FEBRUARY – “Missions: The Heart of God”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Living in Gratitude
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
King David is one of the greatest examples of a grateful heart in Scripture. No matter what he faced—whether victories or valleys, triumphs or trials—David made praise and thanksgiving a lifestyle.
Throughout the Psalms, we see David’s unshakable gratitude:
- “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1)
- “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
- “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2)
David’s gratitude was not circumstantial—he didn’t just praise God when life was easy. Even when he was running for his life from King Saul, grieving losses, or facing his own failures, he still worshiped God with a thankful heart.
This teaches us that gratitude is not about perfect circumstances—it is about trusting a perfect God. If David, through all of life’s ups and downs, could continually give thanks, so can we!
Training Your Heart in Gratitude
Gratitude is a spiritual muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it grows. Often, we overlook the blessings in our lives because we are too focused on what we lack. But when we start intentionally noticing and thanking God for the little things, our outlook on life changes.
How to Cultivate a Thankful Heart Daily:
- Start Your Day with Thanks: Before you check your phone, before you even get out of bed, thank God for another day.
- Pause and Acknowledge Blessings: Throughout your day, be intentional about recognizing small moments of joy—sunshine, a good conversation, a safe trip, a kind word.
- Flip Complaints into Praise: Instead of saying, “I have to go to work,” say, “I thank God I have a job.” Instead of “I have to cook dinner,” say, “I thank God I have food to eat.”
- Thank God Even in Hardship: Shift your focus from the problem to His promises. If you’re facing a challenge, find something to be thankful for in it.
When we make gratitude a daily habit, it transforms not only our attitude but also our faith. Instead of being weighed down by negativity, we become joyful, faith-filled people who trust God in every season.
The Gratitude Jar—Seeing Your Blessings Grow
Imagine you have a large, empty jar. Every time you experience a blessing, an answered prayer, or a moment of joy, you drop a marble into the jar. Over time, you see it fill up, visually reminding you of how much God has done.
The truth is, our hearts are like that jar. The more we fill them with gratitude, the more they overflow with joy and peace. But if we never acknowledge our blessings, we miss out on the fullness of what God is doing in our lives.
Today, let’s make the decision to live with an overflowing heart—one that collects gratitude like marbles in a jar.
Prayer: A Heart of Gratitude
Gracious Father, thank You for the countless blessings You pour into my life every day. Teach me to see Your goodness in every situation, even when life is challenging. Help me to develop a heart of gratitude that overflows with praise. May my life be a reflection of thankfulness to You, and may I never take Your blessings for granted. I choose to live in gratitude today and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Assignment: Put Gratitude into Action
- Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down at least three things you are thankful for today—no matter how big or small.
- Share Gratitude with Others: Encourage a friend or family member by sharing one of your blessings with them today. Gratitude is contagious!
- Thank God Throughout the Day: Every time you catch yourself wanting to complain, stop and find something to thank God for instead.
By practicing gratitude, you will begin to see God’s hand in every detail of your life. A thankful heart is a joyful heart—start living in gratitude today!
FRIDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mae Jackson – Improving
Paula Ferus
Ann Stanley
Lamar Knight’s Family in CA Fires
Rebecca Smith
Ann & Robby Stanley
Mrs. Franklin
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillianna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher