Grateful Hearts: The Power and Purpose of Thanksgiving

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude as a Sacrifice in Adversity

Gratitude is not just for easy times; it is a sacrifice we offer to God even when life is difficult and our hearts are heavy. Choosing to give thanks in the midst of adversity shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already done, reminding us of His faithfulness and sustaining power. This act of thanksgiving, especially when it costs us something, realigns our hearts with God and opens us to His presence and peace. When we count our blessings and remember God's history in our lives, we find strength to endure and hope for what is yet to come. [02:43]

Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name."

Reflection: Think of a current struggle or disappointment in your life—what is one specific thing you can thank God for today, even if it feels like a sacrifice to do so?

Day 2: Thanksgiving Realigns Our Hearts and Minds

Giving thanks is more than a polite gesture; it is a spiritual practice that transforms us from the inside out. When we focus on what God has done, our perspective shifts, our faith grows, and our desires begin to align with His. Thanksgiving changes how we think, what we value, and even what we desire, as God plants His own desires within our hearts. This ongoing practice of gratitude draws us closer to God, making us more like Him and preparing us to receive His blessings again and again. [11:04]

Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need God to realign your desires with His? How can you practice gratitude in that area today?

Day 3: Thanksgiving Invites God's Presence

Thanksgiving is not just a gift we give to God; it is an invitation for Him to dwell with us. When we give thanks, we prepare a seat for God at our table, welcoming His presence into our lives and circumstances. Just as David celebrated the return of the Ark and God’s presence to Jerusalem, our gratitude creates a place for God to abide, even in the midst of adversity or uncertainty. This act of inviting God through thanksgiving brings comfort, protection, and assurance that He is with us, no matter what we face. [28:17]

Psalm 22:3 (ESV)
"Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to intentionally invite God’s presence today? What would it look like to prepare a seat for Him through your thanksgiving?

Day 4: Your Testimony of Gratitude Impacts Others

Our gratitude is not meant to be kept private; it is a message that God wants us to share with others. When we make known His deeds and tell our story of what God has done, we become His voice in the world, offering hope and encouragement to those around us. Even when people may not accept Scripture, they cannot deny the reality of a transformed life. Sharing our testimony of thanksgiving glorifies God and provides hope for the hopeless, as our story becomes a living witness to His faithfulness. [34:29]

Psalm 107:2 (ESV)
"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear your story of God’s faithfulness? How can you share your testimony of gratitude with them this week?

Day 5: Thanksgiving is a Choice and a Commitment

Being grateful is a daily decision, not just a feeling that comes and goes. We are called to choose gratitude, to say yes to a baptism of thankfulness, and to commit ourselves to giving thanks in all circumstances. This choice not only honors God but also shapes our character and draws us into deeper relationship with Him. As we make gratitude a habit, we fulfill our purpose and become a blessing to others, encouraging them to do the same. [43:04]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can commit to cultivating gratitude every day this week, regardless of your circumstances?

Sermon Summary

Gratitude is not just a feeling reserved for the easy seasons of life; it is a calling that often requires sacrifice, especially when adversity strikes. Life is filled with challenges, and yet, through it all, we are called to remain grateful. This is the very spirit that established the first Thanksgiving in America, when the early settlers, despite tremendous loss and hardship, chose to focus on what God had provided rather than what they had lost. True thanksgiving is not about waiting for every prayer to be answered or every desire fulfilled, but about intentionally counting our blessings and remembering God’s faithfulness in the past.

There is a profound difference between praise and thanksgiving. Praise declares who God is—His greatness, love, and power—while thanksgiving proclaims what He has done. When we call to mind God’s history in our lives, it realigns our hearts and minds with His, transforming us from the inside out. Gratitude is not only a gift we give to God, but it also becomes the seat that invites His presence into our lives. Just as we long for appreciation and relationship, so does God, for we are made in His image. Thanksgiving is our way of saying, “Lord, I recognize Your hand in my life, and I welcome You to dwell with me.”

David’s example in bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem shows us the power of undignified gratitude—worshiping God with abandon, regardless of what others think. When we give thanks, we are not only inviting God to sit at our table, but we are also extending an invitation for Him to be present in every circumstance, even in the midst of adversity. Our gratitude prepares us to receive from God again and again, building our faith and confidence for whatever lies ahead.

