Col 3:15 “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts and Be Ye Thankful.”

Gratefulness Thanks/Thankfulness times in NT... 60% of prayers & 80% of Psalms –Jesus Lk 10:21 “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Sprit, and said, I thank thee –Col 4:2 “Continue steadfastly in prayer watching therein with thanksgiving.”

Ps 103:2-5 “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul and forget not all His benefits:...who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth they mouth with good things; so that thy youth (vigor) is renewed like the eagles.”

Ps 16:1 “Preserve me oh God, for in Thee do I put my trust.” –Gratefulness sweetens & softens our spirit –Praise is energy (builds up) others! A Smile (merry spirit) = Health! Pro. 17:22

Gratefulness is Essential II Tim 3:2 “Last days..perilous times..men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” It is a Command and Essential part of Worship! Ps 100:1-5

Essential but rare... Rm 1:21 “Knowing God, yet they glorified Him not as God, neither did they give thanks!” II Cor 12:15 If I love you more abundantly am I loved the less?”

What is the Key to Thankfulness? Lk 7: Simon the Pharisee –Vs 47 “Her sins which are many are forgiven, for she loved much, but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.”

What is the Basis of Gratefulness Acknowledging the fact that everything that we have is of God! –“What hast thou that thou did not receive? I Cor 4:7 –“Poor in Spirit” attitude

HOW TO BE GRATEFUL List the daily ways that God benefits you. –Be alert! Count your blessings. Recall God’s help during crisis –Ps 46:1 “Ever present help.trouble.”

How to be Grateful... Turn your gratefulness into prose, poetry, song, as an offering. –Remember the last time God helped you and write out your appreciation. –Ps 28:7 “I was helped, I rejoice with my song and praise Him.”

HOW TO BE GRATEFUL Learn/praise the names of God. –Ps 29:2 “Give unto the Lord the glory due His name.”. Give Thanks for life’s hardships –I Thess 5:18 “in everything.” –Job 1:21 “Lord giveth..taketh away.” Thank God when you are not emotionally up

HOW TO BE GRATEFUL Tell others how God has benefited you. –Ps 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…” –Acts 8: 39 Jesus tells Legion to go and “Declare what great things God has done for you.” –This Thanksgiving, express to others what you are most thankful for.

Express Gratefulness by Redirecting Praise Thank the one who praises you. Graciously accept the “gift”

How to Express Thankfulness.. Be thorough, lest you hurt feelings. Be punctual, the more you delay the less the thanks means. Be sincere-and creative if possible Be loving with pure motives.

To whom should we be Grateful? Our parents & family. Eph 6:2-3 Our spiritual leaders / overseers –Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor (I Tim 5:17)! Our country and civil authorities –Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King. (I Peter 2:17) –Land of the free that provides us with so many blessings.

Ps 103:2-5 “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” May we all learn to count our blessings and be grateful…not just on Thanksgiving Not just for physical things, but for spiritual. Let’s express it so all who deserve it receive it, so it gives glory to God and energy to those we touch.

The Lord’s Supper II Peter 1::9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. II Cor 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His “unspeakable gift.” Rm 5:12

Invitation Key: Attitude of thanksliving, everyday and not thanksgiving once a year! Key is to remember that we are nothing without God. Have you come to Him?