Psalm 103:1-5
I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the book One Thousand Gifts*, author Ann Voskamp reminds us repeatedly of the importance of gratitude...something she calls "eucharisteo". She makes the point that it's hard to be unhappy when you are busy being grateful...that you can truly draw closer to God by taking note of the blessings all around you than by enumerating your troubles...that the real path to a deeper relationship with God comes from learning to praise Him and express appreciation - even when with every fiber of your being, you don't feel like doing so.
I started making a list of 1,000 gifts or blessings...although I will admit that I have not been as diligent as I should in noting things each day. A few years ago, I read a book called 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life**, written by John Kralik. Over the course of a year, I actually wrote and sent more than 365 "thank-you" notes. I did this as an experiment at first...inspired by this book to be more grateful - and to tell others how they had blessed me. But as I wrote the notes, I began to seek more opportunities to send them. It wasn't a burden, as in "Oh, no...it's day #125, and I don't have anyone to thank!" It was often a case of having several people who deserved a note of appreciation...and I found myself increasingly recognizing opportunities to let someone know how humbled I was by their kindness, concern, assistance, and love.
It's funny how we find it so easy to go to God with our troubles...concerns...needs and desires. But we really spend very little time telling Him how grateful we are for all He does for us. You really should go back and read all of Psalm 103. David has done a beautiful job of listing many ways in which God has blessed and cared for him. He has enumerated many of the LORD's qualities...wisdom, a sympathetic and merciful heart, tenderness, the ability to "forgive and forget", His love and steadfast faithfulness toward us and the promises that He has made.
Like the "365 days of Thank Yous"...I believe that making note (mentally and/or physically) of daily blessings could change our thinking - AND our relationship with God. As we begin to focus more on the thousands of ways that He shows up in our lives each and every minute, we will find that we have less time for sin and the things of this world. When we are busy noting the beauty of fall leaves or the laugh of a child, we don't really have time to bother with what someone said or did (or didn't do), how lonely and neglected we are, or how many burdens and problems we may be facing.
In noting the "gifts" and blessings of our day, we are reminded just how incredible and amazing God's love is for us...and how blessed we are by this. And as our relationship with Him begins to change and deepen in "eucharisteo," we can change our earthly relationships and attitudes as well. Clearly God deserves this kind of attention. And if joy and a strengthened bond with Him are the by-products, then I am all in! What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
** 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life ~ © 2010 John Kralik ~ Hyperion ~ All right reserved.
Showing posts with label eucharisteo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eucharisteo. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 7, 2014
Luke 13:15-16
But Jesus shot back, “You frauds! Each Sabbath every one of you regularly unties your cow or donkey from its stall, leads it out for water, and thinks nothing of it. So why isn’t it all right for me to untie this daughter of Abraham and lead her from the stall where Satan has had her tied these eighteen years?”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
As I began to write this
devo, I glimpsed out my office window to see a little turtle crawling
across the driveway. Unlike our image of turtles as slow-moving
creatures, this little guy was in a hurry. It was as if he thought, “I
shouldn’t be here...I better get a move on and get outta here!” By the
same token, I have a “to-do” list for this day that is longer than my
arm...but I found myself out on the driveway, photographing a turtle and
marveling at how intricately he is created. From the honey-comb
pattern of his hard-shelled back to the delicate little claws on the
tips of his toes that help him grip the land as he travels along - and
the ingenious way he can retreat inside his shell and protect himself
from prey – God packed a punch of beauty and intricate design in this
small package!
I grabbed my camera and headed for the window, and then the front porch as he scurried on toward the yard – and ultimately into the safety of an adjacent woods. Then I posted a few of these pictures on Facebook with the verse from Psalm 139:14...”I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...”(NIV).
Here’s the thing...a lot of the time, we would say, “It’s just a turtle. Why stop my day and go to the trouble to grab a camera and take pictures?! Surely I need to be doing something more responsible or meaningful with these few minutes.” In other words...this is just not done – or it shouldn’t be! Had I kept on writing, the turtle would have wandered away, and life would have gone on as usual. But I would have missed a moment of “eucharisteo” – a chance to recognize the intricacies and artistry of God...and to give thanks for His attention to detail. I would have squandered a chance to be reminded that the God who cares so much about the last element of how a turtle’s body is knit together and functions also cares that much about me!
God doesn’t really care about our timetables. He wants us to be attuned to His. He doesn’t care nearly as much about “convention”, ritual and tradition as we do. God would far rather we notice His presence in the brief encounter with a turtle. He would rather we take time to heal someone in Jesus’ name on the Sabbath than worry about what day it is. In other words, God would rather you worry less about “how things are supposed to be done” and more about what you are actually doing that honors and glorifies Him!
Look at it this way...we will often stop everything to check our e-mail messages or read through posts on Facebook – but we won’t stop to speak to someone in the grocery store or the hallway at school or church. We will spend an hour watching “The Real Housewives of Something”...or “Swamp People”...but we won’t take 30 minutes to call a friend, write a note of encouragement, or knock on our neighbor’s door and ask how he/she is doing. We have all manner of time to scour magazines or the Internet for the latest scouting report on our favorite team...or the photos of George Clooney’s wedding – but we can’t sit quietly and watch God paint a picture with His glorious sunsets or the rising of a harvest moon!
