I wanted to know what the difference between bragging and
gratitude was, so I asked around. I was told a braggart swaggers and says --
"Look at ME. What a great
person I am. Look what I'VE accomplished." Bragging totally focuses on oneself.
Counselors uses the word "NARCISSISTIC" to
describe a selfish, egotistical person. The word comes from a Greek story of
person who was so taken with themselves after noticing their image in a pond
that they couldn't bear to leave and became stuck in that spot forever. Out of
their remains sprouted a narcissus flower as an everlasting symbol.
So not only does bragging focus on self, it also denies
God's blessings. King Nebuchadnezzar, found in the old Testament book of Daniel
chapters 4 & 5, discovered he was not so hot. King Nebbie said to himself
as he was walking on the roof of the royal palace one day, "Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by
MY mighty power and for the glory of
MY majesty?" (Daniel 4:30).
When he became so egomaniacal, it destroyed his sanity and God allowed his
kingdom to be taken away from him. He was driven away from people and had to
live with the wild animals and eat grass like cattle. His body was drenched
with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and
his nails like the claws of a bird. His sanity was restored when he raised his
eyes to heaven and acknowledged God as sovereign over all.
Gratitude takes our finger off ourselves and redirects it to
recognize God as our source. He giveth and he taketh away. Gratitude consists
of appreciation and praise. It says "Rejoice with me. Look what God has
blessed me with . . . I have found favor in his eyes."
1. Today, I acknowledge God as the source of my creativity.
He created me in his image and all my craft ideas ultimately come from him.
2. I'm grateful for the great Physician's healing touch. My
mother said I was lucky, but I feel so blest.
3. Even though I felt alone in the hospital, I knew He was
with me. I appreciate his Presence!
4. I’m thankful a young person of our aquaintance named
Tommy was able to go on his vacation and travel both ways unharmed.
5. I’m grateful for all my readers and especially those who
join me here in grateful comments/praises for the Lord’s blessings!
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Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28).