When a gift is given ~ appreciation for the gift and the giver is appropriate. Verbal words of thanks are often expressed. A written note (which is one of etiquette) brings a quiet smile to the recipient. When we say “˜thank you”™ we are expressing a heart of gratitude.

“How can I say thanks for all the things You do for me”¦” is a song that expresses gratitude to God for His gifts ““ a heart of gratitude is the theme of that song. Shouldn”™t we also have a theme of gratitude to our God?

A grateful heart attitude acknowledges Who God is: He is personal, He is my Savior, is He yours?

Thankfulness for what God has done ““ He sent His Son Who made the ultimate sacrifice for you and me. Have you received His gift for yourself? Do you know of someone who yet needs to receive His gift?

Giving thanks when He shows me more of Himself through His words in Scripture and answered prayer.

And the wonder of it all, why He would do anything for you and me:

As a vine rooted in the soil climbs and clings to support and grows into a sheltering shade in the summer sun ““ so God”™s grace, mercy and love are intertwined, rooted in Jesus Christ.

Consider God”™s grace (you and I deserve nothing from God).

Consider God”™s mercy (you and I deserve God”™s judgment).

Consider God”™s love (given for you and me through the Lord Jesus Christ).

A Heart of Gratitude says Thank You!

Jesus had heard that John the Baptist was put into prison by Herod, so He left Judea and went north to Galilee. He made His headquarters in Capernaum (which was in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali) and so fulfilled prophecy of Isaiah:

(NASB) Matthew 4:15-16 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles”“

16 The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light,

And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death,

Upon them a Light dawned.”

This is one of the prophecies of Messiah. Jesus”™ choices always fulfilled His Father”™s will and word. Jesus”™ responsible choices and actions were for God”™s glory and for people”™s best.

Good News! Jesus came to the Gentiles (that is anyone who is not a Jew). We were included from the beginning of Jesus”™ ministry”¦He did not forget us!! Love, not hatred, is the heart of God”™s Good News!

Good News! Jesus came to give life, not to take it from us.

Good News! Jesus gave His life so we can have life eternally with Him.

A Heart of Gratitude says Thank You!