Count Your Blessings: Living Out Faith to Bless a Nation

Thankfulness is not just a seasonal feeling, but a daily posture of the heart rooted in what Christ has done for us. No matter what we face, the work of Jesus gives us an unshakable reason to celebrate and praise. When we remember how God has rescued us—just as He delivered Israel from Egypt—we are moved to gratitude and worship. Our lives become testimonies of His goodness, and our thankfulness should overflow into every area, not just in church, but in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

History teaches us that gratitude in the face of hardship is a mark of God’s people. The first Thanksgiving came after great loss, yet the pilgrims gave thanks because they recognized God’s provision and purpose. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln called for a day of thanksgiving during the Civil War, urging a divided nation to turn to God despite suffering. These examples remind us that blessing is not about circumstances, but about recognizing God’s hand and aligning ourselves with His purposes.

Scripture makes it clear: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” True blessing—whether personal or national—flows from honoring God, living by His Word, and seeking His righteousness. Our influence as believers is not limited to private faith; it is meant to shape our families, our communities, and even our nation. God works through people who are willing to stand for truth, model integrity, and pursue holiness. The story of the young woman whose faith impacted hundreds, even in her suffering, shows how one life lived for God can ripple out to transform many.

We are called to be people of public faith, letting righteousness and truth guide us in every sphere. This means raising godly families, serving our communities, and loving others with both compassion and truth. It also means recognizing that our strength does not come from our own might, but from God’s blessing. As we seek Him in times of trouble, we set an example for the next generation, preparing them not just to hold certain values, but to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

The challenge is clear: Will we live our faith openly, invest in the next generation, and stand for God’s standard in our world? If we do, we become instruments of blessing, helping our nation and our communities to thrive under God’s hand.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Thankfulness is a daily posture, not seasonal Gratitude should not be reserved for holidays or special occasions. True thankfulness flows from a heart that remembers what Christ has done and recognizes God’s ongoing provision, even in hardship. This daily posture shapes our worship, our relationships, and our outlook on life. [05:29]
• 2. God’s blessing follows alignment with His ways Nations and individuals are blessed when they honor God and live according to His Word. Blessing is not secured by strength, wealth, or effort, but by aligning ourselves with God’s authority and purposes. When we seek righteousness and truth, we open the door for God’s favor to flow. [34:36]
• 3. Public faith transforms families and communities Faith is not meant to be private or hidden. When we live out our beliefs in our homes, workplaces, and communities, we influence others and help shape the culture around us. God uses ordinary people who are willing to stand for truth and model integrity to bring about lasting change. [43:08]
• 4. Love and truth must go hand in hand True love is not passive or indifferent; it is willing to speak and act in truth, even when it is difficult. Loving others means caring enough to share what is right and to intervene when needed, just as we would rescue a neighbor from danger. This kind of love reflects the heart of Christ and brings transformation. [47:24]
• 5. Preparing the next generation is a sacred calling Raising children to follow Jesus is more than passing on values—it is about shaping hearts and lives for God’s purposes. Investing in the next generation ensures that faith continues to impact our nation and world. Our example and involvement are crucial for revival and lasting change. [52:16]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:09] - Reasons to Celebrate and Praise
• [05:29] - The Power of Thankfulness
• [10:30] - God’s Rescue: The Egypt Principle
• [16:49] - Thanksgiving in Worship
• [22:06] - The Generosity of God
• [23:26] - Giving and God’s Abundance
• [27:10] - Fellowship and Church Family
• [27:21] - Count Your Blessings Series Finale
• [29:51] - The History and Purpose of Thanksgiving
• [32:13] - Psalm 33: Blessed is the Nation
• [34:36] - Aligning with God’s Authority
• [37:09] - Holiness and Public Faith
• [41:51] - The Importance of Godly Homes
• [43:08] - Living Faith Beyond Four Walls
• [47:24] - Love, Truth, and National Blessing
• [49:18] - Seeking God in Troubled Times
• [52:16] - Preparing the Next Generation
• [54:21] - The Call to Public Faith and Action
• [54:48] - Living with Purpose and Urgency
• [60:10] - Closing and Prayer Requests

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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Bible Reading

Psalm 33:12-19 (ESV)
> 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
> the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
> 13 The Lord looks down from heaven;
> he sees all the children of man;
> 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out
> on all the inhabitants of the earth,
> 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all
> and observes all their deeds.
> 16 The king is not saved by his great army;
> a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.
> 17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation,
> and by its great might it cannot rescue.
> 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
> on those who hope in his steadfast love,
> 19 that he may deliver their soul from death
> and keep them alive in famine.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
> 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
> and do not lean on your own understanding.
> 6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
> and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 14:34 (ESV)
> Righteousness exalts a nation,
> but sin is a reproach to any people.

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Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 33, what does it say about the source of a nation’s blessing and security? ([32:13])
2. In the sermon, what historical examples were given to show thankfulness in the face of hardship? ([29:51])
3. What does Proverbs 3:5-6 say is required for God to direct our paths?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between private and public faith? ([43:08])

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Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the psalmist emphasize that no king or warrior is saved by their own strength? What does this reveal about where we should place our trust? ([33:28])
2. The sermon mentions that “righteousness exalts a nation.” What does it mean for a nation or a family to be in “right standing” with God? ([40:48])
3. The pastor shared a story about a young woman whose faith impacted hundreds, even in her suffering. What does this story teach about the influence of a life lived for God? ([39:13])
4. The sermon says that true love is willing to speak and act in truth, even when it’s difficult. How does this challenge common ideas about love? ([47:24])

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Application Questions

1. The sermon says thankfulness should be a daily posture, not just for holidays. What is one practical way you can express gratitude to God this week, even if you’re facing challenges? ([05:29])
2. Think about your home, workplace, or community. Where do you see opportunities to live out your faith publicly, not just privately? What is one step you could take to make your faith more visible? ([43:08])
3. The pastor talked about aligning with God’s authority and not relying on our own strength. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been trusting in your own ability instead of God? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him? ([34:36])
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of raising the next generation to follow Jesus, not just to have good values. If you have influence over children or young people, what is one intentional thing you can do this week to point them to Jesus? ([52:16])
5. The message challenged us to combine love and truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Can you think of a relationship where you need to speak truth in love? What might that look like in practice? ([47:24])
6. The pastor mentioned that God uses ordinary people who are willing to stand for truth and model integrity. Where do you feel God might be calling you to stand for truth or show integrity, even if it’s hard? ([37:09])
7. The sermon gave examples of national days of thanksgiving and prayer during hard times. How can you personally or as a group seek God for your community or nation in a time of trouble? ([49:18])