Inside Out Living

“Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.” – John Henry Jowett

Yesterday we thought about boasting and pride. One way to approach reducing our tendency towards boasting is to respond with gratitude. As Pastor Jowett so aptly noted, gratitude is good medicine especially towards pride which leads to boastfulness.

We have all seen this difference in the professional athletes of the 21st century. Those who are truly thankful for their opportunity and God-given talent do not boast of their personal exploits.

Thankfulness should be a constant theme of our lives. The Apostle Paul wrote, “no matter what happens, always be thankful” (1 Thess. 5:18). The psalmist in our readings today has declared that it is “good to give thanks to the Lord” (92:1), and that we are to “come before Him with thanksgiving” (95:2). Clearly, thanksgiving should be a significant component of our relationship with the Lord.

How else are we to respond and approach the One who has done so much for us?

(Because devotionals didn't get posted over the Labor Day weekend, this is the second devotional for today. A new week of devotionals will begin tomorrow.)

When Gideon received his calling from the Lord, three times he asked for a sign to reassure himself that God was truly with him. Three times! Why would Gideon put the Lord to this kind of test? Does he doubt God and his promises or does he doubt himself?

You know sometimes, I find it very easy to criticize Gideon, but I know that if you and I are honest, we are sometimes just like him. We doubt God’s calling and purpose in our lives.

So, how can you know God’s will for your life? First of all, read scripture, for God’s word reveals His will; “Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Second is to trust God at His Word; “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov.3:6 NIV).
Don’t be like Gideon, wasting time looking and waiting for a sign. Rather, read God’s word and live according to it, and then you can be confident that you are living according to His will and purpose for your life.