Wednesday, 4th December

READING

Psalm 34

MEDITATION

Christmas is often a time when we remember with gratitude our families, friends and loved ones.

But above all it is a time to remember Gods enormous kindness to us

However we should constantly be grateful for Gods Kindness and love.

Gratitude and thankfulness does not come naturally to us.

When we meet around the braai and talk about whatever we talk about, how much of our conversation is filled with thanksgiving and gratitude ?

How often do we take time to reflect and see the fingerprints of Gods’ activities in our lives, in the life of the church, and in the lives of others.

“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” – Charles Spurgeon

“God says to give thanks in everything.  That doesn’t mean you need to give thanks for everything. You don’t need to give thanks for that bad day, or for that bad relationship; or for being passed over for a promotion at work, or for financial hardship. Whatever it is – you are not to give thanks for the difficulties, but rather IN the difficulties. That is a very important distinction, and one I think we often miss. Giving thanks IN everything, shows a heart of faith that God is bigger than the difficulties, and that He can use them, if you approach Him with the right heart and spirit, for your good and His glory.”  – Tony Evans

Psalm 34 is a Psalm of gratitude to God:

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;

his praise will always be on my lips.

2 I will glory in the Lord;

let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the Lord with me;

let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;

he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;

he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,

and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;

This Psalm calls us to see a God at work in all situations.

And it calls us to be defined by the attitude of gratitude.

PRAYER

A Prayer of Gratitude

Dear God,

Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives.  Thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on You afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love You and we need You, this day and every day. We give You praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy!

Today we pray for the following 6 things:

Pray that we at CCB would be filled with a heart of gratitude.

Pray that CCB would be a place where we are so appreciative of what God has done for us.

Give thanks for all our ministries, from children to the elderly.

Give thanks for the work of Gods’ Spirit amongst us, especially for the many who have come to know Christ, and for our growth in Christ.

Give thanks for Godfrey and his team at Christ Church Hillbrow.

Give thanks for the many who faithfully give of their time, their money, their prayers and thoughts for the Gospel Ministry here at CCB.