Embracing Gratitude: Transformative Blessings in God's Presence
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound blessings we have in our lives and the importance of gratitude, especially as we approach the Thanksgiving season. We began by acknowledging the presence of God and the transformative power it holds. It's in His presence that our perspectives shift, and we realize the depth of our blessings. We are reminded that our faith is not about checking off religious boxes but about a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, who came to earth, lived among us, died, and rose again to offer us salvation and a restored relationship with the Father.
We explored Psalm 100, which calls us to shout with joy, worship with gladness, and enter His gates with thanksgiving. This passage serves as a guide for how we should live our lives, filled with gratitude and joy, acknowledging that we are His people. We are encouraged to be thankful for the seemingly mundane aspects of life, like chores and taxes, as they signify the blessings of a home, employment, and community.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of being surrounded by a supportive church family. Our church is not perfect, but it is a place where love, generosity, and support abound. We are encouraged to express gratitude to those who have pointed us to Jesus and supported us in our spiritual journey.
We also touched on the idea of trusting God with our stories, even when life is challenging. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This trust allows us to be thankful in every season, knowing that God is developing us for His purposes.
Finally, we extended an invitation to those who have not yet entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift, and by accepting it, we embrace a life of gratitude and purpose. As we move forward, let's carry this spirit of thanksgiving, acknowledging all that God has done for us and sharing His love with others.
Key Takeaways:
1. Presence of God Transforms Us: Being in God's presence changes everything. It's not about fulfilling religious duties but about experiencing a genuine relationship with Jesus, who offers us salvation and a restored relationship with the Father. This transformation leads to a life of gratitude and joy. [33:03]
2. Gratitude in Everyday Life: We are encouraged to find gratitude in everyday aspects of life, such as chores and taxes, as they signify blessings like a home and employment. This perspective shift helps us appreciate the abundance in our lives, even in mundane tasks. [42:44]
3. Supportive Church Community: Our church family plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey. It's a place of love, support, and encouragement. We are reminded to express gratitude to those who have guided us and to be a source of support for others. [44:31]
4. Trusting God with Our Stories: Trusting God with our lives, even in challenging times, allows us to be thankful in every season. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things for good for those who love Him, and this trust leads to spiritual growth and purpose. [49:12]
5. Invitation to Salvation: Salvation is a gift offered to all. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, we embrace a life of gratitude and purpose. This decision marks the beginning of a transformative journey, filled with the blessings of God's grace and mercy. [01:04:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [33:03] - Opening Prayer and Presence of God
- [33:46] - Gratitude for Jesus
- [35:10] - Blessed Church Community
- [36:36] - Joyful Living
- [37:17] - The Need for a Savior
- [38:44] - God's Pursuit of Us
- [39:51] - Psalm 100: A Guide for Thanksgiving
- [41:45] - Perspective on Blessings
- [42:44] - Everyday Gratitude
- [44:08] - Thankfulness for Church Family
- [44:31] - Expressing Gratitude
- [49:12] - Trusting God with Our Stories
- [52:12] - God's Purpose for Our Lives
- [54:38] - Living Sacrifices
- [01:04:56] - Invitation to Salvation
- [01:09:32] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 100
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Psalm 100 encourage us to do as we enter God's presence? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on gratitude? [39:51]
2. In the sermon, how is the presence of God described as transformative? What specific changes are mentioned? [33:03]
3. What examples from everyday life were given in the sermon to illustrate gratitude for mundane tasks? [42:44]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church community in our spiritual journey? [44:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of entering God's presence with thanksgiving, as described in Psalm 100, influence one's daily life and attitude? [39:51]
2. The sermon mentions trusting God with our stories, even in challenging times. How does Romans 8:28 support this idea, and what does it mean for personal growth? [49:12]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between gratitude and recognizing the blessings in our lives, even in difficult circumstances? [42:44]
4. How does the invitation to salvation in the sermon reflect the transformative journey of embracing a life of gratitude and purpose? [01:04:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenging situation in your life. How can you apply the message of Romans 8:28 to find gratitude in that experience? [49:12]
2. Identify one mundane task you often complain about. How can you shift your perspective to see it as a blessing, as suggested in the sermon? [42:44]
3. Think about someone in your church community who has supported you in your spiritual journey. How can you express your gratitude to them this week? [44:31]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus over religious duties. How can you deepen your relationship with Him this week? [33:03]
5. Consider a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to enter His presence with thanksgiving and joy, as encouraged by Psalm 100? [39:51]
6. How can you be a source of support and encouragement to someone in your church community who might be struggling? [44:31]
7. If you have not yet embraced a relationship with Jesus, what questions or concerns do you have about taking that step? How can you seek answers or guidance? [01:04:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Experiencing Transformation in God's Presence
In the presence of God, everything changes. It's not about fulfilling religious duties but about experiencing a genuine relationship with Jesus, who offers us salvation and a restored relationship with the Father. This transformation leads to a life of gratitude and joy. When we truly encounter God, our perspectives shift, and we begin to see the depth of our blessings. This relationship is not about checking off religious boxes but about a profound connection with Jesus Christ, who lived among us, died, and rose again to offer us salvation. [33:03]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to experience God's transformative presence today?
Day 2: Finding Gratitude in the Mundane
We are encouraged to find gratitude in everyday aspects of life, such as chores and taxes, as they signify blessings like a home and employment. This perspective shift helps us appreciate the abundance in our lives, even in mundane tasks. By recognizing the blessings in the ordinary, we cultivate a heart of gratitude that permeates every aspect of our lives. This gratitude is not just for the extraordinary moments but for the daily provisions and opportunities that God provides. [42:44]
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one mundane task you can approach with gratitude today, recognizing it as a blessing from God?
