“Giving Thanks When Times Are Tough”
ThanksLiving Series
AV First
Pastor Ed Carlson
11/27/22
The words “Thank You” are two life-altering words that can set the course of your life.
We also said this:
Receiving something from God always involves an act of obedience that doesn’t always make earthly sense
And this:
Thankfulness leads us into the presence of God, but ungratefulness always leads us away from God.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Romans 14:17 (ESV)
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
One of the best testimonies a follower of Christ can give is for the world to see how we react to disappointment and calamity.
Because you cannot manufacture joy and thanksgiving in the midst of trial without the yielding of your life to the Holy Spirit.
16 Rejoice always
1. Certainty of
Luke 10:20 (ESV)
19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
2. Fellowship with
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
3. Hope for
John 14:1-3 (ESV)
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
17 pray without ceasing
Here is what Prayer does for you:
1. We find
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
2. We find
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
3. We
Philippians 4:5b-7 (ESV)
The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
To grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
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The more thankful we are…the more prayerful we will be…The more prayerful we are, the more joyful we will be.