Dear Father,

How can I say thanks for all the abundant blessings in my life? May I continue to have an appreciative heart.

Dear Child,

Having a thankful heart is living the abundant life!

Having a thankful heart is a life full of joy!

Having a thankful heart is a life that can be molded to My will!

Having a thankful heart is the life of a true worshipper!

                                        Thus saith Papa

Psalm 103:1-5  Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Joel 2:21 Fear not; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

 Why does God continually remind us to be thankful?

   1. A thankful heart is full of praise, which ushers us into His presence. 

   2. A thankful heart blesses the Father’s heart. 

   3. A thankful heart is a soft, pliable heart that God can mold to His image. 

   4. A thankful heart is a joyous heart that strengthens us spiritually. 

   5. A thankful heart remembers His faithfulness in the past thereby feeding our faith to

       trust Him for our future. 

   6. A thankful heart will be a good steward of blessings. 

When we cry unto the Lord, “restore unto me the joy of thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12); we are really crying out for a grateful heart! A complaining heart soon becomes a heart drowning in self-pity that will quench your joy. The fruit of thankfulness is joy and joy results in spiritual strength and fulness of life! “…neither be ye sorry;? for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

Excerpt from my book “DEVELOPING A SECRET HISTORY WITH GOD” Available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iTunes and a book store near you.

CHALLENGE:       Be thankful lest the enemy steals the joy of the abundant life.

                             Be thankful that you may be conformed on the potter’s wheel.

                             Be thankful that you may enter His presence as a true worshipper.

“How can I say thanks for all the things that you have done for me,

Things so undeserved yet you gave to prove your love for me,

The voices of a thousand angels could not express my gratitude,

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe it all to thee.

To God be the glory for the things He has done.”

by Andre Crouch

The above photo captures our joy as we celebrated God’s faithfulness during our 45 years together which was 8 years ago!!!