Day 3: Embracing Community in the Church
Our church family plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey. It's a place of love, support, and encouragement. We are reminded to express gratitude to those who have guided us and to be a source of support for others. While no church is perfect, the community it provides is invaluable for spiritual growth and encouragement. Being part of a church family means being surrounded by people who point us to Jesus and support us in our spiritual journey. [44:31]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to today to express gratitude or offer support?
Day 4: Trusting God with Our Stories
Trusting God with our lives, even in challenging times, allows us to be thankful in every season. Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things for good for those who love Him, and this trust leads to spiritual growth and purpose. When we trust God with our stories, we acknowledge that He is in control and that He is working for our good. This trust enables us to find gratitude even in difficult circumstances, knowing that God is developing us for His purposes. [49:12]
"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more fully today, and how can you begin to do so?
Day 5: Embracing the Gift of Salvation
Salvation is a gift offered to all. By accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, we embrace a life of gratitude and purpose. This decision marks the beginning of a transformative journey, filled with the blessings of God's grace and mercy. Salvation is not just a one-time event but a continual journey of growing closer to God and living out His purposes for our lives. Embracing this gift means living a life marked by gratitude and sharing His love with others. [01:04:56]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Have you fully embraced the gift of salvation in your life? How can you live out this gift with gratitude and purpose today?
Quotes
"Aren't you grateful for Jesus today? Come on, somebody, amen. We're going to pray. Remain standing just for a second. Second, Father, we are so grateful to be able to be in your house today. And God, all the glory and praise is yours. God, we're here in your house, and I pray today that we would be present. I pray, God, that we would open up our hearts. That, Father God, that our minds would be ready to hear from your word. God, we don't want to come here and just check off a religious box. We're so grateful that we get to be in your presence. Because, Lord, we know that it's in your presence where everything changes." [00:32:23] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And here's why he did that. He didn't do that because he didn't have anything better to do. He did that because we needed a savior. And we needed a living savior. We didn't need a dead sacrifice. We needed a living savior who moved from a promise maker because he said, I'm the way, the truth, and the life. You believe in me. You know, I'll bring you back. I'll restore your relationship back with the Father. We needed a promise maker." [00:37:17] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But we needed a promise keeper. So the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we said for years, the resurrection of Christ proves to us that Jesus is who he said he is and he can do what he said. And all God's people said, and what a blessing to know that Jesus is alive. And so because of that, we've been offered this incredible opportunity to be radically redeemed and restored back into the Father's family by the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not because of who I am, but because of whose I am. And one of the things that ought to just absolutely flood our hearts is thanksgiving, gratitude, and joy." [00:37:44] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Psalm 100 is where we're going to be today. And we're going to look at a couple of things that we can do as we enter into this Thanksgiving season, that as followers of Jesus Christ, man, our lives should absolutely be described through Psalm 100. It says this, verse one, shout with joy to the Lord, O earth. Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, how? Amen. It's so good. Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us. We are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture." [00:39:51] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Let me tell you why you can be thankful. Because the very fact that you have chores means that you have a home to live in and you're not living on the streets. Right? Oh, I'm coming at you adults. You ought to be thankful for the taxes you get to pay. You want to know why? Because it means that you're employed. How about for the holiday mess you have to clean up after that's coming up? After those holiday gatherings, you know what that means? It means you're surrounded by people that you love and who love you and care about you as well. Be thankful." [00:42:44] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"I want to suggest something as we enter into this season as well. We ought to be thankful for the people that just pointed us to Jesus and just want us to be all God wants us to be. Take time this season to slow down a little bit. Because there's just, we're blessed. I mean, I love our church, man. I'll tell you what. Granted, United Church is not a perfect church. Can I get an amen? That's offensive. But anyway, I We're not a perfect church. You can look around. But she's perfect for me. And I love our church family." [00:44:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And I've been challenging with this thought the past few weeks. We say, well, I trust God. You know, the little coffee mug, the sticker we got, trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean on it until I know and understanding in all your ways, acknowledge God and he will direct your paths. And he will. Amen. And we're saying, we trust God, trust God. But I've been saying, can you trust God with your story?" [00:49:12] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because instead of pushing away, instead of tapping out on God, you push through and you allow God to be God. See Romans chapter eight, verse 28 puts it this way, talking about that. It says, and we know, and we know somebody say, we know. All right. That's important. That word know is the word confidence in the Greek. Like we have confidence and we know that God causes everything to work together, read it with me, for the good of those who love God. But the verse isn't done there." [00:51:34] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And here's the thing. When you're surrendered to God's plan and purposes for your life, like really surrendered, the reason why you can be, thankful in every season, the highs and the lows, is when you say, my life is yours, do with it as you will. Then you can be thankful because you know God hasn't abandoned you. He's in the process of developing you. And that's not always easy. Because pressure, as they say, can bust a pipe, or make a diamond. Don't bail on God." [00:53:12] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"All of this starts by entering into relationship with Jesus Christ. Listen to me. The only way you're going to have a grateful, thankful attitude towards God is when you really consider all he's done for you. But not only consider it. Embrace it. The Bible does say we're all sinners. The Bible says the wages of sin is damnation. There's a real literal place called hell. Luke 16." [01:02:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Bible goes on to say in Romans chapter 10, for whosoever, that's you, man. You don't know what I've done. I don't care what you've done. I know what he did. Listen to this. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be forever saved. I'm not worthy. You're right. But he was still willing. He died so that you could forever live with the Father." [01:03:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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