Preparing for a New Season of Gratitude
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! It's wonderful to see the energy in the second service today. We're in the midst of our "Move In Ready" series, preparing ourselves for a new season both as a church and as individuals. Today, we had the honor of welcoming Reverend Dr. Yezu from India, who shared about the challenges and opportunities his ministry faces, including a unique chance to broadcast the Christmas message across India. We prayed for him and his congregation, asking for God's continued blessings and support.
As we continue our series, we focus on how to get ready for the new season God has for us. We've discussed the importance of everyone doing their part, relying on prayer, and sharing the good news. Today, we delve into Psalm 116, exploring how genuine thanksgiving prepares us for what God has in store. The Psalmist expresses deep gratitude for God's mercy, goodness, and protection, emphasizing that everything changes when we genuinely call on the Lord.
We reflected on the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness to build our confidence and peace in the present. The Psalmist asks, "What can I give the Lord for all the good things He has done for me?" This question leads us to three commitments: lifting up the cup of salvation, keeping our promises to God, and giving a special offering of thanks. These actions are not just words but tangible expressions of our gratitude and readiness to move into a new season.
As we prepare to close, let's remember that our thanksgiving should be more than just words. It should be reflected in our actions, our commitments, and our offerings. Let's get ready to move into the new season God has for us with hearts full of genuine gratitude and readiness to serve.
### Key Takeaways
1. Genuine Calling on the Lord: The Psalmist teaches us that everything changes when we genuinely call on the Lord. This isn't about a half-hearted, religious routine but a sincere cry for help. When we call out to God with all our heart, He hears us and brings transformation into our lives. [45:22]
2. Remembering God's Faithfulness: Reflecting on past answered prayers and God's goodness builds our confidence and peace in the present. When we focus on how God has already been good to us, it strengthens our faith and helps us face current challenges with renewed hope. [55:23]
3. Lifting the Cup of Salvation: The act of lifting the cup of salvation is a profound way to remember and celebrate God's deliverance. It symbolizes our acknowledgment of God's saving grace and our commitment to live in that salvation daily. [01:05:16]
4. Keeping Our Promises to God: True thanksgiving involves keeping the promises we've made to God. Whether it's a commitment to serve, to be baptized, or to join a group, fulfilling these promises is a tangible way to show our gratitude and readiness for the new season. [01:07:24]
5. Giving a Special Offering: Beyond regular tithes, giving a special offering of thanks is a natural response to God's goodness. It's a way to honor God for specific blessings and to express our heartfelt gratitude in a meaningful way. [01:09:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:13] - Note-Taking Church
[28:51] - New Season Introduction
[32:11] - Honoring Reverend Dr. Yezu
[35:37] - Prayer for India
[36:12] - Welcoming Special Guests
[37:11] - Move In Ready Series Overview
[39:15] - Avoiding Move-In Fails
[40:49] - Power of Invitation
[42:07] - Testimony of Invitation
[43:35] - Reading Psalm 116
[45:22] - Genuine Call to the Lord
[48:10] - Testimony of Transformation
[55:23] - Importance of Remembering
[01:00:24] - Meaningful Thanksgiving
[01:05:16] - Lifting the Cup of Salvation
[01:07:24] - Keeping Promises to God
[01:09:32] - Giving a Special Offering
[01:11:03] - Call to Action
[01:12:45] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 116:1-2 (NIV): "I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live."
2. Psalm 116:12-14 (NIV): "What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people."
3. Psalm 116:17 (NIV): "I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. What does the Psalmist express in Psalm 116:1-2 about his relationship with the Lord?
2. According to Psalm 116:12-14, what are the three commitments the Psalmist makes in response to God's goodness?
3. In Psalm 116:17, what specific action does the Psalmist take to show his gratitude to the Lord?
4. How did the pastor describe the importance of genuinely calling on the Lord during times of trouble? [45:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the Psalmist emphasize calling on the Lord in Psalm 116:1-2? How does this reflect the theme of genuine thanksgiving?
