The Power of a Grateful Heart.

On Saturday Morning, October 21st, 37 volunteers from FBC had just completed three hours of serving the incredible ministry of the Refuge of Hope in downtown Canton. This day of service was but one part of our church’s Generosity Project. Along with our donations of cereal and pop-tart boxes (goal of 500) and our monetary offering (goal of $3000), we are living out the fulfillment of Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'“  Many church volunteers provided much needed resources to a ministry which serves the homeless and those in need of food. I am so pleased with the tremendous support from our church.

As I climbed in my vehicle for the ride home, I began to think of all the things I take for granted. I have a comfortable home where I can enjoy friends and family. It is available to me 24/7 and it has many rooms that provide me a variety of resources. I have a kitchen complete with a refrigerator, stove, microwave and all the necessities to cook a meal.  There is always a supply of food to feed my physical needs. I have a place to relax and take my mind off the worries of the day. I have a bedroom that provides a nightly rest and a bathroom with a hot shower that wakes me up in the morning so I am ready for another day. I have a laundry room, workshop, garage and much more. God has truly provided for all the needs that I have and even some of my wants.

Then it hit me, a majority of people in our world do not have the blessings I have been given. I was reminded that I truly need to have a grateful heart. And all of us who are blessed beyond what we deserve have a responsibility to give thanks and tell of God’s faithfulness. The Psalmist says in chapter 9:1,"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”  The songwriter say’s “Give thanks with a grateful heart.” We have so much to be grateful for in our daily living. But how often do we truly pause to give thanks?  Often our lives are filled with busyness and the pressures, challenges and difficulties cause us to forget to be thankful.  I get that sometimes we just do not feel like being thankful. Sometimes we ourselves are struggling and weary from the life we are living. In those times, it truly  does become a sacrifice of praise.

November is a month where are thoughts turn toward thankfulness. Let me encourage you pause and take time to give thanks with a grateful heart. We have a choice each and every day to give thanks to God. With hearts and minds focused on Him. With gratitude, we are strengthened by His grace, peace and love.  With a grateful heart, we have the power to face whatever may come our way.  I found the following encouraging thoughts on the power of a grateful heart and would like to share them with you.