God and Me: Devotions from Time of GraceSample

God and My Gratitude

Don't you hate it when people take from you and don't acknowledge you? Don't you hate it when you do things for people and they don't bother to say thank you? Can you imagine the hurt in God's heart when the giver of everything good is ignored?

A thankful spirit is learned behavior. Parents have to work at it and work at it with their kids. A lot of grown-ups, me included, are still working on their own attitudes. Every so often I have to rediscover the transformational truth that absolutely everything good in my life can be traced back to heaven.

Take inventory of your treasures right now, like the abundant food all around you, so abundant that most Americans are desperately trying not to eat so much. Basic clothing has never been cheaper. Communication technology can keep you in touch with people all over the globe. Through Christ you are part of a spiritual family, and through him you have significance and meaning in your life.

"Give thanks to the LORD for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1-3). The greatest of all God's gifts are his love and forgiveness through your Savior Jesus. He really is good! His victory over Satan can't be undone. His love really does endure forever!