if not literally, all encouraging notes & comments I give are responses to promptings/hunches. We don’t know what that person may be praying.
God gives us inner-peace when we accurately respond to Him. Let’s gratefully praise God for guiding each of us according to His will, including helping others. We respond in love & gratitude.
God prompts us to partner with Him to answer someone’s prayers. Ponder the honor.
Gratitude anchored in Christ endures forever.