HOW CAN YOU SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 
(Psalm 100:2)

MEDITATION:
I recently attended a special program at an elementary school 
with my grandkids to recognize the veterans of our community.
There were many other veterans attending as well, 
some with their children and some with their grandchildren.

It was refreshing to see 
a unified display of patriotism in our elementary schools.
The kids were all cheering and clapping as veterans of each branch of 
service were recognized while the band played the individual fight songs. 

As a young military man was speaking, 
I was reminded of the reason I joined the service.
At the time, I could either join the branch of service I wanted to join, 
or wait and be drafted into whatever branch the military chose for me.

Of course I didn’t know what to expect after I enlisted, but I have always 
been proud to live in America and serving in the military seemed natural to me.
As one of the speakers talked about lessons learned by those who serve, he 
focused on how we are learn the importance of making sacrifices for others. 

Veterans showed they were willing to sacrifice for others 
out of a heart of thankfulness for the freedoms we have in America.
Citizens of the United States have freedoms 
which cannot be found in many other countries.
It is not something we should ever take lightly.

We also have a freedom given to us by our loving Lord and Savior.
Instead of being in chains and submission to sin and rebellion, we have 
been given the opportunity to enjoy the freedoms and blessings from our Lord.
So, what do we do with this newfound freedom from God?

We can be lackadaisical about His gift, or we can have a heart of love and 
appreciation that motivates us to serve Him (as veterans served our country).
Our service to the Lord is not only an expression 
of our love and thankfulness, but it also teaches us the value 
of putting others ahead of ourselves, in obedience to His Word.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility 
value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each 
of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4)

When we love the Lord and are thankful for His mercy and grace, serving Him 
doesn’t seem like a task, but instead it is something to be enjoyed.
Too many people want a ‘free ride’ where they can enjoy what is given 
without giving anything back from a heart of appreciation.

Serving the Lord does not 'buy' our salvation, 
but it is confirmation of our faith and belief in Him.
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith 
without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. (James 2:18)

God called me years ago to teach bible classes and later 
to compose and distribute the devotionals He provides.
I cannot imagine what my life would have been like all these years 
if I had chosen not to serve Him. 

He has blessed me with His love and guidance for choosing to serve Him.
If I had decided not to serve Him, I have no doubts that He would have found 
someone else to do it, but I would have missed out on all He had for me.
Our God loves us all and wants to bless us for our obedience.

Many veterans seldom receive words of appreciation for their service,
and it can be the same for those who serve the Lord, however God blesses 
those who serve Him, so we are never ‘short-changed’ for our efforts.
We serve the Lord out of a heart of love and not out of a feeling of 
obligation, and not because we are driven by expectations of being rewarded.
I was proud to serve in the military and I am blessed by serving the Lord!

ACTION:
Has the Lord given you His gift of salvation?
If so, how much do you appreciate His monumental blessing?
Are you currently serving Him in some capacity as a way 
of expressing your thankfulness for what He has given you?

Having a desire to serve Him should be 
a natural outward expression of our appreciation for what He has done for us.
When Jesus was tempted, He reminded Satan of the importance 
of developing a close relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Jesus answered, 
“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ (Luke 4:8)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me and giving me freedom 
from the chains of sin. Forgive me if I have taken for granted Your 
wonderful gift to me. Help me to discover where I can serve You 
with the abilities and spiritual gifts You have given me. Guide and 
encourage me to diligently and faithfully serve You in this capacity.”

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