“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.” (Psalm 107:1 KJV)
Today’s meditation finds it’s roots in my older brother’s weekly broadcast where he rereferred to how athletes thump their chest and make other kinds of self-praising motions after scoring or completing a great play, either on offense or defense. And then, he points out that after the personal celebration is over, the athletes point their finger toward the sky, lifting their eyes toward heaven; giving God a “tip” so to speak.
Now recognizing how the servers are paid at restaurants, I always leave a tip and I encourage you to do so too. But when it comes to giving praise, expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving to God ought to be the first thing that comes out of our mouth after our opening recognition of the Sovereign One who we are sending our prayers up to in Heaven.
Moved by the weekly broadcast, I though about how often we complain. I thought of how there are people in third world countries and undeveloped cultures hidden in remote places found in the deep forests of foreign lands. I thought of how they thank God for the slightest, scarcest, and smallest provisions with smiles. It made me look around and bubble over in joy, with thanksgiving and praise for all the blessings the Lord has provide for me, both tangible and intangible; past, present, and future. It is Saturday morning, but I encourage you to stop right now, think about how blessed you are, and then give God the praise, expressing your thankfulness. Don’t be stingy with your praise or your expressions of gratitude. As the title says, “Don’t Be Leaving No Tip!” Have a wonderful day and get things done so that you will have no excuse to join the saints in worship, either face-to face or virtually tomorrow! Enjoy your day! Oh yes! Praise Him for another day! Thank Him from the totality of your heart, mind, and soul! Be blessed!
“Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.” (Psalm 100 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King