Attitudes of Gratitude
A Devotional
© 2001 Steve Lattier and Men’s Help Ministries

Where is God when things aren’t going right? A lot of people have asked that question throughout time. The answer is still the same. He is right there beside you! We are living in a very fast paced society just look at this message for example it almost circumnavigates the globe every week! As a society our patience has worn thin, not because more is going wrong, but because we are used to faster results! Sadly we apply that same fast-food mentality to our faith as well. Sorry but God just won’t be boxed in like that. See, He has a real issue in this area, He somehow thinks that since He is God that He can do things in His time, and He can! There is no way that you can rush God’s timing, it is perfect.
We have been so accustomed to the finery that has been available to us in the last 30 years or so many people feel as if they are owed some sort of satisfaction. I am not just talking about “stuff”, material things. I am also talking about those who feel as if they DESERVE something, happiness, a dynamic marriage, a lifestyle, a certain job, an education, respect, some level of comfort that they are not currently getting. The church stews with these unrealistic expectations from God or from a spouse or family members. It can lead to someone becoming separated, disenfranchised, or backslid. Most of the people who feel “owed” do not have much gratitude. Ask yourself what am I grateful for? What DO I really deserve? Guess what, when we are not grateful, the devil wins. It is his mission to negate the church and everything that God stands for. We need to turn societies poor teachings around. God knows what we are thinking, He knows our secrets, he knows what we are thankful for.

The Word:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

We just need to focus. We really need to start thinking and living “eternally.” It is a real change of mindset from what we are used to. What do we have to be thankful for? Well for most of us reading this, we have more to be thankful for than we can even conceive of. Yes, I am referring to our salvation. When was the last time you thanked God for saving you. Let me rephrase that “for allowing you to be saved” because there isn’t a single one of us who even deserved salvation in the first place! When you can change your mind so that you look at everything just being grateful that you are saved, then the importance of a whole lot of stuff just fades away into nothing. Simply put, our desires will pale in comparison to the mercy that we have already been given! Whenever I stop to think about it, I just get bowled over. I mean I had led a life that by looking at it you would think that it would bar me from Heaven. Yes, by itself it would have too! Not only have I received mercy and grace enough to go to Heaven, but I am allowed to teach and preach on God’s team here on earth. Everything else is just extra!!!!! God is good! Let us take this next verse to heart, not just for when we get to Heaven but for our everyday! Let us bow our hearts to His temple, in thanks for the mercy and grace that is already ours. Let us commit to an attitude of gratitude.

The Word:
Psalm 5:7 But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.

Pray with me:
Father I love you, I can never repay what you have done for me already. I have sinned against you by not being grateful for what you have done for me. I have taken a miracle and tossed it aside for want of earthly circumstances, help me Lord. I need your strength to keep things in perspective. Help me Father to have a thankful heart. This I ask in Jesus name. Amen!

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When God is all you've got; God is all you need!

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<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial">This message has been edited by SLattier on 01-30-2001 at 01:36 AM</font>

Powerful Steve... thank you. It reminds me of a song popular the last few months:

Psalm 36 : 5-11

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast.

How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

I lift my voice, to worship you my King...

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- Allen

Hey, I think I missed this one the first time around! Looks like I could have really used this info back when you first posted it. Or maybe if wouldn't have sunk in then....who knows?

Well, looks like we were on the same wavelength (here) anyway...I'm just a few months slow.