Be Grateful, Not an Ingrate!
At thanksgiving, we expect everyone to be thankful, but be aware there is always something in the moment that can squeeze that gratitude right out of your life.
You can either act like an ingrate or remember to be grateful. Which will it be for you?
The following two acrostics spell out some of the differences between being an ingrate or being grateful. How are God’s myriad of blessings showing up in your life?
You can spell an “ingrate” this way:
I-gnoring God’s blessings, living oblivious and blind,
N-ever pausing to always keep gratitude in mind.
G-iven so much, but always wanting more,
R-efusing to acknowledge God’s gracious forevermore.
A-lways dissatisfied, with no thanks to give,
T-aking for granted God’s mercy by which we live.
E-ndlessly seeking and never satisfied.
You can spell being “grateful” this way:
G-od’s sovereign will governs it all,
R-edeeming us through Christ by His atoning call.
A-ll of grace, from first to last,
T-ruth in Scripture that is faithful and vast.
E-ternal promises we know are sure and true,
F-or His glory, we all pursue.
U-nderstanding salvation is a gift from above,
L-iving in Christ, we enjoy His satisfying love.
Here's a great prayer to pray by Charles Spurgeon when you gather to eat and enjoy your family and friends (you can change out all the Thees, Thous, hasts):
"O Lord, our God, we thank Thee that in all our tribulations Thou hast been with us. Thou hast preserved us, and we give Thee thanks that Thou hast led us through the wilderness, and brought us into the land of plenty. We thank Thee that Thou hast been our Shepherd, and we are Thy people; Thou hast fed us, and we shall not want. For our bodies, we thank Thee that we are not left to suffer want, but that Thou hast provided for us with abundance. For our souls, we bless Thee for the unspeakable gift of Thy dear Son, for His death upon the cross, and for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. We thank Thee, O Lord, that our hearts are filled with joy and peace because of the gospel. We thank Thee that Thou hast turned our mourning into joy and our sorrow into gladness. We give Thee thanks for all Thy loving-kindness, and for all Thy faithful care and guidance. May we live lives of gratitude, continually offering up the sacrifice of praise to Thee. We thank Thee, O Father, for the promises that Thou hast given us in Thy Word. We trust in Thy goodness and Thy faithfulness, and we rest in Thy mercy. May we ever be thankful, and may our gratitude be shown in our obedience to Thee. We give Thee all the praise, glory, and honor, now and forevermore. Amen."
— Charles Spurgeon
Pastor Jeff
“The Word of God is to be handled with the utmost care and reverence. It is not to be twisted to suit personal agendas or contemporary whims. The power of Scripture is in its truth, and its authority is absolute. To misuse it, to distort it, is to disobey the very will of God.”