Tuesday, February 12, 2013

A New Heart: Thankfulness

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (Colossians 3:15b, NASB).

Count your blessings. What are you thankful about today? I'm thankful for family, friends and great sunsets like the one pictured. We can celebrate all the ways God has blessed us today. Just having a relationship with Him is a blessing.

Count on Him. The peace of Christ is a confidence in God and His Word. We can believe God loves us, that He sent Christ to pay the price for our sins and that God's forgiveness lasts. This pardoning love brings a peaceful relationship with the Lord, who is life-giving and in control over all things. We can let this peace rule in our hearts, whether it's a good or a challenging day. There is this joy we can find in putting our trust in God above all else.

Count others in - contagious thankfulness. When we have this relationship with God, we are a part of this one body, the church, a family of people who also believe in God's saving grace. We can walk in faith and encourage each other to persevere together in our trust in Him. Hopefully, this thankfulness overflow into our lives so much that it is contagious. We can pray that, by the Holy Spirit, others may see just how great our Savior King is.

Lord, thanks for being One who sacrifices, forgives, redeems and renews. You are full of faithfulness, goodness and truth. Thank You for giving us fellow believers who also understand this walk with You. Grow thankfulness and peace in our hearts, and help us point others to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:17, NASB). 

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Check out the song, "I Smile" by Kirk Franklin - www.youtube.com.