2. What might "lifting up the cup of salvation" symbolize in the context of Psalm 116:12-14 and the sermon? [01:05:16]
3. How does remembering God's past faithfulness, as mentioned in the sermon, help build confidence and peace in the present? [55:23]
4. What is the significance of keeping promises to God as a form of thanksgiving, according to the sermon and Psalm 116:14? [01:07:24]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you genuinely called on the Lord in a moment of need. How did that experience change your relationship with God? [45:22]
2. The Psalmist talks about lifting the cup of salvation. How can you daily acknowledge and celebrate God's deliverance in your life? [01:05:16]
3. Think about a specific promise you have made to God. Have you fulfilled it? If not, what steps can you take to honor that commitment? [01:07:24]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness. Can you share a testimony of how God has been good to you in the past? How does this memory help you face current challenges? [55:23]
5. The pastor mentioned giving a special offering as a way to show gratitude. Is there a specific blessing in your life that you feel led to honor God for with a special offering? [01:09:32]
6. How can you incorporate genuine thanksgiving into your daily routine, not just in words but through actions and commitments?
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of serving and inviting others. Who is someone you can invite to church or serve in a meaningful way this week? [42:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Genuine Calling on the Lord
When we genuinely call on the Lord, everything changes. This isn't about a half-hearted, religious routine but a sincere cry for help. When we call out to God with all our heart, He hears us and brings transformation into our lives. The Psalmist in Psalm 116 exemplifies this by expressing deep gratitude for God's mercy, goodness, and protection. This genuine calling is a powerful act of faith that invites God's intervention and blessings.
Reflecting on this, consider how often we might fall into the trap of routine prayers, lacking the depth and sincerity that truly connects us with God. Genuine calling requires vulnerability and honesty, acknowledging our need for God's help and trusting in His ability to respond. This kind of prayer can lead to profound changes in our lives, as we open ourselves up to God's transformative power.
Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need God's help. Can you take a moment today to genuinely call out to Him with all your heart, trusting in His ability to bring transformation? [45:22]
Day 2: Remembering God's Faithfulness
Reflecting on past answered prayers and God's goodness builds our confidence and peace in the present. When we focus on how God has already been good to us, it strengthens our faith and helps us face current challenges with renewed hope. The Psalmist in Psalm 116 asks, "What can I give the Lord for all the good things He has done for me?" This question encourages us to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness.
By recalling specific instances where God has intervened in our lives, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and trust. This practice not only honors God but also equips us to handle present difficulties with a sense of assurance that God is with us and will continue to be faithful.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: Take a few moments to write down three specific instances where you have experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can remembering these moments help you face your current challenges with renewed hope? [55:23]
Day 3: Lifting the Cup of Salvation
The act of lifting the cup of salvation is a profound way to remember and celebrate God's deliverance. It symbolizes our acknowledgment of God's saving grace and our commitment to live in that salvation daily. This act is not just a ritual but a heartfelt expression of gratitude and recognition of God's ongoing work in our lives.
By lifting the cup of salvation, we are reminded of the immense sacrifice Jesus made for us and the continuous grace we receive. This practice can deepen our relationship with God, as we consciously choose to live in the light of His salvation and let it guide our daily actions and decisions.
Psalm 116:13 (ESV): "I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the act of lifting the cup of salvation into your daily routine as a reminder of God's grace? Consider a specific time each day to pause and thank God for His saving work in your life. [01:05:16]
Day 4: Keeping Our Promises to God
True thanksgiving involves keeping the promises we've made to God. Whether it's a commitment to serve, to be baptized, or to join a group, fulfilling these promises is a tangible way to show our gratitude and readiness for the new season. The Psalmist's question, "What can I give the Lord for all the good things He has done for me?" leads us to consider our own commitments to God.
Keeping our promises to God is a reflection of our integrity and faithfulness. It demonstrates that our gratitude is not just in words but in actions. By honoring our commitments, we align ourselves with God's will and prepare ourselves for the blessings and responsibilities of the new season He has for us.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (ESV): "When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise or commitment you have made to God. Are you actively working to fulfill it? What steps can you take today to honor that promise and show your gratitude through your actions? [01:07:24]
Day 5: Giving a Special Offering
Beyond regular tithes, giving a special offering of thanks is a natural response to God's goodness. It's a way to honor God for specific blessings and to express our heartfelt gratitude in a meaningful way. The Psalmist's expression of deep gratitude for God's mercy, goodness, and protection inspires us to consider how we can tangibly show our thankfulness.
