Gratitude

Most Christian music lovers have heard Brandon Lake’s song, “Gratitude.” If you have not heard it, then go look it up. Not only does it contain beautiful lyrics, it also has a melody and anointing that humbles us before the Lord. As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I challenge us all to humble ourselves before the King of Kings. I ask that we all exam our hearts and ask God to reveal any thing that is not acceptable in His sight. The book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom and righteous living tips. Regular self-examination of our own hearts is one of them. It helps guard against “familiarity” and continuing in the “old” so we can embrace the new. God will speak to us when we get still and listen (Psalm 46:10). He wants to bring the Bride into intimate relationship, so we can transcend to the next level spiritually. BUT that will not happen until we are obedient in the season we are in now. My current season is FULL of servant leadership and humbling myself before the Lord. Like Isaiah, I just say, “Here am I, Lord send me” (Isaiah 6:8). With that, I have to be willing and ready to do just that. I want to shout this from the rooftop…THE ONLY TREASURES THAT WILL REMAIN ARE THE ACTS OF LOVE AND KINDNESS THAT WE DO HERE FOR GOD’S GLORY! That means we do not brag about the things we are doing for the Lord, or even about spiritual gifts that God has given us. Jesus said, if you tell everyone about what you are doing for God, then you have already received your reward here on earth. Matt. 6:1-Be very careful not to do your good deeds publicly, to be seen by men; otherwise you will have no reward prepared and awaiting for you with your Father who is in heaven. (Amplified Bible)

In closing, I ask that we all:

(1) Examine our hearts and ask God to purify and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. For only God knows the intent of man’s heart. (Psalm 19:12, Jeremiah 20:12, Proverbs 21:2)

(2) Humble ourselves before the Lord. Like Isaiah, tell the Lord, “Here I am your willing servant to do whatever it is to accomplish your will today.” (James 4:6-10, I Peter 5:5-6)

(3) Be grateful! We live in a world full of modern comforts. Living in a home with AC/Heat and the internet is a luxury that many third world countries only dream to have. Remember, the Israelites grumbled and complained, so a 4 year journey took them 40 years and most of them did not see the promised land of Canaan. Instead of listening to negative thoughts, media, or people that speak the problem, let’s make an intentional effort to speak the solution and feed upon God’s Word. Speak life, liberty, and love. We have all of those and MORE in Christ.