Don’t miss the “turtles” in your life. Don’t waste a single chance for “eucharisteo”. Forget about how things have traditionally been done and ask God to show you how He wants you to do things! Embrace all that He has planned for you. Make sure you are always in His will and experiencing His healing power in even the smallest moments. Quit worrying about what others think. Concentrate on finding – and sharing – God’s love and care...even in a brief encounter with a turtle.
©2014 Debbie Robus
But Jesus shot back, “You frauds! Each Sabbath every one of you regularly unties your cow or donkey from its stall, leads it out for water, and thinks nothing of it. So why isn’t it all right for me to untie this daughter of Abraham and lead her from the stall where Satan has had her tied these eighteen years?”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I grabbed my camera and headed for the window, and then the front porch as he scurried on toward the yard – and ultimately into the safety of an adjacent woods. Then I posted a few of these pictures on Facebook with the verse from Psalm 139:14...”I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...”(NIV).
Here’s the thing...a lot of the time, we would say, “It’s just a turtle. Why stop my day and go to the trouble to grab a camera and take pictures?! Surely I need to be doing something more responsible or meaningful with these few minutes.” In other words...this is just not done – or it shouldn’t be! Had I kept on writing, the turtle would have wandered away, and life would have gone on as usual. But I would have missed a moment of “eucharisteo” – a chance to recognize the intricacies and artistry of God...and to give thanks for His attention to detail. I would have squandered a chance to be reminded that the God who cares so much about the last element of how a turtle’s body is knit together and functions also cares that much about me!
God doesn’t really care about our timetables. He wants us to be attuned to His. He doesn’t care nearly as much about “convention”, ritual and tradition as we do. God would far rather we notice His presence in the brief encounter with a turtle. He would rather we take time to heal someone in Jesus’ name on the Sabbath than worry about what day it is. In other words, God would rather you worry less about “how things are supposed to be done” and more about what you are actually doing that honors and glorifies Him!
Look at it this way...we will often stop everything to check our e-mail messages or read through posts on Facebook – but we won’t stop to speak to someone in the grocery store or the hallway at school or church. We will spend an hour watching “The Real Housewives of Something”...or “Swamp People”...but we won’t take 30 minutes to call a friend, write a note of encouragement, or knock on our neighbor’s door and ask how he/she is doing. We have all manner of time to scour magazines or the Internet for the latest scouting report on our favorite team...or the photos of George Clooney’s wedding – but we can’t sit quietly and watch God paint a picture with His glorious sunsets or the rising of a harvest moon!
Don’t miss the “turtles” in your life. Don’t waste a single chance for “eucharisteo”. Forget about how things have traditionally been done and ask God to show you how He wants you to do things! Embrace all that He has planned for you. Make sure you are always in His will and experiencing His healing power in even the smallest moments. Quit worrying about what others think. Concentrate on finding – and sharing – God’s love and care...even in a brief encounter with a turtle.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 2, 2014
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God
has taken control of me!
The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed
the good news,
to heal the brokenhearted,
and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
BibleStudyTools.com defines the word eucharisteo (pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh'-o) as a Greek verb that means “to be grateful, feel thankful, give thanks”. Author Ann Voskamp used “eucharisteo” as the theme of her book, One Thousand Gifts. I am reading this book now and discovering how Voskamp found gratitude and thanks – and praised God – in even the smallest of things...”clean sheets smelling like wind...hot oatmeal tasting like home...bare toes in early light*.”
In this context, we can also find eucharisteo...we can learn to be grateful to God for His presence in the seemingly inane moments of our day...as well as those we deem to be “huge”! In light of this scripture passage from Isaiah, the “eucharisteo” moment came for me when the prophet says, “The Lord has chosen and sent me...” Commentaries maintain that Isaiah was talking about himself as a prophet...OR that this foretells the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18, which begins...” The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me...”
I believe that this verse applies to those of us who are Disciples of Christ, as well. I don’t mean to sound arrogant – or to claim that I can literally perform the miracles of Jesus. But aren’t we called to “tell the oppressed the good news?” Doesn’t God call on us to minister to others and “heal the brokenhearted?” Aren’t we commissioned to let others know that freedom is possible from whatever binds them and holds them captive?
Opportunities for eucharisteo abound for each of us...but do we recognize them? We say that the Holy Spirit has taken control of us...but do we demonstrate His love and care in our own lives? If we were more aware of God’s presence in the small things of our day, wouldn’t we live with more purpose and intention? Do you look for the opportunity to serve as God’s agent as you attend classes, shop for groceries, prepare meals and feed your children, do your job, care for a loved one, or interact with family members and friends?
