Embracing Gratitude: Strengthening Relationships This Thanksgiving
Summary
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to express gratitude for the relationships and opportunities God has given us. As we approach this season, it's important to remember that Thanksgiving is not just about the meal or the holiday itself, but about acknowledging God's providence and expressing our thankfulness for His many blessings. This time of year offers a unique opportunity to repair and strengthen relationships, to cherish our loved ones, and to be truly thankful for the life and community we have.
Reflecting on the story of two boys chased by a bull, we are reminded that in moments of fear and uncertainty, our instinct should be to turn to God in prayer and gratitude. Thanksgiving is a time to pause and recognize the ways God has been our shelter in the storm, our comfort in weariness, and our strength in times of trial. It is a time to enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging that we are not who we used to be because of His transformative love.
The church, much like the old tabernacle, may not appear extraordinary from the outside, but within, it is a place of beauty and divine presence. Being part of a Spirit-filled community is a profound blessing, and we should be thankful for the unity and shared beliefs that bind us together. This unity is a testament to the power of God's Spirit working among us, and it is something to be deeply grateful for.
As we gather with family and friends, let us prioritize relationships over material possessions. The greatest gift we can give and receive is love, and Thanksgiving is a perfect time to express that love and mend any broken relationships. The proclamation by George Washington reminds us that Thanksgiving is a day set aside for public gratitude and prayer, a tradition that calls us back to the heart of the season.
Finally, let us be thankful for the freedom to worship and for the legacy of those who sought a place to honor God without restraint. As we celebrate, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the past, present, and future blessings, and may we hold fast to the truth that whatever we place in God's hands, we still possess.
Key Takeaways:
1. Gratitude in Adversity: In moments of fear and uncertainty, like the boys chased by a bull, our instinct should be to turn to God in prayer and gratitude. Thanksgiving is a time to recognize God's presence as our shelter and strength. [28:52]
2. The Beauty Within the Church: The church, like the old tabernacle, may not seem extraordinary from the outside, but within, it is a place of divine beauty and presence. Being part of a Spirit-filled community is a profound blessing, and we should be thankful for the unity and shared beliefs that bind us together. [37:33]
3. Prioritizing Relationships: Thanksgiving is a time to prioritize relationships over material possessions. The greatest gift we can give and receive is love, and this season is perfect for expressing that love and mending broken relationships. [40:27]
4. The Legacy of Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is a day set aside for public gratitude and prayer, reminding us of the freedom to worship and the legacy of those who sought a place to honor God without restraint. This tradition calls us back to the heart of the season. [46:54]
5. Placing Our Lives in God's Hands: Corrie Ten Boom's words remind us that whatever we place in God's hands, we still possess. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful that our lives are in His hands, filled with love, joy, and laughter. [53:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Humor
[02:30] - Garrett's Place and Volunteering
[05:15] - Thanksgiving and Prayer
[08:00] - Worship and Praise
[10:45] - The Importance of Being Thankful
[13:30] - Story of the Boys and the Bull
[16:00] - Entering with Thanksgiving
[18:45] - The Church's Inner Beauty
[21:30] - Unity in Belief
[24:15] - Social Media and Thankfulness
[27:00] - Cherishing Relationships
[30:00] - Thanksgiving's True Purpose
[33:45] - Family and Legacy
[37:00] - Closing Thoughts and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 100:4 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
2. Psalm 107:1 - "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the story of the two boys and the bull illustrate about our instinctive response in times of fear and uncertainty? [28:52]
2. How does the pastor describe the church's inner beauty compared to its outward appearance? [37:33]
3. According to the sermon, what are the top three things people are thankful for on social media during November? [41:00]
4. What historical event does the pastor reference to highlight the significance of Thanksgiving as a day of gratitude and prayer? [46:54]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the pastor's story about the boys and the bull relate to the idea of gratitude in adversity? What does this suggest about the role of prayer in difficult times? [28:52]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the church is like the old tabernacle, and what does this imply about the value of being part of a Spirit-filled community? [37:33]
3. How does the pastor emphasize the importance of relationships over material possessions during Thanksgiving? What does this reveal about the true purpose of the holiday? [40:27]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that whatever we place in God's hands, we still possess? How does this relate to the concept of trust and faith in God? [53:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent moment of fear or uncertainty in your life. How did you respond, and how might you incorporate prayer and gratitude into similar situations in the future? [28:52]
2. Consider your current view of the church. How can you contribute to the inner beauty and unity of your church community, even if it may not seem extraordinary from the outside? [37:33]
3. Identify a relationship in your life that needs mending. What steps can you take this Thanksgiving to express love and repair that relationship? [40:27]
4. How can you prioritize relationships over material possessions this holiday season? What specific actions can you take to show your loved ones that they are more important than any gift? [41:00]
5. Think about the freedoms you enjoy in your worship and daily life. How can you express gratitude for these freedoms, and what can you do to honor the legacy of those who sought a place to worship God freely? [46:54]
6. Reflect on Corrie Ten Boom's statement about placing things in God's hands. What is one area of your life that you need to entrust to God, and how will you do that this week? [53:17]
7. Thanksgiving is a time for reconciliation. Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from? How will you take steps toward reconciliation this Thanksgiving? [56:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Gratitude in the Storm
In moments of fear and uncertainty, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, these are the times when turning to God in prayer and gratitude can transform our perspective. The story of the two boys chased by a bull serves as a reminder that God is our refuge and strength, even in the most daunting situations. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to pause and recognize the ways God has been our shelter in the storm, our comfort in weariness, and our strength in times of trial. By acknowledging His presence and expressing gratitude, we can find peace and assurance that we are not alone. [28:52]
Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt afraid or uncertain. How can you turn to God in gratitude and prayer to find peace and strength in that situation today?
