Scripture: Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV) – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Message: “Develop an attitude of gratitude” is something we have heard most of our lives. It has been taught by everyone from parents at home, to teachers in class, clergy in sermons, and motivational speakers in lectures and many others. We hear this concept, but often fail to apply it to our own situations. Recent studies have shown that practicing gratitude leads to a healthier, more fulfilling and other-centered life.

Practicing gratitude can take work, especially when we feel hurried, negative, or overwhelmed. It is an attitude habit we have to cultivate and it is worth the work. Those who have a grateful attitude seem to be more active, hopeful, thoughtful, and have concerns for others.

Prayer: Lord, change me. Develop in me a grateful heart and an attitude of thanksgiving and generosity. Amen.

Pat Ridder (deceased)
(first published in 2015)

To Love As God Loves

Scripture: Luke 10:27 (NIV) – “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Message: There is an old Native American adage that says “walk a mile in my moccasins and you will know my journey.” It is in giving thought to others that we may better focus on ourselves. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things that need to be done, we forget to be kind and respectful to those around us. We just don’t think that their journey may be hard, or sad, or lonely. A simple “good morning” might be just what someone needs right then – at that moment – to make their journey easier.

In Luke 10:27, the words of Jesus remind us to become neighbors to all, loving each other as ourselves. In extending an extra kindness, we can, just for a moment, walk in their moccasins.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach us to love as You love. Teach us to consider others; to be kind to others; to reach out in ways big and small, so that those who see us will see You in us and know Your love. Amen.

Pat Ridder (deceased)
(first published in 2015)