Thanks Living: Embracing Joy, Prayer, and Gratitude
Summary
The sermon delivered at Lake of the Woods Church focused on the theme of living a life of gratitude, joy, and prayer, which the pastor referred to as "thanks living." The pastor began by discussing the importance of wisdom and understanding in living a life pleasing to God, referencing 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which encourages believers to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. The pastor illustrated this with the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000, emphasizing the act of giving thanks before the miracle occurred. The congregation was also reminded of the upcoming Christmas festival and the importance of community involvement and unity in the church.
The pastor expressed gratitude for the congregation's faith and love, drawing from Colossians 1:3-12, and emphasized the hope and grace found in the gospel. The sermon included a reading from Psalm 95:1-7, calling for worship and obedience, and a responsive meditation on thanksgiving. The congregation engaged in prayer, celebrating God's provision and asking for guidance for the nation's rulers.
The pastor shared personal stories, including the experience of taking their children to the dentist, to illustrate the concept of enduring pain for a greater good, paralleling how God allows us to face challenges for our ultimate benefit. The pastor emphasized that joy is not dependent on circumstances but is found in Jesus, and that prayer should be continuous throughout the day.
The sermon concluded with a prayer of gratitude, acknowledging that joy and thanksgiving are based on a relationship with Jesus, not external factors. The pastor encouraged the congregation to live out their faith actively, maintaining an attitude of prayer and gratitude in every situation.
Key Takeaways:
- True joy is a state of being that transcends circumstances, rooted in the knowledge that Jesus is constantly interceding for us. This joy is not shaken by life's trials because it is based on the unchanging presence of God in our lives, rather than the fluctuating conditions of our external world. [44:13]
- Prayer is not limited to specific times or rituals; it is an ongoing conversation with God that should permeate our entire day. From the moment we wake to the moment we sleep, our hearts and minds can be attuned to God's presence, seeking His guidance and expressing our gratitude and concerns. [46:01]
- Gratitude is a choice and a discipline that must be practiced even in the face of hardship. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness, trusting that He works all things together for our good, even when the immediate circumstances are painful or confusing. [49:06]
- The concept of "thanks living" is built upon three foundational ingredients: joy that is independent of our situations, a prayerful heart that remains in constant communion with God, and a spirit of thanksgiving that pervades every aspect of our lives. These ingredients create a resilient and fulfilling spiritual life. [51:14]
- The difference between happiness and joy is significant in the Christian life. Happiness is fleeting and dependent on favorable conditions, while joy is a deep-seated assurance that comes from our relationship with Christ. This joy remains steadfast even when external pleasures are absent or when we face adversity. [42:52]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
2. Colossians 1:3-12: "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light."
3. Psalm 95:1-7: "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three key ingredients for "thanks living" as mentioned in the sermon? ([51:14])
2. How does the pastor differentiate between happiness and joy? ([42:09])
3. What personal story did the pastor share to illustrate enduring pain for a greater good? ([48:30])
4. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what are the three actions believers are encouraged to practice?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "thanks living" challenge the traditional view of Thanksgiving as a one-day event? ([40:11])
2. In what ways can continuous prayer throughout the day impact a believer's relationship with God? ([46:01])
3. How can believers find joy in difficult circumstances, according to the pastor's explanation? ([42:52])
4. What does it mean to give thanks in all circumstances, and how can this be practically applied in daily life? ([47:54])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenging situation in your life. How can you find joy in that situation, knowing that Jesus is with you? ([42:52])
2. What steps can you take to incorporate continuous prayer into your daily routine? Share specific examples of how you can remind yourself to pray throughout the day. ([46:01])
3. Think of a time when you faced a painful experience. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation, and how can you express gratitude for it now? ([49:06])
4. How can you practice "thanks living" in your community and church? Identify one specific action you can take this week to show gratitude and joy to those around you. ([51:14])
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of community involvement and unity in the church. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of community and unity in your church? ([33:13])
6. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling to find joy. How can you support and encourage them to experience the joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus? ([44:54])
7. How can you remind yourself to give thanks in all circumstances, even when it's difficult? Share a practical method or habit you can adopt to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. ([47:54])
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Beyond Circumstances
Joy is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast state of heart, independent of life's ups and downs. It is a deep-rooted assurance that comes from an unshakeable relationship with Jesus, who intercedes for us. This joy is a fortress against life's trials, offering peace and stability no matter what one faces. [44:13]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 - "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation in your life where your joy is being tested? How can you choose to rejoice in the Lord despite these circumstances?
