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what I am thankful for

 


Yesterday I completed a series of messages at The Community titled “Give THANKS”, and we have discussed what keeps us from being thankful, how we decide to that gratitude is art of our every day lives.


What I might have missed an important part.  There are many things that we are thankful for.  But are we sometimes not specific about what we are thankful for.


That is why I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you some notes from yesterday’s sermon.  Especially in light of the coming Christmas holiday it is important to be open about what keeps us grounded in gratitude.


I am thankful for faith.  This is the gift of God that allows us to see the big picture of life and to live out what the Scripture says,


Philippians 1:6  NLT

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.


2 Corinthians 1:3  NASB

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,


I am thankful for people.  One of the most difficult things God created is people.  One of the greatest things God created is people.  I am grateful for my faith family and by family by birth.  These people make me better.


Joshua 24:15  NIV

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”


I am thankful prayer.  This is what keeps me connected to God.  Paul said often how what he heard about others kept him praying.  Prayer is an essential part of the life of the people who choose to follow Jesus.


Colossians 1:9  NASB

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,


Colossians 4:2  NLT

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.


I am thankful for God.  He is the incredible power and person that changes everything and holds everything together.  I am lost without Him.  That is why I long to experience who He is and what He does.


Colossians 1:16  NASB

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -all things have been created through Him and for Him.


Finally, I am thankful for His church.  There is nothing like the expression of God in the world today known as the church, the bride of Christ.  We are led by Him and accountable to Him.  My prayer is what we will bring God glory by sharing His story with those we meet.


Colossians 1:18  NLT

Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.


1 Corinthians 1:18  NLT

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.


Jesus is the first and last.  He is what connects all of this.  My faith and people find their connection through God.  Prayer keeps us connected to Him and ready for what is next.


Knowing what we are thankful for and sharing that with others makes a big difference in our lives.

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