Day 2: The Hidden Beauty of the Church
The church, much like the old tabernacle, may not appear extraordinary from the outside, but within, it is a place of divine beauty and presence. Being part of a Spirit-filled community is a profound blessing, and it is important to recognize and be thankful for the unity and shared beliefs that bind us together. This unity is a testament to the power of God's Spirit working among us, and it is something to be deeply grateful for. As we gather in worship and fellowship, let us appreciate the beauty within our church community and the ways it enriches our spiritual journey. [37:33]
1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV): "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on the unique qualities of your church community that you are grateful for. How can you contribute to the unity and beauty of your church this week?
Day 3: Love Over Possessions
Thanksgiving is a time to prioritize relationships over material possessions. The greatest gift we can give and receive is love, and this season is perfect for expressing that love and mending broken relationships. As we gather with family and friends, let us focus on cherishing our loved ones and nurturing the bonds that connect us. Material possessions may fade, but the love we share with others is enduring and transformative. Let us use this time to express gratitude for the people in our lives and to seek reconciliation where needed. [40:27]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Identify one relationship in your life that needs mending. What steps can you take today to express love and begin the process of reconciliation?
Day 4: The Heart of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a day set aside for public gratitude and prayer, reminding us of the freedom to worship and the legacy of those who sought a place to honor God without restraint. This tradition calls us back to the heart of the season, which is about acknowledging God's providence and expressing our thankfulness for His many blessings. As we celebrate, let us be mindful of the freedom we have to worship and the legacy of faith that has been passed down to us. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the past, present, and future blessings. [46:54]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Consider the legacy of faith in your life. How can you honor this legacy and express gratitude for the freedom to worship today?
Day 5: Trusting God with Our Lives
Corrie Ten Boom's words remind us that whatever we place in God's hands, we still possess. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful that our lives are in His hands, filled with love, joy, and laughter. By entrusting our lives to God, we can experience the fullness of His love and the joy that comes from living in His presence. As we reflect on the blessings in our lives, let us also consider the areas where we need to trust God more fully. May we find peace in knowing that He holds our lives in His loving hands. [53:17]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully? How can you begin to place this area in His hands today?
Quotes
"Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the season. But don't let the season get you away from being thankful." [00:13:07] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Make us truly thankful Today as Thanksgiving approaches Whether we have escaped the things that have charged us in 2024 or not Let us feel truly thankful Thankful Thankful because we serve a God who loves us." [00:31:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Psalms 104 says, Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise Be thankful unto Him and bless His name Could we just lift our hands for a moment right now and just be thankful With thanksgiving, could we enter into this sermon or this service today And be thankful unto Him and bless His holy name." [00:32:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You see things differently inside the church, don't you? That old tabernacle, that old tent, that dwelling place of the Lord in the Old Testament for His people If you walk by it, you've seen the outward covering of badger skin And it didn't look like much It was just an old brown, brown badger skin But if you went on the inside It was tapestried of gold and royal purple and gold and blue and red And you saw the majesty of the Lord Jesus Himself." [00:33:46] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Corrie Ten Boom said this. She said, I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God's hands, this I still possess." [00:53:17] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"There's a legend of a man who found the barn where Satan supposedly kept the seeds that he had ready to be sown into the human heart. And on finding these seeds, the man learned that the seeds of discouragement were more numerous than any other seeds." [00:54:23] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And Satan paused for a moment and replied sadly, the only place that I can plant a seed of discouragement would be in a heart that is thankful." [00:55:03] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Repair the relationship. Repair those relationships. Make things right. But at that Thanksgiving table, at that Thanksgiving event, love what God would love." [00:56:30] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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