How can we ensure gratitude and faithfulness in response to God's help today? The Divine Reminder in Hosea 7:15 “ I trained them and strengthened their arms, yet they plot evil against Me.” Why Gratitude and Faithfulness Slip • God equips and rescues, but hearts drift when blessings become routine (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). • Comfort can dull dependence; ease can invite rebellion (Psalm 106:13). Guardrails for Grateful Hearts • Rehearse His works aloud: tell family and friends specific ways He has “trained and strengthened” you (Psalm 145:4-7). • Keep a written record of answered prayers (Joshua 4:4-7). • Start and end each day with thanks: “Let the peace of Christ rule… and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). • Sing truth: worship anchors memory and affection (Ephesians 5:19-20). Practices That Foster Faithfulness • Obey promptly—gratitude expresses itself in action (John 14:15). • Stay in close fellowship; mutual encouragement restrains drift (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Regularly examine motives and confess sin before it hardens (1 John 1:9). • Serve others in His name; service keeps the focus off self (1 Peter 4:10-11). Living Illustrations • Nine lepers forgot, one returned: gratitude keeps us at Jesus’ feet (Luke 17:15-18). • Paul’s thorn drove him to rely on grace, not strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). • Daniel thanked God three times daily, even under threat (Daniel 6:10). Daily Resolution Recall His training, respond with thanks, and resolve to walk uprightly today—so the arms He strengthens never turn against Him. |
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