Embracing a Life of Thankfulness and Generosity
Summary
Pastor Dave opens the sermon by sharing his recent feelings of being down, attributing it to the weather and life's busyness. He expresses a desire for the congregation to cultivate true thankfulness, not just as a seasonal gesture but as a way of life. He challenges the church to a 21-day journey of thankfulness leading up to Thanksgiving and Advent, emphasizing the role of daily scripture and prayer. In a personal reflection, he admits that the sermon may be more for himself, as preaching helps him discern what is real and good in his own life.
The sermon then delves into the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with seven loaves of bread, highlighting the power of thankfulness in the face of scarcity. Pastor Dave encourages the congregation to trust in God's provision and to approach Him with gratitude, which can multiply what little we have. He shares that thankfulness leads to contentment and diminishes worries and anxieties.
Pastor Dave also discusses the importance of remembering God's covenant and promises for the future. He introduces the concept of thanking God for things that haven't happened yet, explaining that faith is the certainty of things unseen. By thanking God in advance, we can live without worry about what we lack, as faith allows us to be thankful for the unseen future.
The sermon continues with an emphasis on thankfulness as the key to a full life. Pastor Dave warns against a cultural tendency to overlook Thanksgiving in the rush towards Christmas and the desire for more material possessions. He stresses that genuine thankfulness is necessary to experience the fullness of life that God offers.
Pastor Mike also contributes to the sermon, sharing a thought he received during worship about the importance of giving thanks rather than just taking thanks. He expresses enthusiasm for the church's tradition of The Giving Tree, which collects coats and toys for those in need, highlighting the importance of active participation in giving.
Key Takeaways:
- True thankfulness is not a seasonal or circumstantial response but a foundational attitude that shapes our daily lives. Pastor Dave's challenge to the congregation to embark on a 21-day journey of thankfulness is a call to integrate gratitude into the very fabric of our being, transforming how we perceive and interact with the world around us. This practice is not just about acknowledging what we have but also recognizing God's presence in every aspect of our lives, leading to a deeper sense of contentment and purpose. [22:04]
- The biblical account of Jesus feeding the multitude illustrates the principle that gratitude has the power to multiply our resources. When we give thanks for what we have, no matter how little, we open ourselves to God's miraculous provision. This act of faith can lead to an abundance that exceeds our expectations, reminding us that God's economy operates on principles that transcend our understanding of scarcity and sufficiency. [01:04:21]
- Faith enables us to thank God for the blessings of the future, even before they materialize. This forward-looking gratitude is rooted in the promises of God and the assurance that He is faithful to fulfill His covenant. By thanking God in advance, we align ourselves with His purposes and live with an expectancy that banishes worry and nurtures hope. [44:08]
- Genuine thankfulness is essential for entering into the fullness of life that God intends for us. It is not merely a polite gesture or a cultural expectation but a heartfelt response to God's goodness. When we cultivate a spirit of gratitude, we open the door to a richer, more meaningful experience of God's presence and blessings in our lives. [27:32]
- Active participation in giving, as exemplified by The Giving Tree initiative, is a practical expression of thankfulness. When we move beyond passive gratitude to active generosity, we embody the love and compassion of Christ. This not only blesses those in need but also enriches our own lives, as we experience the joy of being conduits of God's grace and provision. [13:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
2. Psalm 100:4 (ESV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!"
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus promise in John 10:10 about the kind of life He offers? How does this relate to Pastor Dave's message about a full life? [25:05]
2. According to Psalm 100:4, what is the key to entering God's presence? How did Pastor Dave interpret this verse in his sermon? [26:52]
3. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what are the three commands given to believers? How do these commands align with the 21-day thankfulness challenge Pastor Dave proposed? [38:52]
4. How did Pastor Dave describe the cultural tendency to overlook Thanksgiving in favor of Christmas? What impact does this have on our ability to cultivate genuine thankfulness? [28:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of an abundant life in John 10:10 challenge our understanding of what it means to live fully? How did Pastor Dave explain this concept in his sermon? [25:05]
2. Why might entering God's presence with thanksgiving, as described in Psalm 100:4, be considered both an invitation and a prescription for a full life? [26:52]
3. How can the practice of giving thanks in all circumstances, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, transform our perspective on life's challenges? [38:52]
4. Pastor Dave mentioned the importance of thanking God for future blessings. How does this practice of forward-looking gratitude reflect faith in God's promises? [44:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Pastor Dave shared his personal struggle with feeling down due to the weather and life's busyness. How do you typically respond to similar feelings? What steps can you take to cultivate thankfulness during such times? [22:41]
2. Reflect on the 21-day thankfulness challenge proposed by Pastor Dave. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to foster a spirit of gratitude? [24:30]
3. Pastor Dave emphasized the power of thankfulness in the face of scarcity, as illustrated by Jesus feeding the multitude. Can you recall a time when gratitude helped you see God's provision in a difficult situation? [25:05]
4. How can you actively remember and thank God for His past faithfulness in your life? Share a specific instance where recalling God's past deeds strengthened your faith. [40:37]
5. Pastor Dave discussed the importance of thanking God for future blessings. What are some future concerns or desires you can start thanking God for today? How might this practice change your outlook? [44:08]
6. Consider the cultural tendency to rush through Thanksgiving in favor of Christmas. How can you intentionally slow down and focus on cultivating genuine thankfulness during this season? [28:53]
7. Pastor Mike highlighted the importance of giving thanks rather than just taking thanks. How can you actively participate in giving during this season, perhaps through initiatives like The Giving Tree? [15:26]
This guide aims to foster a deeper understanding and practical application of the sermon’s key messages on thankfulness, faith, and living a full life in Christ.
