I love the Passion Translation of the Bible. Dr. Simmons does a wonderful job bringing the original manuscripts to life in modern language. I know I know, someone out there is going to make a comment about an error here or a contentious view of content there. I have studied the scripture and held it dear to me for a lifetime, but there are times when I read it through the lens of The Passion Translation, that I literally find myself welling up with emotions.  One such passage is found in Psalm 100:4-5

4You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise. Come right into

his presence with thanksgiving. Come bring your thank offering to him and

affectionately bless his beautiful name!

5For Yahweh is always good and ready to receive you. He’s so loving that it will

amaze you—so kind that it will astound you! And he is famous for his faithfulness

toward all. Everyone knows our God can be trusted, for he keeps his promises to

every generation!  (TPT)

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I am mindful of the impact and power of a thankful heart. I know there is an extreme amount of pressure in the world today. People are worried about elections, families, security in the economy, wars, and rumors of wars. The list is endless. Sleepless nights, anxiety, fighting and pressure are the flavor of the day. I encourage you as you read this to be mindful. Be mindful of the love and grace that your heavenly Father offers so freely. When I read that scripture, I think about the ‘side effect’ of thankfulness. Maybe the key to understanding the faithfulness and kindness of our loving heavenly father is to present yourself into His presence with thankfulness!

Look at your life. Think of all the blessings and favor that you have been granted. If you are breathing. If you are reading this blog right now, you have something you can be thankful for. Watch the words that come out of your mouth. Choose to take the road of thankfulness and see where the journey will lead you.