Thought for the Day – November 5, 2009

Text: Psalm 16:2-3
2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!
Every good thing I have comes from you.”
3 The godly people in the land
are my true heroes!
I take pleasure in them!  NLT

These two verses from David’s inspired pen pack two great thoughts: gratitude and admiration.  We are approaching Thanksgiving.  I developed a habit of gratitude years ago in my daily journaling.  I always wrote a one sentence prayer of thanksgiving for someone or something.  I was amazed how that one little prayer could change my attitude for an entire day. “Lord, You are my Master.  Every good thing comes from You.” Or, as James wrote, “Every good and perfect gift comes from our Father.”

The second thought is admiration for true heroes.  One of the side benefits of a few reality shows is the ability to take ordinary people and thrust them into notoriety. People from all walks of life become the next American Idol, dancer, talent, survivor, or biggest loser.  Who are your heroes?  Who are the people you admire?  Who challenges you to become a better follower of Christ?  Some of my heroes include D.L. Moody, C.S. Lewis, David Brainard, William Wilberforce, Billy Graham and Mother Teresa.  Their lives challenge, inspire, and motivate me.

When children are small, almost exclusively, they will say a parent is their hero.  By the time they are a teenager, a very small percentage would say the same.  We need to become heroes to each other, our children, and grandchildren.  Let us build a legacy of the “saints of old, people who walked with God.”  We may never become an American Idol, but we can become a hero in the eyes of those around when we do heroic things for God.

Thought for the Day – Who is your hero that challenges you?  How are you becoming a hero to those around you?