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude as Life's Foundation
True thankfulness is a transformative force, shaping one's daily perspective and interactions. It is not contingent on circumstances but is a constant, underlying attitude that acknowledges the presence and goodness of God in every situation. This foundational gratitude fosters a deep sense of contentment and purpose, altering one's approach to life's challenges and blessings. [22:04]
Colossians 3:15-17 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a habit of thankfulness in your daily routine, starting today?
Day 2: Multiplication Through Gratitude
Gratitude has the power to transform scarcity into abundance. When one gives thanks for the present, no matter how meager it may seem, it opens the door to God's miraculous provision. This principle of multiplication through gratitude is a testament to the fact that God's economy defies our limited understanding of what is possible. [01:04:21]
2 Kings 4:42-44 - "A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. 'Give it to the people to eat,' Elisha said. 'How can I set this before a hundred men?' his servant asked. But Elisha answered, 'Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the Lord says: They will eat and have some left over.'"
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can start practicing gratitude for the seemingly small things?
Day 3: Faith-Filled Anticipatory Thanks
Thanking God for future blessings is an act of faith that affirms His promises and faithfulness. This anticipatory gratitude allows one to live with expectancy and hope, free from worry about current lack or future needs. It is a powerful way to align oneself with God's purposes and to live in the certainty of His provision. [44:08]
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection: Can you identify a promise of God that you are waiting to see fulfilled? How can you express thankfulness for it today?
Day 4: Thankfulness for Life's Fullness
Genuine thankfulness is key to experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. It is a heartfelt response to God's goodness that goes beyond polite gestures or cultural expectations. Cultivating a spirit of gratitude opens one to a richer, more meaningful experience of God's presence and blessings. [27:32]
Psalm 107:8-9 - "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
Reflection: How does practicing gratitude change your perception of God's presence in your life?
Day 5: Generosity as Gratitude in Action
Active participation in giving is a tangible expression of thankfulness. Moving from passive gratitude to active generosity allows one to embody Christ's love and compassion. Engaging in acts of giving not only meets the needs of others but also brings joy and fulfillment as one becomes a conduit of God's grace. [13:46]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
Reflection: What is one way you can actively give to someone in need this week as an expression of your gratitude to God?
Quotes
1) "The key to a full life is a thankful life." [27:32]
2) "Thankfulness is the way to enter into the fullness of life that God has for us." [28:12]
3) "Did you know that you can actually thank God for things that haven't happened yet?" [44:08]
4) "When you have faith then you can be thankful. You can't be worried about what you don't have and be thankful for what you do at the same time." [45:21]
5) "Thankfulness isn't just a response, it's a decision. Our feelings can come from the decisions that we make." [34:17]
6) "Thank God for what has happened... thank God for the things that he has done... thank you God you've done it before thank you I'm not going to forget." [40:02]
7) "Jesus says hey we always we start give me what you got give it to me say thank you for it give me something to work with and when we even even out of our little like I don't care what it is time relationship hardship money when when we go all right God I'm going to choose to say Jesus didn't you know he didn't get those seven Loaves and look up a guy and go seriously you know he he gets the seven Loaves and go yes now this I can work" #!!01:06:07!!#
8) "I'm saying thank you in advance for not just what has happened but what will happen." #!!52:53!!#
9) "We can say thank you to God for what hasn't happened." #!!53:26!!#
10) "Thank you it comes first, it is the key, it's the gate into fullness." #!!30:42!!#
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