Nov 6, 2010

A Thankful Heart…


People are like stained-glass windows

They sparkle and shine when the sun is out

But when the darkness sets in

Their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

I will bless the Lord at all times. (Psalm 34:1)

David said, "I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth."

A thankful heart should be a way of life.


But did you know it can save your life? When Jonah ended up inside the whale he told God, "I will sacrifice to You with... thanksgiving" (Jonah 2:9) even though he was frightened and had no clue what the future held in store for him! And when he did God rescued him. When you're down in the pits and all hell's breaking loose around you when life is dark and you cannot see one step ahead... - that's when you need to raise your voice and praise God. Nothing demonstrates real trust like thanking Him when you're in the throes of crisis.


A thankful heart does two things:


(1) Builds your faith.

The reason we can walk by faith and not by sight (See 2 Corinthians 5:7) is because we know that, regardless of the circumstances, God is working on our behalf. David said, "Magnify the Lord with me!" (Psalm 34:3). Praise acts like a magnifying glass; it helps you see that God is bigger than your problem. What changes? Your focus changes! Instead of dwelling on the problem and getting discouraged, your faith is released and you begin looking to God for solutions. And a believing heart will recognize and receive those solutions faster than a doubting one.


(2) Restores life.

Before raising Lazarus from the dead Jesus looked up to Heaven and said, "Father... thank You that You have heard Me" (John 11:41). Something amazing happens when you start thanking God in advance for saving you, protecting you, and providing for you. Your faith begins to soar and you gain the confidence to command those things in your life that you thought were dead to live again.

Thank God today!


(by Irma Raymond)


Here's a beautiful song by Don Moen... Its called 'With a thankful heart'. The lyrics are truly meaningful.




Lyrics


With a thankful heart
And a song of praise
We've come to You
Gathered in this place
For the things You've done
And for who You are
We worship You
With a thankful heart

So we lift up our praise
And we lift up out sacrifice to You
Lord we offer our prayers
And we offer our lives in gratitude
For all You do
We worship You
With a thankful heart

With a thankful heart
We will give You praise
You've been so good
Covered us with grace
You have been our strength
In a time so dark
So we worship You
With a thankful heart


I have more reasons to thank God this day... After two and a half years of patience and waiting, God is finally showing me the keyboard I've got to buy.

Thank you Jesus!!!

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