Gratitude
 
        What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?  Psalm 116:12
 
    The Christian should often review his past life and recall with gratitude the precious deliverance that God has wrought for him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint.  He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watchcare of heavenly angels.  In view of these innumerable blessings he should often ask, with subdued and grateful heart, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me" (Psalm 116:12).
 
    Our time, our talents, our property, should be sacredly devoted to Him who has given us these blessings in trust.  Whenever a special deliverance is wrought in our behalf, or new and unexpected favors are granted us, we should acknowledge God's goodness, not only by expressing our gratitude in words, but, like Jacob, by gifts and offerings to His cause.  As we are continually receiving the blessings of God, so we are to be continually giving.
 
    "Of all that Thou shalt give me," said Jacob, "I will surely give the tenth unto Thee."  Shall we who enjoy the full light and privileges of the gospel be content to give less to God that was given by those who lived in the former, less favored dispensation? (Patriarchs and Prophets, 187, 188)
 
Reflection:  As the blessings we enjoy grow, shouldn't our obligations correspondingly increase?  All that we have, all that we are, should be devoted to God.

 Kneeling Before God
 
        O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.  Psalm 95:6
 
    Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him.  Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed" (Luke 22:41).  Of his disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, in prayed" (Acts 9:40).  Paul declared, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:14).  In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt (See Ezra 9:5).  Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God" (Daniel 6:10).
 
    True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence.  With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed.  The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there.  And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened.  "Holy and reverend is His name," the psalmist declares (Psalm 111:9).  Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces.  With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips! (Prophets and Kings, 48)
 
Reflection:  Well would it be for old and young to ponder those words of Scripture that show how the place marked by God's special presence should be regarded.  "Put off thy shoes from off thy feet," He commanded Moses at the burning bush, "for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (Exodus 3:5). (Prophets and Kings, 48)