In everything give thanks Sermon 2: The blessing of gratitude

1st Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. What: Give thanks When: In all circumstances Why: This is God’s will for us!

Why is it so hard to give thanks in everything? We are unobservant We are selfish We don’t see the need to give thanks for things we don’t like/want

Three week challenge…. Spend at least 10 minutes per day giving thanks Prepare to publicly give thanks for one thing on Sunday the 18th

Luke 17:12-19 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back,

Luke 17:12-19 praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."*

The ‘R’s of giving thanks

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks)

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) The blessing

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) The blessing The source of that blessing

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) The blessing The source of that blessing My unworthiness to receive that blessing

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks)

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks) With an urgency/priority

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks) With an urgency/priority With humility

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks) With an urgency/priority With humility With thanksgiving

Psalm 66:1-4 Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name." Selah

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks) Results (after we give thanks)

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks) Results (after we give thanks) I’m focused on “what’s right” vs. “what’s wrong”

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks) Results (after we give thanks) I’m focused on “what’s right” vs. “what’s wrong” I’m better able to see God

The ‘R’s of giving thanks Recognize (before we give thanks) Respond (as we give thanks) Results (after we give thanks) I’m focused on “what’s right” vs. “what’s wrong” I’m better able to see God I’m better equipped to pray

Three week challenge…. Spend at least 10 minutes per day giving thanks Prepare to publicly give thanks for one thing on Sunday the 18th