Welcome to today, do you realize that your attitude impacts your perspective on things you will face today? Before we step into today, let’s make the choice to have an attitude of gratitude because our focus is to be more like Jesus and to have His mind in us. Today, let’s choose to have an attitude that reflects humility, love, and selflessness, emulating Jesus to glorify God, bless our wives and our kids, and point others towards God.
Proverbs 23:7 speaks to the importance of our attitude as it impacts our perception of situations, people, and challenges.
for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you.
This suggests that your attitude not only shapes your perspective but also has the potential to impact your actions and character. A positive and grateful attitude, inspired by biblical principles, can lead to a more optimistic and compassionate outlook on life.
To keep a good attitude, we need to have the right focus:
Moreover, Colossians 3:2 advises believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
This implies that maintaining a heavenly perspective through a righteous attitude can help overcome worldly challenges. By aligning your attitude with biblical principles, you can foster a perspective that prioritizes eternal values over temporary concerns.
An attitude founded on the Word of God:
In summary, your attitude, when grounded in biblical teachings, significantly influences your perspective, guiding you towards a Christ-like outlook on life and helping you navigate challenges with faith, love, and humility.
This year I am using the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas and applying it towards being dads. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
Firstly, let’s be the dads who shine an attitude of gratitude towards God! Additionally, let’s be the dads who share our gratitude for our wives with others to encourage them to celebrate their marriages too as well as with our wives to encourage them. Finally, let’s be the dads who express gratitude for our kids, thanking God for the incredible blessings and gifts they are from Him.
Today’s Devotional calls out the impact of being taken advantage of and how it makes us feel. It goes on to share how it should be something that will fuel us to do better and be better by making sure we express our appreciation to God, to our wives, to our kids, and to everyone God brings across our paths. So as we kick-in today, let’s consider in each situation, conversation, interaction what we can be grateful for and how we can express it to the people who provided it.
Start the day focusing on God and how you can appreciate Him:
Begin your day with prayer and reflection, acknowledging God’s presence and expressing gratitude for the gift of a new day. Consider including in your prayers thanksgiving for the blessings, guidance, and protection God provides. Reflect on a specific aspect of God’s character or a Bible verse that inspires gratitude, setting a positive tone for the day. Incorporate worship or listening to uplifting Christian music to center your mind on God’s goodness. You may also choose to read a portion of the Bible that emphasizes gratitude, such as Psalm 136, which repeatedly declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Next look at and think about your wife and what you can do to show appreciation for her:
Take a moment to consider the unique qualities and contributions your wife brings to your life. Reflect on the love, support, and partnership she provides. Express appreciation for specific actions or qualities that you admire in her. Consider writing a heartfelt note or sending a thoughtful message expressing your gratitude. Throughout the day, look for opportunities to show acts of kindness and love. It could be as simple as helping with chores, actively listening to her, or surprising her with a small gesture. Take time to communicate your love and gratitude verbally, letting her know how much she means to you.
How can you show an attitude of gratitude to your kids today:
Reflect on the joy and blessings your children bring into your life. Consider their unique personalities, talents, and the happiness they bring to your family. Take time to engage with them actively, whether through play, conversation, or shared activities. Express your love and gratitude by affirming their efforts and achievements, no matter how small. Create a positive and encouraging atmosphere at home, fostering a sense of security and belonging. Consider involving them in discussions about gratitude, sharing with them the importance of appreciating the blessings in life. Finally, end the day with a bedtime routine that includes expressing gratitude for each family member, reinforcing a culture of thankfulness within your home.
Appreciation nurtures our souls:
Today’s Devotional expresses how “encouragement that comes from the expression of appreciation nurtures our souls.” It goes on to explain that it was so important that Jesus had one parable specifically on this subject. Imagine if you were a part of the 10 people who got healed, would you have been the one who came back or would you be part of the 9 who went on their way?
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy 11Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”And as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. 17Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?18Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”19Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Attitude of Gratitude that can’t be hidden and needs to be expressed:
Moreover, let’s be the dads who, when we notice something, say something. Additionally, let’s emulate the man who, when he saw he was healed, came back praising God in a loud voice. In doing so, let’s be the dads who humble ourselves and give God the praise, honor, and glory that He deserves. Furthermore, let’s be the dads who express our gratitude and thankfulness. Regardless of whether it is a God, wife, kids, or world thing, let’s be the dads who choose to show appreciation through words of encouragement and gratitude to them.
Today’s Devotional is calling us to be exemplary like the one who was healed today. Let’s be looking for ways to appreciate and express hearts of gratitude to all the people who have been pouring into our lives, investing in us, providing for us, and blessing us.
Today’s Devotional closes with this challenge: “Take a moment today to thank them.”
Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.
UNKNOWN
