Thankfulness All The Day

(ESV) Give Thanks to the Lord

English Standard Version Psalm 138

Give Thanks to the LORD

138 OF DAVID.

1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;

before the gods I sing your praise;

2 I bow down toward your holy temple

and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,

for you have exalted above all things

your name and your word.

3 On the day I called, you answered me;

my strength of soul you increased.

4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,

for they have heard the words of your mouth,

5 and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,

for great is the glory of the LORD.

6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,

but the haughty he knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

and your right hand delivers me.

8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;

your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.

Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Give Thanks to the Lord

138 Of David. 1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. 4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth, 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. 6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Goal: for the Hearer to Understand that being thankful is an everyday attitude and present in all we do!

Good Evening Sons & Daughters of St. Paul’s … May the Grace & Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all … Let Us Pray.

1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;

Goal: for the Hearer to Understand that being thankful is an everyday attitude

before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me;

Well, it’s Thanksgiving Eve … How has the year gone by already? As I was thinking about tonight’s message, I was brought back to last year’s message. Last year ... I talked about how we often times forget that everything comes from God. We acknowledged humanities biggest flaw ... that is not be satisfied with what we have. We also discussed our tendency as sinners to develop this un-grateful attitude of “I did it, I deserve it - so, why should I be thankful for it.” We continually need to grasp and understand that Thanksgiving is really an attitude ... an attitude we are to cultivate in our hearts so we won’t repeat the mistakes of the past. As we look around, I believe that we truly need to take an inventory of our blessings and be thankful for each and every one. We need to get into the habit of thanking God. Not just on the one day a year that our country sets aside for the purpose…. We need to live not as thanks-giving but, as thanks-living. Others must see our thankfulness in our actions. I re-capped the major points of that message because I truly want to build on that message and help us to understand how we can truly accomplish thanks-living.

Good Evening Sons & Daughters of St. Paul’s … May the Grace & Peace of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all … Let Us Pray.

2 I bow down toward your holy temple

We have been talking a great deal lately about being faithful. We have recognized that Our God is faithful even when His Children are not. This Psalm just peels off another layer and goes a bit deeper and I hope takes us to a deeper understanding of God’s Love and our need to continually give Him our thanks and praise.

Now, most of us will gather around a table tomorrow … and we may even have a tradition of going around the table and verbalizing something that we have been thankful for this year. We eat more than we should in most cases. We probably will watch some football on TV. I know the Redskin Fans here will be hoping they can see their beloved team beat those awful Cowboys and get those ceremonial drumsticks after the game for their victory. We may even play some games with our families. Whatever is your tradition, it is usually a celebration of family unity. For others though, Thanksgiving is a bleak reminder of familial dysfunction. Family, whether Biological or not, is not something we necessarily can choose. Funny thing is … would we choose the people we call family if choosing them was our choice? Be careful my beloved, I see lots of wheels turning out there. :)

Well, it’s Thanksgiving Eve … How has the year gone by already? As I was thinking about tonight’s message I was brought back to last years message. Last year ... I talked about how we often times forget that everything comes from God. We acknowledged humanities biggest flaw ... that is not be satisfied with what we have. We also discussed our tendency as sinners to develop this un-grateful attitude of I did it, I deserve it - so, why should I be thankful for it. We continually need to grasp and understand that Thanksgiving is really an attitude ... an attitude we are to cultivate in our hearts so we wont repeat the mistakes of the past. As we look around, I believe that we truly need to take an inventory of our blessings and be thankful for each and every one. We need to get into the habit of thanking God. Not just on the one day a year that our country sets aside for the purpose…. We need to live not as thanks-giving but, as thanks-living. Others must see our thankfulness in our actions. I re-capped the major points of that message because i truly want to build on that message and help us to understand how we can truly accomplish thanks-living.

and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me;

for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 On the day I called, you answered me;

So, as we look around, I believe that we need to notice and be thankful. Let’s start with UP. Looking up is to notice the power and gifts of God. We need

We have been talking a great deal lately about being faithful. We have recognized that Our God is faithful even when His Children are not. This Psalm just peels off another layer and goes a bit deeper and i hope takes us to a deeper understanding of God’s Love and our need to continually give Him our thanks and praise.