Moreover, thanksgiving is not meant to be kept private. We are called to make known God’s deeds among the people, to share our stories of His faithfulness. Our testimony is powerful; it cannot be denied, and it brings hope to the hopeless. A grateful heart becomes a magnet for miracles, and our “say so”—our spoken gratitude—silences the enemy and encourages others. Today, the choice is ours: to be grateful, to give God our thank you, and to let our gratitude become a voice that draws others to Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude is a Sacrifice in Adversity True gratitude often requires giving thanks when it is most difficult—when life is unfair or painful. This sacrificial thanksgiving shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already done, and it opens our hearts to see His faithfulness even in the hardest seasons. Such gratitude is not denial of pain, but a declaration of trust in God’s unchanging goodness. [00:35]
2. Thanksgiving Invites God’s Presence When we give thanks, we prepare a seat for God at our table. Our gratitude is an invitation for Him to dwell with us, to abide in our circumstances, and to transform our hearts. This act of thanksgiving is not just a ritual, but a relational exchange that brings intimacy with the Lord and aligns our desires with His. [28:17]
3. Our Testimony Magnifies God and Encourages Others Sharing what God has done in our lives is a powerful witness. Our personal stories of God’s faithfulness cannot be refuted and often speak louder than arguments or doctrine. When we “say so,” we glorify God, silence the enemy, and provide hope for those who are struggling, making our gratitude contagious. [36:00]
4. Gratitude Builds Faith for the Future Remembering and recounting God’s past faithfulness strengthens our confidence to trust Him with new challenges. Each act of thanksgiving becomes a stone of remembrance, building a foundation of faith that prepares us to receive from God again and again. This ongoing cycle of gratitude and trust is how we grow in spiritual maturity. [15:53]
5. Thanksgiving is a Call to Action Gratitude is not passive; it is a call to extend God’s invitation to others, to make known His deeds, and to actively encourage those around us. By living out our thankfulness, we become God’s voice in the world, drawing others to experience His love and faithfulness for themselves. [32:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
[01:18] - Adversity and Remaining Grateful
[02:02] - The First Thanksgiving: Focusing on Blessings
[03:21] - Praise vs. Thanksgiving
[04:35] - David’s Desire for God’s Presence
[05:21] - David’s Gratefulness in Adversity
[07:26] - 1 Chronicles 16:8 and Three Points
[08:05] - The Gift: Giving Thanks to God
[11:23] - Thanksgiving Realigns Our Hearts
[13:27] - God’s Transforming Work in Us
[15:25] - Gratitude Builds Faith and Confidence
[16:45] - Palm Sunday: The Power of Thanksgiving
[18:18] - Thanksgiving Prepares Us for God’s Blessing
[21:08] - Thanksgiving Provides a Seat for God
[23:09] - Angels and God’s Presence in Adversity
[28:17] - Thanksgiving Invites God to Dwell
[32:15] - Sharing the Message: Our Testimony
[36:00] - The Power of Personal Testimony
[39:51] - A Grateful Heart: Magnet for Miracles
[41:49] - Commitment to Gratitude Prayer
[44:31] - Thanksgiving Notes: A Practical Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Sacrifice and Power of Thanksgiving

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### Bible Reading

1 Chronicles 16:8 (ESV)
> Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

Psalm 107:2 (ESV)
> Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble

Psalm 22:3 (ESV)
> Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

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### Observation Questions

In 1 Chronicles 16:8, what three actions does David instruct the people to do? ([07:26])
According to Psalm 22:3, where does God choose to dwell or be enthroned? ([28:17])
In the sermon, what was the significance of David dancing before the Lord as the Ark was brought into Jerusalem? ([06:13])
What does Psalm 107:2 say the redeemed of the Lord should do, and why is this important? ([40:04])

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### Interpretation Questions

Why might giving thanks be described as a “sacrifice” during times of adversity? How does this change the way we view gratitude? ([00:35])
The sermon draws a distinction between praise and thanksgiving. Why is it important to recognize this difference in our relationship with God? ([03:21])
What does it mean that our gratitude “prepares a seat” for God at our table? How does this idea affect our understanding of God’s presence in our lives? ([28:17])
Why is sharing our testimony of God’s faithfulness so powerful, even more than arguments or doctrine? ([36:00])

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### Application Questions

Think about a recent season of adversity or loss in your life. Was it difficult to be grateful during that time? What would it look like to offer a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” in that situation? ([00:35])
The sermon says that gratitude is not denial of pain, but a declaration of trust in God’s unchanging goodness. Is there an area of your life right now where you need to shift your focus from what you lack to what God has already done? How can you do that this week? ([02:02])
David’s example shows “undignified gratitude”—worshiping God with abandon, regardless of what others think. Are there ways you hold back your gratitude or worship because of what others might think? What would it look like to be more open or expressive in your thankfulness? ([06:13])
The sermon says that thanksgiving is an invitation for God to dwell with us. What is one practical way you can “prepare a seat” for God in your daily routine or family life this week? ([28:17])
Sharing your story of God’s faithfulness can encourage others. Is there someone in your life who needs hope right now? How could you share a testimony of God’s goodness with them this week? ([36:00])
The pastor encouraged writing a “thank you note” to God, listing specific things you’re grateful for. Would you be willing to do this as a personal or family project? What might you include in your note? ([45:19])
The sermon says, “A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.” Do you believe gratitude can change your perspective or even your circumstances? Why or why not? ([39:51])