A special offering can take many forms, whether it's a financial gift, volunteering time, or using our talents to serve others. The key is that it comes from a place of genuine gratitude and a desire to honor God for His specific blessings in our lives. This act of giving not only blesses others but also deepens our own sense of connection and gratitude to God.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Consider a specific blessing in your life for which you are particularly grateful. How can you give a special offering to honor God for this blessing? Think of a tangible way to express your gratitude today. [01:09:32]
Quotes
1. "We're getting ready to enter in. Welcome to a new season as a church, but we're praying this isn't just a new season for the church. It's also a new season for us as individual and individual families. We're going to move from where we are to where God wants us to be." [28:51] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How do we get ready to move from where we are to where we want to be and to where God wants us to be? And basically, why are we taking a moment just to a season, really four weeks, to talk about getting ready? Okay. That's a great point, because not every date, by the way, is when the season starts." [37:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How do we get move-in ready is by each one doing their part. We're talking about everybody, everybody playing their part, finding a place to serve. Number two, we talked about how can we avoid a move-in fail. Not being ready to enter into the new season that God has for us. How do we do that is by a greater reliance on the Lord. We're talking about prayer." [39:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to remind you, this Get Ready series isn't just trying to get things from you. God wants to bless us in ways that we really don't even understand. Your invitation can be a change of a life for someone else, but it can also come back around and bless you as well. Come on, in Jesus' name, amen." [42:07] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Everything begins to change when we decide to genuinely call on the Lord. You know, I was just talking to a guy. I was sharing his testimony. He said, Pastor Charlie, I grew up in church, grew up going to church, went to Christian camps, went to all of it. My parents started going through a hard time. They got separated. Anyway, 10 years old, I stopped going. Fast forward 16 years, I'm 26, 27 years old. I'm angry. I'm disappointed." [46:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I called out to the Lord and it was like a switch instantly. Things changed. He goes, I could not wait. I could not wait to get back to church the next Sunday. That's not me. Something happened on the inside. Eventually, the anger began to loosen up in my life. The habits I had formed, listen to me, since I was in middle school, they were a part of the fabric of me maturing. Those bad habits began to slowly break off my life." [48:10] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Why is remembering so important? Remembering so important, this is in your notes, is if we're not careful, the present challenge can get all of our attention. Are you here? By the way, this is community church. It's okay to say amen. If you're not careful, the present challenge, that you're facing, that's in front of you right now, can absorb your full attention. What's the big deal about it? When it absorbs your full attention, it robs you of your peace and your strength in God." [55:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How do we truly give thanks to the Lord? And I want to suggest that this is more than just words. Somebody like I, of course, you're going to say give thanks. Let's just go ahead and give thanks. Lord, thank you. Yes, you've done some things in my life. Good job. I'm here. Didn't give up on me. By the way, thank you for like the mountains and trees. They're cool too. How do we truly give thanks to the Lord? I'm going to suggest it's not just words." [01:00:24] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The way that we show thanksgiving to the Lord, show it, not just say it, is I say, Lord, I'm gonna keep my promise. Some of you, you promise, Lord, I'm gonna get baptized. Lord, I'm gonna start serving you. I'm not ever gonna stop serving you. I'm gonna serve you. Lord, I'm gonna, I'm gonna take foundations. Lord, I'm gonna get into that group. Lord, I'm gonna take that step, whatever it is. Lord, how I show thanks to you, I'm gonna keep my promise, Lord, that I've made to you." [01:08:14] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So here's the challenge. We're going to wrap it up today. We get ready, we get ready to move into a better season, a new season giving thanks. how do I give thanks? Some of us in here, you need to give your heart to the Lord. Acknowledge how much the Lord loves you. He gave his life for that you might live. I'm going to. Today, I'm take, I'm going to take up the cup of salvation." [01:11:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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