Thanksgiving: A Transformative Act of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Thanksgiving as a Faithful Choice

True thanksgiving is an intentional act of faith that transcends our immediate reality, allowing us to give thanks even when there seems to be nothing tangible to be thankful for. This kind of gratitude is born of the Spirit and aligns us with God's will. It is not dependent on our circumstances but is a deliberate choice to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. By choosing to give thanks in all situations, we declare our faith in God's plan and His ability to work all things for our good. This act of faith invites God's presence into our lives, transforming our hearts and minds to see beyond our current struggles. [54:10]

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you find it hardest to give thanks? How can you intentionally choose gratitude in that situation today?

Day 2: Shifting Focus Through Gratitude

Thanksgiving shifts our focus from our problems to God's unwavering goodness. By choosing gratitude, we stop dwelling on the negative and start seeing the blessings, even the small ones, that God has placed around us. This shift in focus is crucial because it changes our perspective before it ever alters our environment, allowing us to experience peace in the midst of trouble. When we focus on God's goodness, we are reminded of His faithfulness and provision, which brings comfort and hope even in difficult times. [01:18:00]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one negative thought or worry you can replace with a specific blessing or truth about God's goodness today?

Day 3: Aligning with God's Will

Giving thanks in all circumstances aligns us with God's will, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This alignment is not just about what we do but who we are as people of faith. It is a declaration of trust in God's supremacy over our environment and every situation we face. By practicing gratitude, we step into the perfect will of God, acknowledging His control and purpose in our lives. This act of thanksgiving is a powerful expression of our faith and trust in God's plan, even when we do not understand it fully. [01:00:27]

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Reflection: How can you express your trust in God's will through gratitude in a challenging situation you are currently facing?

Day 4: The Redemptive Power of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has the power to transform our grief into hope and despair into joy. By focusing on our blessings, we participate in God's redemptive work, turning our struggles into seeds of His glory and provision. This practice connects us with God, who is our very present help in times of trouble. When we give thanks, we align ourselves with God's redemptive purposes, allowing Him to work through our circumstances to bring about His glory and our good. [01:34:51]

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a past struggle that God has redeemed in your life. How can this memory encourage you to trust in His redemptive power in your current challenges?

Day 5: Gratitude Changes Us

Gratitude changes us, filling our souls with peace and drawing us closer to the heart of God. It opens the door for His blessings to flow, allowing us to experience His goodness in every moment of our lives. Whether in abundance or lack, joy or sorrow, gratitude invites God into our circumstances. This transformative power of gratitude not only changes our perspective but also deepens our relationship with God, as we learn to rely on His presence and provision in all things. [01:31:07]

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a habit of gratitude in your daily life to draw closer to God and experience His peace?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound power of thanksgiving, not just as a seasonal practice but as a transformative lifestyle. Thanksgiving is more than a reaction to blessings; it is an intentional act of faith that aligns us with God's will and invites His presence into our lives. We began by reflecting on the idea that true thanksgiving is not contingent upon our circumstances. Instead, it is a deliberate choice to give thanks even when there seems to be nothing tangible to be thankful for. This kind of gratitude is born of the Spirit and is an act of faith that transcends our immediate reality.

We delved into the notion that thanksgiving shifts our focus from our problems to God's unwavering goodness. When we choose gratitude, we stop dwelling on the negative and start seeing the blessings, even the small ones, that God has placed around us. This shift in focus is crucial because it changes our perspective before it ever alters our environment, allowing us to experience peace in the midst of trouble.

Furthermore, we discussed how thanksgiving aligns us with God's will. By giving thanks in all circumstances, we step into the perfect will of God, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This alignment is not just about what we do but who we are as people of faith. It is a declaration of trust in God's supremacy over our environment and every situation we face.

We also touched on the redemptive power of thanksgiving, drawing parallels with the early pilgrims who, despite their trials, chose to focus on their blessings. Their act of thanksgiving transformed their grief into hope and despair into joy. Similarly, when we give thanks, we participate in God's redemptive work, turning our struggles into seeds of His glory and provision.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, let us practice giving thanks not just for the obvious blessings but also for the challenges. In doing so, we connect with God, who is our very present help in times of trouble. His goodness remains constant, and that alone is worth giving thanks for.

