From Thanksgiving to Christmas

Our journey begins with gratitude

Every good gift we experience comes from God - James 1:17

James 1:17 NIV

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

We are to be grateful in whatever we do - Colossians 3:17

Colossians 3:17 NIV

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We can be thankful because God gives us the victory - 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

1 Corinthians 15:57–58 NIV

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Failure to thank God is foolish and self-deceiving - Romans 1:21-23

Romans 1:21–23 NIV

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

Gratitude helps us remember that good things come from God

Gratitude gives us perspective

Gratitude protects from an inflated view of self

Gratitude naturally leads us to contentment

The Bible commands contentment - Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Lack of contentment is a distrust of God’s able to provide for us

Contentment does not depend on our possessions or circumstances - Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11–13 NIV

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Our goal is to be godly contentment - 1 Timothy 6:6-8

1 Timothy 6:6–8 NIV

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

John D. Rockefeller, the founder of the Standard Oil Company, the first billionaire of the United States of America and once the richest man on Earth was asked by a reporter, “How much money is enough?” He calmly replied, “Just a little bit more”.

Contentment help us to enjoy what God has given us

Contentment protects us from coveting and greed

Contentment opens up true generosity

Jesus challenged us to store up treasures in Heaven - Matthew 6:19-21

Matthew 6:19–21 NIV

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

In the same passage, He addressed our worry over our own needs (lack of contentment) - Matthew 6:25

Matthew 6:25 NIV

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

The solution to how to handle our treasure is to seek His kingdom - Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 NIV

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jesus commands us to give to others - Luke 6:38

Luke 6:38 NIV

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

God rewards giving - 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 NIV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Generosity helps us see the needs of others

Generosity protects us from selfishness

Generosity allows God to bless us even more