The Power of a Thankful Heart
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 11/23/2025
Foundation Scriptures:
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 KJV
1. God’s Will Is Thanksgiving.
a. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV — In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
b. You don’t have to wonder what God’s will is in this area.
c. He says: “In everything give thanks”—not FOR everything, but IN everything.
d. Thanksgiving creates an atmosphere of faith.
e. It is the language of a heart that believes God is both good and faithful.
2. Thanksgiving Is a Command.
a. Offering thanksgiving to God is a command, not just a suggestion.
b. In the Old Testament, God’s people were commanded to enter His courts with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise; to be thankful unto Him and bless His name; to sing praises and make c. a joyful noise unto Him; to publish, tell and declare both His goodness, His greatness, His endless mercy, and His mighty works (Ps. 92:1; 95:2–3; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 118:29; 1 Chron. 16:8; 34).
d. In the New Testament we are commanded to let peace reign in our hearts, to be thankful, and to give thanks always for all things unto Father God, through our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:15-17).
e. Hebrews 13:15 KJV — By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
f. Thanksgiving is not just a personality style; it’s obedience to God and His Word.
g. No matter how we feel, we give thanks by faith; and as we do, we will find that joy begins to fill our heart and peace floods through our soul.
3. Thanksgiving Is a Sacrifice and an Offering.
a. In the Old Testament a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” was an offering of something tangible—animals, unleavened bread, payment of vows, etc.—and a vocal sacrifice of praise (Lev. 7:11-12; Ps. 50:14; 107:22; 116:17).
b. Jonah 2:9 KJV — But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.
c. The New Testament speaks of a continual sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15).
d. Sometimes thanksgiving is easy and sometimes it’s costly.
e. You may not feel it—but you offer it.
f. When it costs you something, Heaven calls it a sacrifice.
4. Thanksgiving In Every Situation.
a. Give thanks when you ask, while you wait, and when you receive.
b. Give thanks when it’s easy; give thanks when it’s not.
c. Do not fear or worry; make your requests known to the Father, through Jesus Christ; giving thanks with a grateful heart of faith and expectation (1 Thess. 5:18; Phil. 4:6; Col. 1:12; 2:7).
d. Jesus Himself gave thanks when He faced situations that looked impossible.
e. John 6:11 KJV — And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples…
f. John 11:41 KJV — Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
g. Before the bread multiplied, Jesus gave thanks.
h. Before Lazarus walked out, Jesus gave thanks.
i. Thanksgiving is what you do before the miracle manifests—it is an act of faith.
5. Thanksgiving Turns Grace into a River.
a. 2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV — Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
b. 2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV — Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ…
c. 2 Corinthians 4:15 KJV — For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
d. Giving and thanksgiving are connected.
e. We give thanks to God for His bountiful blessings with which He has blessed us.
f. And when we give bountifully to others, they offer abundant thanksgivings and praise to God, as well (2 Cor. 9:11-12).
g. When God’s grace flows, thanksgiving multiplies.
h. When thanksgiving flows, more grace is released.
6. The Danger of an Unthankful Heart.
a. Romans 1:21 KJV — Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
b. Ungratefulness is a sign of a darkened heart and the last days.
c. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 KJV — This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves… unthankful, unholy…
d. You rob yourself of God’s many blessings and protections when you have an ungrateful attitude.
e. There were ten lepers who asked for and received healing from Jesus, but only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:15-18).
f. Jesus asked why only one (a Samaritan) came back to thank Him.
g. Ten were healed, but only one was thankful; and therefore, was made whole.
h. Thankfulness is a sign of humility and revelation of God’s graciousness.
7. Thanksgiving Is the Language of Heaven.
a. Throughout eternity, the angels, elders, and heavenly beings give thanks and praise to God continually before His throne in Heaven (Rev. 4:9; 7:11–12; 16–17).
b. Heaven is full of thanksgiving.
c. If you want to live “on earth as it is in Heaven,” then fill your mouth with blessing, and glory and thanksgiving to the Most High.
d. Give thanks to God, with heart and voice, for Who He is, for what He has done, for what He is doing, and for what He will do.