Key Takeaways

1. Thanksgiving as an Act of Faith: True thanksgiving is not dependent on our circumstances. It is an intentional act of faith that transcends our immediate reality, allowing us to give thanks even when there seems to be nothing tangible to be thankful for. This kind of gratitude is born of the Spirit and aligns us with God's will. [54:10]
2. Shifting Focus Through Gratitude: Thanksgiving shifts our focus from our problems to God's unwavering goodness. By choosing gratitude, we stop dwelling on the negative and start seeing the blessings, even the small ones, that God has placed around us. This shift in focus changes our perspective and allows us to experience peace in the midst of trouble. [78:00]
3. Aligning with God's Will: Giving thanks in all circumstances aligns us with God's will, as outlined in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. This alignment is not just about what we do but who we are as people of faith. It is a declaration of trust in God's supremacy over our environment and every situation we face. [60:27]
4. The Redemptive Power of Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving has the power to transform our grief into hope and despair into joy. By focusing on our blessings, we participate in God's redemptive work, turning our struggles into seeds of His glory and provision. This practice connects us with God, who is our very present help in times of trouble. [94:51]
5. Gratitude Changes Us: Gratitude changes us, filling our souls with peace and drawing us closer to the heart of God. It opens the door for His blessings to flow, allowing us to experience His goodness in every moment of our lives. Whether in abundance or lack, joy or sorrow, gratitude invites God into our circumstances. [01:31:07]
** [91:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:16] - The Power of Praise
[28:06] - Arouse Your Soul
[32:47] - Victory in Praise
[33:52] - God's Strength Over Ours
[35:27] - United in Faith
[36:15] - Offering as Praise
[38:12] - Generosity and Abundance
[44:03] - Prayer Over Offering
[50:00] - Thanksgiving's True Wonder
[54:10] - Thanksgiving as Faith
[60:27] - God's Will in Gratitude
[78:00] - Focus Shift Through Thanksgiving
[91:07] - Gratitude's Transformative Power
[94:51] - Redemptive Qualities of Thanksgiving

Sermon Clips

We can intentionally step into the will of God. By giving thanks. At that moment. It doesn't matter how you feel. It doesn't matter what the senses say. It doesn't matter if every chair at the table is empty. In everything. Give thanks. [00:59:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Praise is what pulls him in. Thanksgiving, he finds very attractive. And so if we want or we need God in the middle of our trouble, we don't get God to show up by murmuring and complaining. [01:02:14] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Giving thanks in tough times is an act of faith trusting that God is with us and working. Look at Exodus chapter 15 verse 11 who is like you among the gods Lord who is like you majestic in holiness awesome in praises working wonders. [01:06:25] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Thanksgiving turns what we have into enough and more. Look at Matthew chapter 15. Matthew chapter 15, you know this story. If you'd allow me to say it this way, Jesus kind of had his back up against the wall, right? [01:12:32] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

When we choose gratitude, and it's a choice, it's intentional, we stop dwelling on the negative and start seeing God's unwavering goodness. I'm going to repeat that. When we choose gratitude. [01:23:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Gratitude changes our perspective before it ever alters our environment. And allows us to experience peace in the middle of trouble. Isn't that good? Listen to what Charles Spurgeon said. [01:23:56] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

In moments of trial, giving thanks becomes a defiant act of faith. In moments of trial, tribulation, storm, pain, disease, poverty, lack. In moments of trial. Give thanks. Giving thanks becomes a defiant act of faith. [01:25:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

When we express gratitude, we align our hearts with God's will and recognize his supremacy over our environment and over every situation. Gratitude draws us closer to God and opens the door for his blessings to flow. [01:27:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Thanksgiving has the same redemptive power for us today. When life feels barren, like that winter's day, gratitude breathes life into our weary hearts. A single whispered thank you to God can change the atmosphere of our minds. [01:34:00] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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