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October 21, 2013 cm-admin Inspire 0

20 Oct 2013 by Rev Dr Jai Kumar-

When you have eaten and are satisfied… do not forget the Lord.

(Deut 8:11 NIV)

It's a shame to discover that we live in an ungrateful and selfish society. We become extremely and desperately humble and well behaved in hard times; we turn to God for help when our foundations are shaking. But as soon as everything is over and the moment we are able to get on our feet, we become arrogant, selfish, and ungrateful.

Deitreich Bonhoeffer said that it is only through gratitude that life becomes rich. Gratefulness is extraordinarily powerful. It is one of the most powerful forces in the world.

Listen to what God told His people: "When you have eaten and are satisfied… be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God " (Dt.8:10-11). Remember today that God is the source of everything you have obtained! Your success! Your health! Your prosperity! Everything that is connected to your well-being!

You know what? You are not where you are today simply because you are gifted or smart! You are there today because your God has been behind the scenes working out His plan to fulfill your destiny in life.

It's only by his grace that you are where you are! You are not in control of your life. This area is totally out of your jurisdiction. Prov.21:1 says, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water, he turns it wherever he will."

Therefore, be a grateful person. A powerful life cannot be lived without thanksgiving. When we offer thanksgiving at all times in every situation, the devil cannot manipulate us.

David said: "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1)."

God led the Hebrew people out of Egypt where they had lived in slavery for 400 years. He promised them 'a land flowing with milk and honey.' But what could have taken only 11 days to reach their destiny, took 40 years instead. They kept wandering around the same mountain over and over again, making no progress. They became such an ungrateful generation! So quickly did they forget what God had done for them. As a result, it made God's heart so sick that judgment befell them and disqualified them to possess their inheritance. And thus, the whole generation perished in the wilderness.

You can move the arm of God in your favour! You can have the grace of God flowing in your life! You can have breakthroughs with miracles! Nothing will be impossible for you when you carry a thankful and grateful heart not only towards God but also towards your fellow men especially those who have sacrificed and given so much for you in your life. Gratitude works like a vaccine. It is the antitoxin that counteracts the poisonous effects of ingratitude.

Paul says: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God."

(Php 4:6)

Have you ever realised that your flesh will always find reasons to be ungrateful and unthankful but the 'born again spirit" will always seek to be grateful, thankful and forgiving?

David was a great and powerful king but he had a heart of gratitude and thankfulness towards his Maker. He said:

"How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?"

Psalm 116:12

David was a man after God's own heart. I believe God is seeking such a heart so that He can keep working in us.

GOD BLESS YOU RICHLY.

Note: Rev Dr Jai Kumar is the founder and pastor of Full Gospel Outreach Ministry KL. He is also a member of ECCM, spiritual overseer for Full Gospel Christian Church KL, co-founder of the Kingdom Christian Fellowshp Subang Jaya, and also the author of a book entitled, 'God's Time Clock.'

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed by the columnists are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Christianity Malaysia.com