Where in the World is Thanksgiving?

The Source of Thankfulness

Many people think that the source of the Nile River is Lake Victoria, but there is actually a spot in Jinja, Uganda near the place that the Nile River and Lake Victoria meet where there is a STRONG artesian well springing up that feeds the Nile River.

NILE RAPIDS IMAGE

Where is the Source of Thanksgiving & what CAUSES thanksgiving to happen in us?

I scoured the Bible & every kind of search that I had available to me & I could not find a SINGLE scripture that points to something (Even God) that is the thing that MAKES Thankfulness spring up in us.

I believe that this means there is no-thing we can point to that will concretely MAKE us thankful

Yet, we are encouraged & instructed to be thankful & give praises to God.

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

How Do We Get Thank-full?

I believe that means

Good news: WE are in control of our thankfulness because it is not a result of any-thing!

Entitlement kills Thankfulness

Entitlement and Expectation are “joined at the hip”

Entitlement: the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.

Entitlement and Expectation are “joined at the hip”

2 Timothy 3:1–5 NKJV

1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

When we feel entitled, we cannot be thankful when what we expect comes, we can only be disappointed when we don’t receive what we feel we are entitled to.

Our life will tend in the direction of our most dominant thought(s).

When we allow thoughts of lack & disappointment due to entitlement and expectation to dominate our thoughts - our life will seem very heavy, lacking, & disappointing

Image of Girl Sinking

Our life will tend in the direction of our most dominant thought(s).

If we are nearly sinking the very next disappointment can make it seem like we are drowning in it.

The antidote is to change our perspective. - Not what we see, but rather, HOW we see.

Thankfulness is a result of a decision of our will to eliminate entitlement & expectation & decide to be thankful IN EVERYTHING - Full of Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV

18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

We can’t think on these “whatever things” for very long without tending towards thankfulness

This lifestyle practice gives us resiliency against the disappointments that may come our way

Water Polo Girl Image

Think on these things enough and thanksgiving will begin to spill out of our mouth almost effortlessly.

Thanks-GIVING is a result of an overflow of thank-FULL-ness

Luke 6:45 NKJV

45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Isaiah 60:5 KJV 1900

5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, And thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; Because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, The forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

What you say will steer your life!

Two-face Image

James 3:4–5 NKJV

4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Just One Thing:

Look for the whatever things & let thanksgiving begin to spill out of your mouth.

Change your thoughts - Change your life!

Discussion Questions:

What’s the funniest actual name you’ve heard of someone having?

Do you tend to be someone who tends to lean more towards thankfulness or entitlement? Tell your Connect Group about it & share why you think you tend that way.

Please read and share what this means to you and how you can consistently apply this passage to your life regardless of circumstances.

Your tongue is the rudder of your life. Please share if you feel like your words are taking you where you would like to end up. Please share any “course corrections” you will make with your words.