Think of Our Father in heaven … would he choose us? Scary thought isn't it? That is why I feel it is important to be thankful for EVERY blessing that He gives us. We truly lose sight of what a great blessing it is to be able to assemble here and lift up His name and worship and praise. We have an opportunity that many people have given their lives trying to attain. We take it for granted that we can get in our cars and drive here ...

Now, most of us will gather around a table tomorrow … and we may even have a tradition of going around the table and verbalizing something that we have been thankful for this year. We eat more than we should in most cases. We probably will watch some football on TV. I know the Redskin Fans here will be hoping they can see their beloved team beat those awful Cowboys and get those ceremonial drumsticks after the game for their victory. We may even play some games with our families. Whatever is your tradition, it is usually a celebration of family unity. For others though, Thanksgiving is a bleak reminder of familial dysfunction. Family, whether Biological or not, is not something we necessarily can choose. Funny thing is … would we choose the people we call family if choosing them was our choice? Be careful my beloved, I see lots of wheels turning out there. :)

Think of Our Father in heaven … would he choose us? Scary thought isn't it? That is why I feel it is important to be thankful for EVERY blessing that He gives us. We truly lose sight of what a great blessing it is to be able to assemble here and lift up His name and worship and praise. We have an opportunity that many people have given their lives trying to attain. We take it for granted that we can get in our cars and drive here ... and the heat will be on … Gayle will be playing the piano … I will be standing here ready to share the Gospel with you all. How often to we think of those little things? Whether we realize it or not, those things that I have mentioned are truly blessings in our lives. Are we thankful for this building? more importantly, are we thankful that we can worship God in a proper way? Some days, we sound like someone is pulling our teeth as we read through the liturgy in the service. We should be thankful for the opportunity that we have here! I am thankful for You! I have the best job and congregation around and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else, anywhere else. but let me ask you all a question … How do we show that we are thankful?

Now, family is just something that

· and the heat will be on …

to get into the habit of thanking God. Not just on the one day a year that the country sets aside for the purpose…. We need to live not as thanks-giving but, thanks-living.

your name and your word.

This Psalm was written by David. What do we know about David? (Solicit Responses). David, even as incredibly sinful as his actions were, was a favored child of God. He comes to a realization of the horrible things that he has done and He repents and shows sincere appreciation for what God has given him. David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God’s glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness. He exults in how God delivered him from one of the many crises he endured. God answered David’s prayer and gave him inner strength to deal with his trials. God promises the same for us … He is above all earthly authorities, and He will make Himself known to all nations and their rulers. This is a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles.

God answered David’s prayer and gave him inner strength to deal with his trials. God promises the same for us.

David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God’s glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness.

exults in how God delivered him from one of the many crises he endured.

., who is above all earthly authorities, will make Himself known to all nations and their rulers. This is a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles.

3 On the day I called, you answered me;

· Gayle will be playing the piano …

This Psalm also is proof positive that ANYONE can be saved. David, and his successes, amongst his sinful behavior, proves that God will attend to those who approach Him in a spirit of repentance and humility. This is true even of the kings of the earth. The arrogant can only know God at a distance. They have separated themselves far from God and His mercy. Verse 8 is a statement of David’s faith. He is telling us that just as God has kept His promises in the past, so He will never forsake us and will bring His plans for us to fruition because we are God’s Creation!

David talks about how the kings will exult God and give Him thanks.

God attends those who approach Him in a spirit of repentance and humility. This is true even of the kings of the earth. knows from afar. The arrogant can only know God at a distance. They have separated themselves far from God’s mercy.

God, who is above all earthly authorities, will make Himself known to all nations and their rulers. This is a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles.

my strength of soul you increased.

· I will be standing here ready to share the Gospel with you all.

Just as God has kept His promises in the past, so He will never forsake us and will bring His plans for us to fruition

We must remember, my beloved, that God’s name and Word are above everything, including all of the claims of the false gods other people worship. He cares for His children, the work of His hands, and His hands will protect them and bring His plans for them to completion. God’s hand is against His enemies. David’s victories prefigure the victories of David’s Son, Jesus Christ, and the victories of those who have been baptized into Him. Salvation is not only for David or for the Israelites but for all nations who will come to faith through God’s Word … that includes us as well.

