February 4th, 2021
Killing Me Softly Devotional Series – Week 4 – Imitating – Thursday - Pastor Mark White
Grateful That God Created Me
Matthew 22:39b (NIV)
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
It is only natural to thank someone when they do something nice for you. Someone opened the door for you as you were walking into Wawa. Maybe your daughter went above and beyond when cleaning the house and cleaned way more than expected. Maybe a friend from your life group brought you dinner because they knew you were having a challenging week.
And it is also completely natural to thank God when He does something for you. If we would take the time to write down and be grateful for all God has done for us, it would take hours and many sheets of paper. If we did make that list, I have a suspicion that no matter how long it is, we would probably leave off one of the essential items, YOU.
Have you ever thanked God for you?
I know we are grateful for all the good in our lives but also for the challenges that come our way because they force us to turn to God more earnestly than we might have otherwise.
Okay, I admit that from one perspective, this might seem selfish and egotistical. I have known more than one person who considered themselves to be God’s gift to the universe in a very egotistical way. And yet, I have met others who realize they have a God-ordained presence in the world and humbly go about fulfilling their purpose.
We are all too familiar with Jesus’ words, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But do we obey him? Do you love yourself just as much as you love others? It is a matter of balance. We could substitute gratitude for the love in this command: Be as grateful for yourself as you are for your neighbor.
Pray this prayer with me:
Father, I am grateful that you created me just the way I am, and you have given me worth by the shed blood of Jesus. Amen.
Grateful That God Created Me
Matthew 22:39b (NIV)
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
It is only natural to thank someone when they do something nice for you. Someone opened the door for you as you were walking into Wawa. Maybe your daughter went above and beyond when cleaning the house and cleaned way more than expected. Maybe a friend from your life group brought you dinner because they knew you were having a challenging week.
And it is also completely natural to thank God when He does something for you. If we would take the time to write down and be grateful for all God has done for us, it would take hours and many sheets of paper. If we did make that list, I have a suspicion that no matter how long it is, we would probably leave off one of the essential items, YOU.
Have you ever thanked God for you?
I know we are grateful for all the good in our lives but also for the challenges that come our way because they force us to turn to God more earnestly than we might have otherwise.
Okay, I admit that from one perspective, this might seem selfish and egotistical. I have known more than one person who considered themselves to be God’s gift to the universe in a very egotistical way. And yet, I have met others who realize they have a God-ordained presence in the world and humbly go about fulfilling their purpose.
We are all too familiar with Jesus’ words, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But do we obey him? Do you love yourself just as much as you love others? It is a matter of balance. We could substitute gratitude for the love in this command: Be as grateful for yourself as you are for your neighbor.
Pray this prayer with me:
Father, I am grateful that you created me just the way I am, and you have given me worth by the shed blood of Jesus. Amen.
Posted in Killing Me Softly
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
2024
January
New Year, Fresh StartA Good Plan for the New YearCall on MeHope Has a NameHolidays in Rear ViewHolinessHow to Have our Mind TransformedNew Year, New YouA Pattern of RenewalVictory in JesusFear Knot? Fear Not.Seek the LORDBetterWhere to Place your TrustRadical GraceGenerosity God's WayThe Poor and NeedyThe Open Hand ConceptA Need that Burdens your HeartHow's Your Heart?Who Are You?Testing in the Wilderness
February
CallingDon't HideWhere You AreJust the Two of UsInvesting in the Kingdom of GodThe Golden RuleAgainst the GrainUnexplainable JoyThe Power of God's WordFollow MeThe God of the ImpossibleOut on a LimbWe All Face ItTrue JusticeGatherGood SoilDon't Put God in a BoxBe BraveCulture CheckFeed His Sheep. Love His People.Jesus Revealed
March
Jesus in His GloryNot QuantityHow Much God Loves ChildrenWhere Two or Three are GatheredLike Little ChildrenFocusAmazing GraceBeing Confronted By JesusKingdom FruitWedding AttireCome with a Hungry HeartLive and Lead Like HimTough LoveBe on your GuardKeep WatchTalentsSlow DownBeing Led by the SpiritKingdom WatchThey Are Us. We Are Them.Jesus Gave His All For UsHe is Risen, Indeed
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments