Anna’s third question is one that all of us should try to keep in the forefront of our minds. The answer requires that we develop a specific mentality which will spark our motivations and have an impact on our actions/reactions. Without that mentality we will fail to progress, grow and develop before God. Her question is simply this: “What is the best way to show God appreciation for all he has done for us personally?”

A few weeks ago we talked about the value of an “attitude of gratitude” and how important that type of mentality is. Next to having a grateful heart is identifying how you personally will show God that gratitude motivates your responses to life. Real, heart-felt gratitude will express itself verbally and visually to those you come in contact with. Your friends, acquaintances and those you meet will get a definitive picture of the difference between your motivations and the motivations of the worldly (greed and insatiable desires.) That will provide them with the seeds or water they need to enter, grow or mature in His Kingdom. Here are a few ways you can express your gratitude:

1. Sing and express your joy to God – not just when you go to church, but during the day. Psalm 92:1 says: “It is good to praise theLord and make music to your name, O Most High.” Yes, people may wonder why you are happy. Tell them! Knowing you are loved by God is one thing. Singing back that love to Him expresses your gratitude. Don’t worry about your voice – the Bible says make a joyful NOISE, not sing a beautiful song!
2. Within the past week we also talked about obedience. God wants us to be like Him because He created us in HIS IMAGE (Genesis 1:26 – 27). He wants us to be Holy because He is holy ( 11:44, Lev. 19:2, Lev. 20:7) By walking in his ways and imitating Him our gratitude is evident to all those who see us and hear our words or responses to life’s circumstances.
3. The third way to express your gratitude is to keep God’s thoughts within constant reach by reading, studying and listening (Leviticus 11:18 – 20) to the Bible or other inspirational material that focuses on His Kingdom. The more you read and listen to the scripture the better. As you draw closer to Him you will begin to decipher how God thinks. This is critical for you to reason and deal with life and its challenging circumstances. His way always produces the best results.
4. The last one I will address, since this is not all inclusive, is expressing your gratitude by giving to others. (Matthew 7:7 – 11, 21:22) My rule of thumb in the past has always been to ensure your family is cared for – Number 1. They are your first mission field. Then offer your first fruits to your local church. Next parachurch ministries and lastly to those God puts on your heart. You must start with a minimum of 10% which is a simple expression to God that you realize He has provided everything. Start there see if you can out give him.

If you follow these guidelines, I think you will find that God will open up the floodgates of Heaven and bless you according to HIS riches in glory. If you do these things He will have no doubt about your motives or your motivations. You have the joy He promised and others will see it in you.

Love Dad