"During this time, before the first of the famine years, two sons were born to Joseph and his wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On. [51] Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, 'God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father's family.'[52] Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, "God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief." [53] At last the seven years of bumper crops throughout the land of Egypt came to an end. [54] Then the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had predicted. The famine also struck all the surrounding countries, but throughout Egypt there was plenty of food.
[55] Eventually, however, the famine spread throughout the land of Egypt as well. And when the people cried out to Pharaoh for food, he told them, "Go to Joseph, and do whatever he tells you."
[56] So with severe famine everywhere, Joseph opened up the storehouses and distributed grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe throughout the land of Egypt. [57] And people from all around came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph because the famine was severe throughout the world."
Genesis 41:50-57
If you combine God’s good deeds with your ingratitude, expect ugly to emerge.
God takes our bad away and blesses us with spiritual wealth, holy love, and a church family.
"As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. [12] As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, [13] crying out, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'"
[14] He looked at them and said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. [15] One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, "Praise God!" [16] He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.
[17] Jesus asked, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? [18] Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" [19] And Jesus said to the man, "Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you."
Luke 17:11-19
Jesus waited for ten. How many returned? One.
This story teaches us that, on average, nine out of ten people suffer from ingratitude, and those nine were the people who should have gotten it.
If you look at the good things in life as what you have earned, you may never be satisfied because there will always be a thirst in your soul, like drinking from Lake Lanier, but never being satisfied.
Instead, if you view the good things in your life as gifts from God, you will receive them with more joy, humility, and thankfulness.
Remember the old saying, the “haves” and the “have-nots.” Grateful people focus on what they have instead of what they have-not.
Reflecting on your blessings is rehearsing God’s accomplishments; to do that is to discover His heart. To discover God’s heart is to discover good gifts and the Good Giver.
That is why we can be thankful, and for that reason, out of thankfulness to him, we serve others and one another.
Are you hoping for the most fabulous holiday season ever? Hope no more. Experience it. Get after thanksgiving and gratitude…today. And it all starts with Jesus.
