The Power of Thanks: THANKLIVING: The Effects Of Thanksgiving

The Effects Of Thanksgiving

The Power of Thanks: THANKLIVING

The Effects Of Thanksgiving

This month is the month of Thanksgiving, a very special time in America, but for us Christian, we understand that giving Thanks is more then just a 1 day event, but a lifestyle to God for all that He has done and given to us.

I heard this story and it goes so much with having a grateful heart.

The Grumpy Man and the Grateful Man

Two men sat on a park bench feeding pigeons.

One complained the whole time about the government, gas prices, his knees, and his neighbors.

The other man just nodded and said, “Thank You, Lord.”

Finally, the complainer said, “What do you keep thanking God for? You don’t have much!”

The other man said, “Maybe not, but I still have breath in my lungs, faith in my heart, and food in my hand. That’s three more reasons than you’ve mentioned.”

So true, A grateful heart sees blessings where others see burdens.

”I want to read a portion of scripture that is pretty hard to start off this series, but I think you’ll understand how it fits with giving of thanks.

We can almost call this

“The Guilt Of Mankind”

Romans 1:18–32 (NKJV) 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Now why would I bring out these verse’s for a Thanksgiving, or giving of Thanks message.

Romans 1:21 (NKJV) 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1:21 (NLT) 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.

Romans 1:21 (TPT) 21 Throughout human history the fingerprints of God were upon them, yet they refused to honor him as God or even be thankful for his kindness. Instead, they entertained corrupt and foolish thoughts about what God was like. This left them with nothing but misguided hearts, steeped in moral darkness.

God places a very high priority on GIVING THANKS.

You see it all over the Bible but just look at it with prayer.

1 Timothy 2:1–6 (NKJV) 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

This doesn’t say for everything but in everything.

Today I want us to look at David, and his Heart of Gratitude.

Psalm 103:1–5 (NKJV) 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

So what does Thanksgiving or being Thankful do?

1. Thanksgiving Reminds Us of God’s Benefits

Psalm 103:2 (NKJV) 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:

It’s so easy with the hustle and business of life to forget all that Abba has done for us.

But as we have seen from the first few verse’s, God does expect us to be thankful for all that we have.

But for the grace of God, think of were we could be right now.

Deuteronomy 8:11–14 (NKJV) 11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, 12 lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

James 1:17 (NKJV) 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Something you can do:

Some people, to help them remember have made a gratitude journal, they write down blessings for the day and it changes their perspective.

The Boy Who Prayed for Shoes:

A little boy knelt by his bed and prayed, “God, please give me a new pair of shoes.”
He prayed for days, but nothing happened.
Finally, his mom said, “Honey, let’s thank God for the shoes you already have.”
The boy looked at his old, scuffed sneakers, sighed, and said, “Okay, Lord… thank You for my shoes.”
That very weekend, a neighbor gave him a brand-new pair—just his size.
The boy told his mom, “I think God was waiting for me to say thank You before He sent the new ones!”
You know Church family: “Gratitude unlocks God’s generosity.”

2. Thanksgiving brings healing and forgiveness into our lives.

Psalm 103:3 (NKJV) 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,

As we Bless the Lord and give Him Thanks, there is just something that happens within us

Isaiah 43:25 (NLT) 25 “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.

Micah 7:18 (NLT) 18 Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.

Thanksgiving is just like laughter, it’s so good for us.

Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) 22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.

During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie were arrested for hiding Jews and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, one of the most brutal concentration camps.

Their barracks were overcrowded, filthy, and crawling with fleas. Corrie was horrified. “How can we live in such a place?” she cried. But Betsie reminded her of the Scripture they had read that morning — “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV)

Reluctantly, Corrie agreed to thank God for everything — even the fleas. Day after day, they held secret Bible studies, praying and worshiping freely in that terrible place. Strangely, the guards never came inside their barracks.

Later, they discovered why: the guards refused to enter because of the flea infestation!

Corrie realized then that what she saw as a curse had actually been God’s protection. The very thing she wanted God to remove was the thing He used to keep them safe and allow His Word to spread.

Sometimes the “fleas” in our lives, the irritations, the hardships, the things we want gone — are actually the hand of God working for our good. So when Scripture says, “In everything give thanks,” it’s not because everything is good, but because God is good in everything.

Let’s be Thankful even when it irritates us, LOL.

A husband said, “I don’t want to go to church today. The people don’t like me, the sermons are too long, and the music’s too loud.” His wife said, “But honey, you have to go—you’re the pastor!”

3.Thanksgiving Lifts the Soul

Psalm 103:1 (NKJV) 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Our soul is our Mind, our will and our emotion’s. As we have a thankful heart, it lifts us up and makes even the bad things in life, so much better.

Psalm 34:1 (NKJV) 1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Psalm 119:164 (NKJV) 164 Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments.

4.Thanksgiving Renews Our Strength

Psalm 103:5 (NKJV) 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

As we wrap up, here are A couple last points with psalm 103

5. Thanksgiving Shifts Our Focus

Let’s set our mind on heavenly things.

Colossians 3:1–2 (NKJV) 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Remember, Thanksgiving Shifts Our Focus. The story is told of a

Parrot Who Wouldn’t Stop Complaining

A man bought a talking parrot, but it only complained.
“Ugh, this food is terrible! The cage is small! The house is noisy!” Finally, the man said, “If you don’t stop complaining, I’m going to put you in the freezer for one minute.” The parrot didn’t stop—so into the freezer it went.
After one minute, the man opened the door, and the parrot shivered and said, “I’m so sorry! I’ll never complain again!”
Then the parrot paused and said softly, “By the way… what did the chicken do?” 


You know, “Complaining freezes your joy—but thankfulness keeps it warm!”

6.Thanksgiving Leads to Worship

Psalm 95:1–2 (NKJV) 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Revelation 4:11 (AMP) 11 Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honor and dominion, for You created all things; by Your will they were [brought into being] and were created.

The Thankful Taxi Driver

A man got into a taxi and asked the driver how his day was going.
The driver said, “Best day of my life!” The passenger said, “Really? Why?”
He said, “Because I decided it would be. I used to complain about traffic, tips, and rude riders. Then one morning I told God, ‘If You woke me up, I’ll thank You all day long.’ Ever since then, life’s better—even the potholes don’t bother me anymore!”


Church Family: “When gratitude becomes a decision, joy becomes a habit.”

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