In the movie, “Cool Hand Luke” the Captain (Prison Wardan) asked Luke (escaped prisoner), “Have you got your mind right Luke?” But at the core of the question, it was not his mind but his heart that drove Luke’s decision to escape. It is our heart that drives our decisions.

The Heart Principle: Behaviors reflect the condition of our heart. A grateful heart is the first thing that fades or drifts away in any relationship. When God redeemed His people out of Egypt, they were only 3 days from crossing the Red Sea when they began to grumble & complain (Exodus 15:24). Think about it. They cried out to God to save them from the brutal slavery of 400 years. They witnessed God’s Power in the 10 Plagues (Blood, Frogs, Lice or gnats, Flies, Livestock, Boils, Hail, Locust, Darkness, Death of Firstborn), then the Miracle at the Red Sea. Yet they became ungrateful & grumbled 3 days after witnessing God’s Redemptive Power. Their ungrateful hearts lead to disobedience and their death in the desert. They never got to the Promise Land because of their ungratefulness.

Non-profits do not normally give bonuses for a reason, however, one year we were Blessed and wanted to show our appreciation to our staff. We gave an end-of-the-year bonus check to our employees. People cried. They were truly thankful. The second year they were not surprised but they were thankful. The 3^rd year, some were asking if they could pick up their check early and I overheard a few grumblings about the amount. Not only did it break my heart, but it also gave the board and me second thoughts about continuing something people were now taking for granted.

The Grateful Heart Principle: You can’t grumble & complain and be grateful at the same time. Grateful is a decision you make all through the day. If you miss a day without being grateful you will begin to drift into the deep sea of despair that turns into grumbling & complaining. Grumbling & complaining reveals that you do not Trust God…that He does not measure up to your expectations.

James gave us his approach to life in James 1:2-8 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” Then Paul said it this way, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Now that the aroma of Thanksgiving, the laughter, and the joy of being together is just a memory, start a new Thanksgiving habit. Before your feet hit the floor…before you face the chaos of the day, spend a few minutes thanking Him for what He has done, for what He is doing and for what He is going to do in your life. Take these words with you that God gave Paul. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Get your heart healthy & in shape today. Put a smile on your face & a spring in your step, Jesus is coming. (Revelation 22:12)