Morning Moments

GRATITUDE

There are many who are misguided about the evidences of being filled with the Holy Spirit, but Paul makes it perfectly clear that gratitude for all things to the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is a clear evidence in Ephesians 5:20. In other words the fullness of the Spirit, which simply means 1) letting the Word dwell in you richly and 2) complete surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, enables us to maintain a thankful spirit and a grateful heart, not just for the pleasant things that come our way, but for all things.

So much of today's Christianity is phony in many ways. So many are taught to deny pain and sickness if they have it rather than thanking God so that He can use it to His glory and for grace and growth in the child of God who is going through it. Many are intimidated believing that their faith has failed them because they have lost their job. That is rubbish! God may be guiding you into another field of work or giving someone else an opportunity to share some ot the blessings they have received.

The fact is that regardless of what our "leaders" tell us we are facing difficult times and it could be one of the greatest things that has happened in our lifetime. It should not depress us, but should develop in us an attitude of gratitude for all we have and have had. The world I have travelled is certainly a less fortunate one. Look at the people of Chile! Look at the people in the mountains of India! Look beyond whereever you are and you will find reason to be grateful. Think of the poverty in Mexico and the rule of the drug lords there and the terror they bring to common innocent people. Discover what is happening in the world around you and you will be grateful for your safety and your situation which may not look good, but is an opportunity for you to trust God completely with it.

Today, NOW, pause right where you are and express your gratitude to God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for where you are, what you have and above all for His love for you and willingness to receive you through your personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

BLESSINGS!