MEMORY VERSE: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 95:1-6
INTRODUCTION
As we begin the New Year, it is important for us to count our blessings and take on the attitude of thanksgiving. Our hope will be renewed when we remember past blessings and receive the future with gratitude Psalm 65:11; 66:16. So, we must cultivate the habit of giving thanks rather than complaining Psalm 107:21-22.
OUTLINE
- GOD IS THE SOURCE
- BE THANKFUL
- GOD IS THE SOURCE
God is the source of all good things in life James 1:17; Deuteronomy 26:11. He created them all for His own pleasure Revelation 4:11. He provides, protects and preserves His own Psalm 23:1-5. He empowers and blesses the diligent in the work of their hands Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 10:22. His care for us is unique Matthew 10:29-31 even when we do not understand His ways, or our testimony seems delayed Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 30:5b. He makes all things beautiful in His time Ecclesiastes 3:11. If we fail to acknowledge these and many more, we will be committing the sin of ingratitude Psalm 8:4-6. This is why the apostle admonishes us to give thanks to God in everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
2. BE THANKFUL
God is good all the time Psalm 73:1;106:1. When evil or something negative happens, it is not authored by God though He knows about it 1 Corinthians 14:33; James 1:13. We must realise that God makes all things work together for good for His own children in every circumstance Romans 8:28. lf we take stock of His goodness and mercy in our lives,we will discover that the best thing to do is to make thanksgiving part of our everyday life and not an occasional activity Psalm 34:1; 136:1-26. Therefore, believers must choose to focus on the positives of life (not the negatives) and be thankful to God, in all things always 2 Samuel 22:47-50; Ephesians 5:20. This is a call to rise above discouragement, doubt,envy, and self-pity to reach a new level of hope for the blessings which the Lord will pour upon us Psalm 42:5
CONCLUSION
Choose a life of thanksgiving
FURTHER READING
Sun: Hebrews 13:15.
Mon: 1 Peter 2:9.
Tues: Daniel 1:8.
Wed: Psalm 35:28.
Thurs: Deuteronomy 8:10.
Fri: Psalm 107:22.
Sat: Psalm 109:5