Day 2: Prayer as Constant Communion
Prayer is an ongoing, intimate conversation with God that should weave through the fabric of our daily lives. It is not confined to moments of need or formal occasions but is a continuous dialogue that keeps one's heart aligned with God's will. Through constant prayer, one remains in God's presence, expressing gratitude and seeking guidance throughout the day. [46:01]
1 Chronicles 16:11 - "Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer into the more mundane moments of your day to maintain a constant connection with God?
Day 3: Choosing Gratitude in Trials
Gratitude is a deliberate act of faith, recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness, especially in challenging times. It is a discipline that requires one to look beyond present difficulties and trust in God's purpose and plan. By choosing gratitude, one affirms the belief that God orchestrates all things for the ultimate good, even when the path is unclear. [49:06]
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Reflection: What is one difficult situation where you can practice gratitude today, trusting in God's greater plan for your life?
Day 4: The Resilience of Thanks Living
"Thanks living" is a lifestyle that combines joy, prayer, and gratitude as fundamental elements of a resilient spiritual life. It is a way of being that infuses every moment with thankfulness, regardless of one's circumstances, and fosters a heart that is always in tune with God's grace and provision. This approach to life builds a strong foundation for enduring faith. [51:14]
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 heart of "thanks living" in your daily routine, making gratitude a natural response to God's work in your life?
Day 5: Steadfast Joy in Christ
The Christian distinction between happiness and joy is profound. Happiness is temporary and dependent on external circumstances, while joy is a lasting assurance rooted in Christ. This joy is not swayed by life's fluctuations but is anchored in the knowledge of Jesus' love and salvation, providing strength and comfort in all seasons of life. [42:52]
Isaiah 56:7 - "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt happiness fade. How does the joy found in Christ differ from that experience, and how can you deepen your joy in Him?
Quotes
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." [35:34] (Download)
"Jesus said, 'Make the people sit down.' Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about 5,000 in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and after he had given thanks, he distributed to those who were seated; also the fish, as much as they wanted." [36:18] (Download)
"Joy is not circumstance-based, and if you want to have a thanks-living life, embrace that joy that's found in Jesus." [44:54] (Download)
"Pray without ceasing... all throughout the day, no matter what you're going through, good or bad, joy or sorrow, you are in an attitude of prayer." [45:26] (Download)
"I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. It's not based on our bank account, it's not based on our health, it's not based on our situation; our joy is based on Jesus." [52:06] (Download)
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us. So here we come Thanksgiving is Thursday... but let's review the ingredients that are needed to make for a life of thanks living." [51:14] (Download)
"Lord, in every situation and everything we can give thanks even though we don't understand because we know you are working it together for our good." [52:48] (Download)
"If I, as an Earthly sinful father, can understand that concept, how much more our heavenly father allows us to go through these painful experiences. Why? Because he knows he can see the end game, and he knows that it is for our good." [49:51] (Download)
"Jesus is praying when we're asleep; he's praying on our behalf. The Holy Spirit is offering up prayers that we can't even understand. Our minds can't comprehend the utterance of the Holy Spirit while we're praying throughout the day." [47:17] (Download)
"Be joyful in all things, for He is faithful who has said, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you, so that you can boldly say, the Lord is my helper." [42:52] (Download)
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