Sermon Clips

What that Thanksgiving was, was a focus on what they had gained rather than their loss. And that's really the whole just behind Thanksgiving. If we waited till we had every prayer answered, if we waited till we had every desire of our heart fulfilled, you know, that would stifle our Thanksgiving. But like the old hymn writer wrote, count your blessings, name them one by one. When we focus on what God is doing, not on what we're waiting for God to do, that's thanksgiving. [00:02:32] (35 seconds) #CountYourBlessingsDaily

Praise is declaring who God is. God is great. God is love. God is powerful. He's omnipotent, right? But thanksgiving is proclaiming what He has done. His faithfulness. It's God's history. Recounting, calling to memory, all of those blessings as I mentioned. So that when we're in a difficult place and we need God to move again, we remember His history in our lives and in the lives of others. Calling to remembrance His faithfulness. [00:03:38] (33 seconds) #RememberGodsFaithfulness

He continued to wait and believe, and just with all of his being, know that God in his time and in his way would come through on his behalf. He continued to give thanks. And finally, when the Ark is making its way into Jerusalem, you know how David began to dance before the Lord. He took off his royal garment. Then he became like every other man because what his declaration by taking off the royal robe and royal garments was, there is no king in Israel other than God Jehovah himself. [00:05:45] (26 seconds) #DanceBeforeTheLord

If you know and love Jesus, you're his temple now. Thank God. He doesn't dwell in the Ark of the Covenant anymore. We become the Ark of the Covenant as Christians, right? And all of a sudden, the words came out of my mouth. Lord, I could never do that to you. I could never hurt you like that. It's amazing. Before I knew Jesus, I was a major heathen. If you would look up the word heathen in Webster's Dictionary, there would be my picture right there. But then after you come to Christ, it's astounding how he transforms us. [00:12:40] (31 seconds) #YouAreGodsTemple

When we get saved, we're like that house that needs a lot of work. But the Lord looks at us and says, that's a good fixer-upper home. Holy Spirit, take up residence, take up ownership, and begin to work in every aspect of Craig Lauderback and now put your name into it in every aspect of their life. And so we're ongoing. And so as God takes and He does that work and as we practice thanksgiving, thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. My goodness, change is how you think, what you even desire. [00:13:56] (33 seconds) #HolySpiritFixerUpper

When we understand this, when we proclaim God's history, do you know what will wind up coming from that? When we proclaim God's history, God will rewrite ours. Did you hear me? Oh my goodness, when I got saved many moons ago, it'll be 52 years since January of 26, everybody thought I was faking it. People thought it'll never last. I not only got saved filled with the Spirit of God, I got called to preach and I've been in the ministry ever since after all of my formal training. That's not a flash in the pan, that is a transformed life and what he does for one, he will do for all. [00:20:13] (39 seconds) #ProclaimGodsHistory

God wants to sit down with us. And the seat that prepares his chair is our praise or our thanksgiving. Your thanksgiving gives God a seat at your table. How many want God at your table? Didn't David say in Psalm 23, he prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You can be in the midst of hell, and yet God will feed you and be your ever-present help. I taught on that last Sunday. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in the fire. And then their thanksgiving, a fourth man showed up. He didn't answer to the fire. The fire answered to him. [00:28:24] (52 seconds) #GiveFaithAway

God forbid, because we refuse to give thanksgiving, that we take away God's seat at our table. And when we're all seated, we leave him standing with no room for him at the table of our lives. That's why thanksgiving is a call. Thank God for thanksgiving. Thanksgiving, David says in 1 Chronicles 16, 8, call upon his name. That word call in the Hebrew was the word kara, and it means to cry out, proclaim. Listen to this. It means to extend an invitation. When you give thanksgiving, you're giving an invite to almighty God. [00:30:58] (46 seconds) #PersonalTestimonyPower

This once blind, now he can see man says, finally, after all of the questioning, trying to disprove the miraculous, the guy says, listen, if we can put it in simplicity, I don't know science. I'm not a medical doctor. I don't understand the structure and the form of the human body. Now, he didn't say all of this. This is just me adding to the color with the words I'm using. He goes, but once I was blind and now I can see. I don't know how that happened, but it happened and he shut him up. The devil can't handle your personal story. [00:37:24] (37 seconds)

That say so is a testimony of thanksgiving. How God redeemed me from whatever that plot, that scheme, that ploy, that strategy, whatever it was, God delivered me. He answered my prayer. Thank you, God. We are commanded to give our say so. Yes, there are other things we're waiting for to be answered. Yes, we face other areas of adversity, but don't allow that to shut your praise and thanksgiving down. Don't allow it to silence you. Be grateful. Thank the Lord for his faithfulness in your life. [00:40:15] (46 seconds)

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