One of the best ways we can cultivate our thankful hearts is to know our Creator. Knowing God though reading His word, praying, and experiencing him each day helps to deepen our thankfulness. It brings to life the miracles all around us and gives us a bigger understanding of God’s glory and just how amazing it truly is.

Suppose you received a gift from someone you didn’t know. You might be thankful for the thought and the gift that was sent, but there is something special about knowing the sender. You can see a bigger picture of the gift before you when you know who sent it. The person behind the gift tells a lot about the gift itself. You see, knowing the sender fills in all kinds of details you would not have otherwise.

Receiving a gift from a trusted friend is usually a joy. You know them and trust that something good is before you. There is excitement and anticipation that grows as you unwrap the gift with a smile. Not all gifts are this way though. Suppose a gift showed up from someone you did not trust. You might be more hesitant to receive it. You might not be excited, and instead approach the gift with great skepticism. Knowing who the sender is helps us to discern the gift.

Now, take these ideas on gifts and senders and apply them to Salvation. Do you trust the One who sent Jesus to the cross as our propitiation gift? Do you know the sender? How can you trust a gift if you do not the sender? Maybe in order to trust and accept the gift of salvation you need first to get to know the sender. Find out for yourself if God is trustworthy and then evaluate the gift which He sent.

God, we thank you that we are able to know you! Thank you for the gift of Salvation which you gave to us all. We pray for those who do not know you yet; that they would take the time to discover who you are. Help us to all get to know you better so that we can know for sure that you are trustworthy and that your gifts are good! In Jesus name, amen.

“I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me” John 10:14