Monday – Gratitude: Read 1Thessolonians 5:18 and Psalm 100. Cicero, the Roman philosopher, wrote, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all the others.” It is easy to forget how good God is when we go through suffering and trials. It is almost easier to forget God when we are successful and prosperous. We are reminded, “In all circumstances” to give thanks to the Lord. Let’s remember who the source of all goodness is. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. How can you show God your gratitude today and every day? When did you tell him last of your thanks?

 

Tuesday – Mindfulness: Read Psalm 8, Psalm 139 and Isaiah 43: 1-4. The psalmist asked the question in a prayerful tone, “what is man that you are mindful of him?” God knows the inner most parts of our souls and our thoughts. God knows our names. God is mindful of us out of abundant, overflowing, & unconditional love. How mindful are we of God? Mindfulness starts when we listen, look and ask which is done in prayer. What are areas of your life in which you are not mindful of God? Are you too full of busyness and activity to leave room for God?

 

Wednesday – Who Am I: Read Psalm 103. In verse 14, it states, “God remembers we are formed from dust, he knows how we are formed.”   Do we have this same sense of ourselves? Our lives are so brief and fragile in the context of eternity. Yet, look at how God acts on our behalf. Psalm 103 is overflowing with verbs that tell of God’s purposes in our life. Why? Love. Remember who you are in the scope of eternity and who God is as well. Pray that this acknowledgement will keep you humble and obedient.

 

Thursday – Be Careful: Read Deuteronomy 8:1-20. When Israel was in the wilderness for 40 years, they knew the Lord’s presence at all times. He provided for them with manna (food) and clothing that didn’t wear out. They had water and protection. It was a difficult struggle but they were close to God. Moses reminded the people that when they were successful and satisfied, they needed to be careful they didn’t forget God. Their pride would squeeze out God’s presence. When we are full of ourselves, it is hard to find room for anyone else. Would this describe you? Do you remember God gave you the ability to produce wealth through the gifts and talents the Lord gave you? Do you remember to care for others out of obedience to God’s laws? Do you thank God every day for all you blessing? Or do you complain when things don’t go your way? Be honest – be humble. Go to God in prayer. 

 

Friday – Everything Has Come From You: Read 1Chronicles 29:1-19. King David was one of the most famous and successful kings in Israel’s history. But God refused to let him build the Temple of Jerusalem. That task was given to his son, Solomon. David’s job was to raise the resources for the Temple. David was humble and grateful to God that he and the people had enormous wealth to complete the task. He remembered the source of their prosperity. Remembering God with your resources of wealth keeps you focused on God, not you. That is why tithing is such an important act of worship. Thank God for all of your resources. Commit to tithe (give 10% of your income) to God.

 

Saturday- In Remembrance of Me: Read Luke 22:7-38. Why do we recite the communion liturgy each month? So that we remember what Jesus has done for us through his death? Christ gives us new life and forgiveness for our sins. In the Luke text, look at the disciples’ behavior even as Jesus is creating a new covenant of grace and mercy. They are arguing about who would be greatest. He must remind them of humility and service. What do you think about during communion? Are your thoughts of gratitude and praise? Do you think of how to love Jesus through service and humility? Or do you think about yourself?   Pray that your heart will be shaped to be more like Jesus.