11.19: Saying Grace and Thanking God for His Grace -- There's a Difference

As a kid, growing up Catholic, I don’t remember  ever “saying grace” before a meal. My dad worked in retail and most of  the time he was rarely home for dinner. So, it was me and mom and we ate  sitting in front of the TV. (Do you remember TV Dinners?) We never got  into the habit of thanking God for providing the meal. On occasion when  we went to someone else’s house for dinner — especially Thanksgiving —  that’s when the host or hostess would pause to say grace. As a single adult living in Miami, my church used to hold a community  Thanksgiving dinner. It was always hosted by someone with a large  enough house to hold around 30 people. Someone made the turkey and we  all brought a dish to share. Yes, it was a potluck Thanksgiving and it  was fun. That’s really when I first started occasionally saying grace  before a meal. But, it was only with a group — at a potluck. By myself, I  never did. It’s taken many decades of struggles for me to realize that EVERYTHING I  have — food included — it’s because God allowed me to have it. He gave  me the skill, knowledge, and experience to earn a living and buy the  food. Even when money’s tight, I am able to go to a food pantry to get  food. He always provides. Now, I thank Him before every meal. Not always  before the first bite, but I do thank Him. Role Models Saying Grace in the New Testament... Keep reading in my blog where you can pray along with me and I embedded a special worship video for you... If you want to reap all the benefits of salvation including the 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven then… Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.  Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly… “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I surrender my whole life to you and I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.” Jesus is coming back soon! Are you ready? Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory! This is a daily podcast, published each evening.  Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out!  And please share this with your friends.