How often do we think of those little things? Whether we realize it or not, those things that I have mentioned are truly blessings in our lives. Are we thankful for this building? more importantly, are we thankful that we can worship God in a proper way? Some days, we sound like someone is pulling our teeth as we read through the liturgy in the service. We should be thankful for the opportunity that we have here! I am thankful for You! I have the best job and congregation around and I wouldn't want to be doing anything else, anywhere else.

English Standard Version Psalm 100

His Steadfast Love Endures Forever

100 A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.

4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,

The next passage that i want to look at tonight is also found in the Psalms, more succinctly, which is ironically titled a “Psalm for giving Thanks” and says:

for they have heard the words of your mouth,

Let me ask you all a question … How do we show that we are thankful? (Solicit Responses) I find it very interesting that what we are thankful for changes so gradually depending on our age. Now, this Psalm was written by David. What do we know about David? (Solicit Responses). David, even as incredibly sinful as his actions were, was highly favored by God. He comes to a realization of the horrible things that he has done, and He repents and shows sincere appreciation for what God has given him. David thanks God for His benefits and anticipating a wider extension of God’s glory by His means … David assures himself of God’s continued presence and faithfulness. He exults in how God delivered him from the numerous crises that he has endured. God answered David’s prayer and gave him inner strength to deal with his trials. God promises the same for us … He is above all earthly authorities, and He will make Himself known to all nations and their rulers. This is a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles.

English Standard Version Psalm 100

100 A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.

English Standard Version Psalm 100

100 A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.

English Standard Version Psalm 100

100 A PSALM FOR GIVING THANKS.

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!

2 Serve the LORD with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the LORD, he is God!

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations

This Psalm also is proof positive that ANYONE can be saved. David, and his successes, amongst his sinful behavior, proves that God will attend to those who approach Him in a spirit of repentance and humility. This is true even of the kings of the earth. This Psalm reminds us of the importance of our attitudes toward God as David cites that the arrogant can only know God at a distance because they have separated themselves far from God and His mercy. Verse 8 is a statement of David’s faith. He is telling us that just as God has kept His promises in the past, so He will never forsake us and will bring His plans for us to fruition because we are God’s Creation! We are His workmanship!

5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

We must remember, my beloved, that God’s name and Word are above everything, including all of the claims of the false gods that other people still worship today. God cares for His children, the work of His hands, and His hands will protect them and bring His plans for them to completion. God’s hand is against His enemies. David’s victories prefigure the victories of David’s Son, Jesus Christ, and the victories of those who have been baptized into Him. Salvation is not only for David or for the Israelites but for all nations who will come to faith through God’s Word … that includes us as well.

for great is the glory of the Lord.

3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his;[a] we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

When you read or listen to this Psalm how you you be anything but happy about our opportunities to worship our God! The psalms portray God as a shepherd who watches over His children. What a wonderful picture of Fatherhood that truly is. This particular Psalm has long been a favorite of mine. I have been playing the drums since 5th grade and as I grew in the Lord, I began using this Psalm as a defense for drums in the church. Our new service is starting soon. Some people say that praise music has no place in a church. Drums and guitars have no place in a church. But i give you this psalm. For so long, we have been so stoic in worship that it sometimes feels like we have forgotten how to worship our God and Savior Jesus Christ. I understand that worshipping is a personal thing to a degree, but we dont have to be so quiet. We dont have to look like we are just checking a box on our weekly activities list by attending worship. We can be excited to be here … AMEN?

The next passage that i want to look at tonight is also found in the Psalms, more succinctly, which is ironically titled a “Psalm for giving Thanks” and says:

6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,

We can be thankful for the blessings that God has given us by being joyful in our worship efforts. If you want to raise a hand in this service, do so. If you want to be loud reciting the liturgy, do so. If not, thats perfectly fine as well. What i want you all to do … is to be thankful for the opportunity to worship …

The psalms portray God as a shepherd who watches over His people.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

To worship The One that is creator of all.

