HAVING A THANKFUL HEART.

HAVING A THANKFUL HEART.

(adapted from www.Soulshepherding.org -bible verses on thankfulness)

Intro- Story of of the Christmas presents being thrown out by josh

- we thought it was devastating but in the end it was the best Christmas we ever had as kids. We need to be thankful in everything 1 Thesselonians 5:16-18

“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Virtue of Thankfulness.”

Being thankful is not always easy to do, but when we understand true thankfulness and where it comes from, we can live lives of joy and thanksgiving, not just when things go our way, but when life seems to be crashing down on us as well.

WHY SHOULD WE BE SO THANKFUL IN OUR LIVES

God is good always and forever -so let’s thank him again and again and again!!!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1,2,3).

A Thankful heart leads us into worship of God

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4).

Being thankful, along with prayer fights off the anxieties in our lives.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things” (Philippians 4:6-8).

Being Thankful for God’s forgiveness will increase your capacity to love others who offend you.

“I tell you, her sins – and they are many – have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love” (Luke 7:47, NLT).

Count your blessings and attribute them to God

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights” (James 1:17).

HOW DO WE LIVE LIVES OF THANKSGIVING?

Thanksgiving to God and joyful music with singing go together

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and praise him with music and song.” (Psalm 95:2)

2. Help those in need and your gratitude will grow

“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

It’s heart music to the Lord to always thank God for everything in Jesus’ name

“Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19b, 20).

WHEN SHOULD WE GIVE THANKS?

Offer thanks in all situations – especially in difficulties

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

4. Conclusion

We have so much to be thankful for. Will you respond and be thankful in the good times and the bad or will you let your heart be hardened because you didn’t give thanks to the Lord.