What Did You Say?

BIBLE READING: Phil 3: 15 - 16 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. (NLT)

BLOG:  What are you grateful for?

I know that I have blogged often about gratefulness.  But if there is one thing that our world needs a big dose of, it's gratefulness.  I cringe when I hear something positive that happens for someone, only to hear someone else gripe and complain about it.  There is no doubt that there are people who dedicate their lives to tearing down anyone who doesn't agree with them.  

The other day I heard a person say how wonderful someone was that assisted them.  How grateful they were because it got them out of a jam.  Then in the same breath say, "But they were (of a certain race) and then commence to stereotyping them based on their opinion.  

My response was, "What did you say?"  When I pointed out the flaw in their comment, that you cannot commend a person only to condemn them, they looked at me like I had lost my mind.  

Here are a few suggestions you might try.

Hang around, grateful people.  I know that there are certain negative people you have to be around.  But overall, stay in contact with people who will build you and others up.  

Choose something to be grateful for.  Think about your life right now and find something to be grateful for.  I understand that you're in a bad place, but look harder.  

Have a grateful day.  Take a whole day and commit to finding everything you can be grateful for.  Be grateful for sunshine.  The cook who made your lunch.  The person who holds a door open for you.  

But as a follower of Jesus, you need to take it to the next level.  

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

Be grateful that you only have to live in this world, you don't have to like the world.  You are part of a Kingdom that is greater than anything on earth.  The Kingdom of God.  

This Kingdom cannot be shaken.  Governments will come and go, but Jesus will always be here. 

Worship, give thanks, give praise to God for everything He has done, He will do, and for what He is doing right now.  

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, thank You, thank You, thank You - I am grateful for You.  AMEN