Our pastor delivered a beautiful Thanksgiving message this past Sunday that has stayed with me all week. There were a couple specific parts that went to my heart; I’ll share one.

Though I understand I cannot earn God’s favor, I still try to. I don’t realize I’m doing it, but more often than not, there is a sense of duty that overrides a precious relationship with Him. Our pastor reminded us that we should come to Him out of love for Him and not from a place of duty.

All week I have remembered gratitude and worship for my God, not out of responsibility, but from my heart. God has so tenderly met with me this week.

If I had to say what I am most thankful for this year (and always), it would undoubtedly be the unfailing love and mercy He has for us.

Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the LORD, 
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God, 
For He will abundantly pardon.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, 
Nor are your ways My ways,"
says the LORD.
"For as the heavens are higher 
than the earth,
So are My ways higher than
your ways,
And My thoughts than your
thoughts..."
Isaiah 55:6-9