To worship the one who allowed His son to be tried unjustly, beaten, and ultimately sacrificed on the cross to pay the penalty of mankind's sin.

Let’s get real with that … My sin … Your Sin … The sin of those before us and those who will come after us.

but the haughty he knows from afar.

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

To make a joyful noise is truly being thankful for the blessings that God has graced us with. How unfortunate when we fail to make that joyful noise to the Lord. Even when we know that He is good. Even when we know he is the source of all good things.

5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

When you read or listen to this Psalm how can anyone be anything but happy about our opportunities to worship our God! The psalms portray God as a shepherd who watches over His children. What a wonderful picture of Fatherhood that this truly is. This particular Psalm has long been a favorite of mine. I have been playing the drums since 5th grade and as I grew in the Lord, I began using this Psalm as a defense for drums in the church. I desperately wanted to combine my two loves of music and worshipping God together at the same place and at the same time. Our new service is starting soon. Some people say that praise music has no place in a church … Drums and guitars have no place in a church. But I give you this psalm. For so long, we have become so stoic in worship that it sometimes feels like we have forgotten how to worship our God and Savior Jesus Christ. I understand that worshipping is a personal thing to a degree, but we aren’t called to be so quiet. We are called to make a joyful noise. We don’t have to look like we are just checking a box on our weekly activities list by attending worship. We can be excited to be here … AMEN?

How unfortunate when we fail to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Yet even then, we know that He is good.

I said last week that people need to see the Gospel in Action. Through disasters or any community outreach, the grace that we have been given needs to be evident in our efforts. This is done because of the thankfulness we are to be showing our creator. That is what i want us to really take away this year. I want us to recognize that the things we maybe say that we are thankful for at the table tomorrow come from only one source. And He loves each and every one of us. So stop coming in His house like Eyor or the Grinch. Show Him through Your Joy that you are thankful for Him. That is what Thanks-Living is truly about. Amen?

We can be thankful for the blessings that God has given us by being joyful in our worship efforts. If you want to raise a hand in this service, do so. If you want to be loud reciting the liturgy, do so. If not, that’s perfectly fine as well. What I want you all to do … is to be thankful for the opportunity to worship …

you preserve my life;

· To worship The One that is creator of all.

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

and your right hand delivers me.

· To worship the one who allowed His son to be tried unjustly, beaten, and ultimately sacrificed on the cross to pay the penalty of mankind's sin.

· Let’s get real with that … My sin … Your Sin … The sin of those before us and those who will come after us.

8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;

To make a joyful noise is truly being thankful and grateful for the blessings that God has graced us with. How unfortunate when we fail to make that joyful noise to the Lord. We should want everyone we know to know our God. We should want everyone we know to be saved from the ultimate damnation that awaits all of those who fail to profess Jesus as their Savior and Lord. We can’t save or serve people quietly. Jesus wasn’t quiet. Paul wasn’t quiet. The disciples weren’t quiet, and they ultimately died because they shared Christ’s Gospel with the world. How can we be quiet when we know that God is so good? How can we be quiet when we know when we know he is the source of all good things?

your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

I said last week that people need to see the Gospel in Action. Through disasters or any community outreach, the grace that we have been given needs to be evident in our efforts. This is done because of the thankfulness we are to be showing our creator. That is what I want us to really take away this year. I want us to recognize that the things we maybe say that we are thankful for at the table tomorrow come from only one source. He loves each and every one of us … Sooo Much. It’s beyond time to start returning that love and becoming more thankful for all the blessings that only He can provide.

Do not forsake the work of your hands.

So, stop coming in His house like Eeyore or the Grinch.

· Show Him through Your Joy that you are thankful for Him.

· Show the world who He is through your actions.

· Reflect the light of the Gospel to the world.

That is what the world needs more than anything else and That is what Thanks-Living is truly about. Amen?

Let Us Pray … Father We are the sheep of Your hand … Fill us with joyful praise as we seek to serve You. Help us to count you first as we inventory our blessings and think about what we are thankful for. Give us the strength to minister to the lost sheep of this world. Help us to re-claim lost ground in your name. We ask this and all things in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. AMEN

Thankfulness All The Day

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