I’m not talking about literally preaching the Gospel...reciting scriptures...praying aloud...or other demonstrations we typically consider when we hear the words “witness” or “ministry”. Your body language and overall attitude and demeanor...whether you smile at others and appear pleasant and approachable...your attention to small details...your level of thoughtfulness - all of these things speak to your character as a Christian. They represent your “eucharisteo” for all that God has done for you.
When I reflect on my life, there are times when I wish I had more fully realized my “mission” and demonstrated it to others. I wish I had more fully recognized the “ministry” in my responsibilities as a teacher of young children and “loved on them” even more in the name of Jesus. I now realize how profoundly He was there with me, using me to touch these little hearts and minds each day...but oh, how I wish I had recognized my part in this more. I would have loved a little deeper, held them a little closer, lingered a little longer over their stories, pictures, songs, recitations, giggles and tears. In short, I would have paid closer attention to the small moments and shared in their savoring and nurture.
For me, this is today’s lesson. God has chosen us to be His...with intention and purpose. We have a mission to accomplish for Him...to use the power of the Holy Spirit within us to share His good news...to heal the brokenhearted by demonstrating His grace, love, mercy and forgiveness...and to express hope and freedom from the things that bind and enslave us – through salvation in Jesus Christ. It’s a tall order...but nothing less than what we should expect from the One who honored and blessed us with His choosing.
Where does God want to use you today? Are you living with intention and purpose...and with “eucharisteo”? Do you recognize your mission and your ministry? Are you so caught up in the big picture that you have neglected the smaller things that truly matter? Will this be the day you begin to change your focus? Are you ready to slow down, pay closer attention...and give God your very best? Are you ready to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
The Spirit of the Lord God
has taken control of me!
The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed
the good news,
to heal the brokenhearted,
and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
BibleStudyTools.com defines the word eucharisteo (pronounced yoo-khar-is-teh'-o) as a Greek verb that means “to be grateful, feel thankful, give thanks”. Author Ann Voskamp used “eucharisteo” as the theme of her book, One Thousand Gifts. I am reading this book now and discovering how Voskamp found gratitude and thanks – and praised God – in even the smallest of things...”clean sheets smelling like wind...hot oatmeal tasting like home...bare toes in early light*.”
In this context, we can also find eucharisteo...we can learn to be grateful to God for His presence in the seemingly inane moments of our day...as well as those we deem to be “huge”! In light of this scripture passage from Isaiah, the “eucharisteo” moment came for me when the prophet says, “The Lord has chosen and sent me...” Commentaries maintain that Isaiah was talking about himself as a prophet...OR that this foretells the words of Jesus in Luke 4:18, which begins...” The Lord’s Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me...”
I believe that this verse applies to those of us who are Disciples of Christ, as well. I don’t mean to sound arrogant – or to claim that I can literally perform the miracles of Jesus. But aren’t we called to “tell the oppressed the good news?” Doesn’t God call on us to minister to others and “heal the brokenhearted?” Aren’t we commissioned to let others know that freedom is possible from whatever binds them and holds them captive?
Opportunities for eucharisteo abound for each of us...but do we recognize them? We say that the Holy Spirit has taken control of us...but do we demonstrate His love and care in our own lives? If we were more aware of God’s presence in the small things of our day, wouldn’t we live with more purpose and intention? Do you look for the opportunity to serve as God’s agent as you attend classes, shop for groceries, prepare meals and feed your children, do your job, care for a loved one, or interact with family members and friends?
I’m not talking about literally preaching the Gospel...reciting scriptures...praying aloud...or other demonstrations we typically consider when we hear the words “witness” or “ministry”. Your body language and overall attitude and demeanor...whether you smile at others and appear pleasant and approachable...your attention to small details...your level of thoughtfulness - all of these things speak to your character as a Christian. They represent your “eucharisteo” for all that God has done for you.
When I reflect on my life, there are times when I wish I had more fully realized my “mission” and demonstrated it to others. I wish I had more fully recognized the “ministry” in my responsibilities as a teacher of young children and “loved on them” even more in the name of Jesus. I now realize how profoundly He was there with me, using me to touch these little hearts and minds each day...but oh, how I wish I had recognized my part in this more. I would have loved a little deeper, held them a little closer, lingered a little longer over their stories, pictures, songs, recitations, giggles and tears. In short, I would have paid closer attention to the small moments and shared in their savoring and nurture.
For me, this is today’s lesson. God has chosen us to be His...with intention and purpose. We have a mission to accomplish for Him...to use the power of the Holy Spirit within us to share His good news...to heal the brokenhearted by demonstrating His grace, love, mercy and forgiveness...and to express hope and freedom from the things that bind and enslave us – through salvation in Jesus Christ. It’s a tall order...but nothing less than what we should expect from the One who honored and blessed us with His choosing.
Where does God want to use you today? Are you living with intention and purpose...and with “eucharisteo”? Do you recognize your mission and your ministry? Are you so caught up in the big picture that you have neglected the smaller things that truly matter? Will this be the day you begin to change your focus? Are you ready to slow down, pay closer attention...and give God your very best? Are you ready to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
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