Tag: Be the One

Be The One

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/23192/day/15

For several years now, the school at which I used to teach has a sign on their marquee out that says, “Be the one.” What they are saying is to be the one to take a stand, make a difference, help others, etc. When I read this devotional this morning, I decided that the saying can also mean to be the one who shows gratitude. How often are we blessed and then just walk away feeling satisfied with our lives but we don’t take time to thank the One Who blessed us? I want to be the one who thanks God for everything, every time. I am not there yet, but I am working on it.

For example, this morning, in my state of grumpiness and being overtired from not sleeping well (pneumonia’s cough will do that to you), I saw my nebulizer charging on the table and sighed. Then, I stopped myself and said “thank you” to God that I have a nebulizer and the meds that go with it and the electricity to power it and a doctor who prescribed it. That means that I don’t have to head to the hospital every time I have difficulty breathing. That was a real thing in the 70’s and 80’s and I spent a lot of time in the ER having breathing treatments that I can now do at home. So, it’s a small thing to most people who don’t depend on that machine to help them breathe, but it’s a big thing for me.

I challenge you today to “be the one.” Be the one who notices what God is doing in your life, the small things, the big things, anything and everything and remember to thank Him for each one. I am particularly thankful for the breaths I take, the ones that God gave me when He created me. Others may take breathing for granted, but I know that each breath I take is a gift from God. What are you thankful for today?

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Be the One

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

This is a phrase that is popular on school message boards around here. What they mean to say is to be the one who makes a difference. But after my devotional today, I have a new view of who that “one” is.

Ten lepers went to Jesus for healing. All received a touch from the Savior but only one returned to thank him. He is “the one” that I want to emulate. I never want to take Jesus’s blessings for granted. I always want to give Him the thanksgiving and glory. Jesus Himself noticed that only one came back.

If we are going to take the time to pray to God and expect answers from Him, then we also need to take time to give thanks to Him when the answers come. We want to be the one who acknowledges that all glory belongs to God…all we have, all we are and all we will be all come from Him. So, let’s pause in our struggles with life and the daily things that take our focus away from what is really important. Let’s thank God for at least five things today and every day. (There should be a lot more thanksgiving on our list, but we can start small and build up a needed habit.)

Lord God, I come before you today with a heart filled with gratitude and love. You have created me and know all about me and all of my failings. Thank you that you show your love for me by being patient with me. Thank you that you give me the strength to get through the task for each day. Thank you that you have given me a husband, a mate fit for me, who walks beside me in this journey called life. Thank you that you have given me a church with good friends there. And finally, thank you, Lord, that you are still working on me and in me to make me what you want me to be so that I can better serve you. May today be a day of blessing for all who read this. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.