Gratitude...

Today's Readings: OT - Psalm 45 / NT - Luke 8:19-39

"'Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.' And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him." - Luke 8:39

I have always appreciated the prayer habits of my pastors and mentors. One that comes to mind quite often is the request my father-in-law regularly made. He asked that the Lord would always give him a thankful heart. He was greatly blessed and never wanted to lose sight of how much the Lord had done for him. 

Jesus performed a profound, life changing work in the life of this man. He had been bound by evil "for a long time", and now he was free. While his first thought was to follow the Lord, he was told to spread the news. True gratitude is a lifestyle, not just a moment in time. When we consider to Whom we owe it all... we too should tell our world "How much He has done!"

While we are called to follow the Lord my friend, our lifestyle should always be one of incredible gratitude. May the world constantly hear our words of thanksgiving for the great blessings that God has given. In this way, we become "living epistles" as we proclaim "How much He has done!" 

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Psalm 49 / NT - Luke 8:40-9:6