Welcome to Aloha Friday, September 30, 2022! It’s “aloha” because we leave today for home. We are grateful for the learning, the friendships, and the experiences we would never have had if it weren’t for this trip! I will stop in Hawaii on the way back for a memorial service for my dearest friend, Dan Shima, who went home to eternity on August 13. He was integral to planting and building New Hope Oahu in Honolulu. I am so grateful for the gift of His friendship. Today I am reminded of the importance of gratitude. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Zechariah 7,8,9; Luke 13
Scripture
“Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-3)
Observation
All things being equal, we would all likewise perish. I am only alive because of God’s mercy, not because of my deserved merit, my righteousness, or my works of holiness. It is by His great mercy that I am not consumed.
I trust and depend wholly upon God’s lovingkindness — for even waking up this morning was because of His mercies. He didn’t have to get me up, but He did. It wasn’t because it was my “right” or because I deserved it; it was due to His grace!
Application
Often, I can get a bit arrogant without realizing it. I expect God to provide more, people to treat me well, and things to go as I want them to. I mean, after all, I deserve it...right?
But it has nothing to do with my deservedness. It is because His mercies are new every morning!
I think God is more concerned about my gratefulness than just about anything else. "Gratefulness" measures the condition of my spirit. Without it, I am susceptible to pride and arrogance, and I subtly lose a servant's heart.
Gratitude is a safeguard. My heart begins to wander when I am no longer grateful for my dear wife. When I take my family for granted, I start "considering" options.
One man said, "When the precious becomes common, it is soon replaced." A heart of gratefulness guards that from happening. Hebrews tells us about the danger of considering other options, which occurs when I am no longer grateful for what I have. He says of the Israelites after they left Egypt:
"And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return" (Hebrews 11:15).
They forgot that it was only by God's great mercy that they were delivered, and when they were no longer grateful, they became susceptible — temptable, persuadable, and gullible.
Prayer
Father, I am so grateful for Your mercies today. I am thankful that I get to serve You another 24 hours — to be alive, have purpose, and be part of Your kingdom. I will never take that for granted. May my heart always be grateful for Your mercies which faileth not — Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
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