I have found one of the best ways to grow in our faith and believe that we are loved by our Savior is to have a thankful heart. When we start really grasping the love of God, we begin to live from a heavenly perspective instead of an earthly one. We know that our circumstances, our pain, our distress are temporary and the Lord helps us to remember that He is in control and has good plans for His children.

I have heard it often said that God looks at the heart so I want to talk about that today and back it up with scripture. As we grow deeper in our personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, He increases our awareness and we start living outside of ourselves which in turn makes us more thankful. Giving thanks to the Father pleases Him and lets Him know that He is the one who blesses his children. Its also part of our calling to bless others, which in turn continues to bless us. It’s just this continuous loop of goodness and that is what creates genuine love. Through prayer and thanksgiving we also grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding. We are exercising the fact that He is our very source and benefactor of life. The crowning virtues like the following begin to become a part of our very own makeup.

bearing fruit- fruits of the spirit- kindness, understanding, patience, compassion, love and so on

being strengthened- to handle what comes our way because we do live in a fallen world where we will have times when we suffer

growing- in knowledge and spiritual wisdom- remember real wisdom comes only through Jesus. Wisdom protects us.

giving thanks- allows God to work in your life and it pleases him when you acknowledge his goodness and love for you

But the Lord said to Samuel. Do Not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Vain words and works won’t work.  Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount tells us the only way to heaven is through the narrow gate. Jesus is the gate and He is the only way to God. All other ways, no matter how popular or good they seem on earth will not do. He says those ways can still lead to destruction. He goes on to say many will choose the wide way of the world but only a few will choose to follow the way of Jesus that leads to life. The narrow road requires a thankful heart and a surrendered life. If you want your heart to change, spend time with Jesus and he will do a great work in you.

It’s not about the words we say, its about our hearts and doing God’s will. God’s will can only come forth when we surrender and ask Him to show us His way and His will.

It’s easy for people to recite the bible or have religious rituals but the truth is we can’t talk our way into heaven. True faith and thanksgiving requires a deliberate decision to trust God. A deliberate decision to be in relationship with God. Don’t live your life without him. Think about what he did for us… he died a brutal death so we could live.

Shouldn’t we praise him always for loving us so much. Don’t be among the many. Don’t just assume you’re on the path that leads to eternal life. Pursue him and he will show you things your human mind can’t even imagine. Our Lord wants to show us his glory and power. Start now….

Jesus, I confess that my heart is sometimes far from you. Draw me closer to you so I can see with your eyes and feel with your heart. Show me how to love properly so people see you in me. Help me Lord to walk the walk. Thank you for loving me, Thank you for taking care of me. In Jesus Holy name, Amen