"the Table Of Gratitude: Feasting On God’s Faithfulness" Series

Title: "The Table of Gratitude: Feasting on God’s Faithfulness"

Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a young attorney in a large Texas law firm. The head of this firm is a rather traditional kind of boss who enjoys a unique ritual at Thanksgiving time. On the large walnut table in the boardroom of the office suite he sets out a row of turkeys, one for each member in the firm. Each man, in turn, steps forward and picks up the bird, announcing how grateful he is to work for the firm and how thankful he is for the turkey. Now the young attorney is single, lives alone, and has absolutely no use for a huge turkey. But because it is expected of him, he takes a turkey every year. One year his close friends in the law office replaced his turkey with one made of paper-maché. They weighted it with lead to make it feel genuine, and wrapped it up like the real thing. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, everyone gathered in the boardroom as usual. When it came his turn, the young attorney stepped up, picked up the large package, and announced his gratitude for the job and for the turkey. Later that afternoon, he sat on the bus going home, the big turkey on his lap, wondering what in the world he would do with it. A little further down the bus line, a rather discouraged-looking man got on and took the vacant seat beside him. The two men began to chat about the upcoming holiday. The lawyer learned that the stranger had spent the entire day job-hunting with no luck, that he had a large family, and that he was wondering what he would do about Thanksgiving tomorrow. The attorney was struck with a brilliant idea: “This is my day for a good deed. I’ll give him my turkey!” Then he had second thoughts, “This man is not a freeloader. He’s no bum. It would probably injure his pride for me to give it to him. I’ll sell it to him.” “How much money do you have?” he asked the man. “Oh, a couple of dollars and a few cents,” the man said. “Tell you what. For that, I’ll sell you this turkey,” he said. “Sold!” The stranger handed over the two dollars and a few coins. He was moved to tears, thrilled to death that his family would have a turkey for Thanksgiving. “God bless you,” he said as he got off the bus and waved goodbye. “Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’ll never forget you.” The next Monday when the attorney got to work his friends were dying to know his reaction to the turkey. You cannot imagine their chagrin when he told them what he did with it. Every day that week, those guys went looking in vain for a man who may still think a guy intentionally sold him a fake turkey for his last couple of bucks and some change.

Text: Psalm 100:4-5 – "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Introduction: How does gratitude transform us? Not just our worship but also our daily lives. Just as we gather around the Thanksgiving table to share stories, blessings, and meals, we are invited to gather at God’s table, remembering His faithfulness in all seasons and responding with hearts full of thanksgiving.

I. Three Things We Learn to Be Grateful for From Our Past:

The past, while sometimes painful or imperfect, is often a treasure chest of God’s lessons and blessings. The Bible teaches us to look back with gratitude, finding God’s fingerprints in every season of life. Here are three key things we learn to be grateful for from our past:

1. God's Deliverance

* When we reflect on our past, one of the clearest things to be thankful for is how God has delivered us from trials, sins, or dangers.

* Example from Scripture:

The Israelites were commanded to remember their deliverance from Egypt. Deuteronomy 5:15 says, “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.” This deliverance wasn’t just an act of liberation—it was a reminder of God’s power and love.

Application:

When we look back at the times God rescued us—whether from a harmful situation, bad decisions, or overwhelming circumstances—we can be grateful for His faithful hand. Even the hard times become testimonies of His goodness.

2. Lessons from Trials

Our past trials, though painful, often teach us lessons that shape our character and faith.

* Example from Scripture:

James 1:2-4 encourages us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” God uses hardships to refine us and make us stronger.