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Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International. |
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A Grateful Perspective
"When Jesus heard his answer, he said, 'There is
still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money
to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."1 One day a father of a very wealthy family took his
son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor
people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would
be considered a very poor family. Upon returning from their trip, the father
asked his son, "How was the trip?" "It was great, Dad." "Did you see how poor people live?" the
father asked. "Oh yeah," said the son. "So, tell me, what did you learn from the
trip?" asked the father. The son answered: "I saw that we have one
dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden,
and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden,
and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they
have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have
fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve
others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our
property to protect us, they have friends to protect them." The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added,
"Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are."2 Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Can you imagine
what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of
worrying about what we don't have? Our material possessions are nothing in
comparison to the treasure we have in Heaven when we choose to faithfully
follow and serve God. All the earthly possessions can never bring the joy,
peace, and happiness that we find in Christ. May this perspective produce in us
eternal gratitude to God for His Son, Jesus, and all the blessings (big or
small) that He gives us daily. Suggested prayer: Dear God, the constant temptation
of wanting more is prevalent in today's society. We fail to see the abundant blessings
you have already given us, and instead compare our lives or think of all we don't
have. Help us see that true riches are not found in material possessions, but
in the relationships, moments, and conversations that you give us. Thank you
for the joy we can find in you, the greatest gift of all. Help me live with a perspective
of gratitude and let it be contagious to those around me. Thank you for hearing
and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen. Luke 18:22 (NLT). |
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