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.
Application:
Gratitude flows when we see how God used past struggles to grow us. Perhaps a difficult season deepened your prayer life or taught you to trust God in ways you never had before. These lessons are priceless gifts.
3. Evidence of God's Provision
Looking back, we often realize how God has consistently provided for our needs—even when we doubted.
Example from Scripture:
In 1 Samuel 7:12, Samuel sets up a stone and names it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” This stone served as a reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness in their journey.
Application:
Think of the times God provided exactly what you needed: a job, a relationship, encouragement, or even daily bread. Gratitude springs up when we recognize that God has been Jehovah Jireh—our provider—all along.
Conclusion:
The past is not a place to dwell in regret but a foundation for thanksgiving. We can look back with hearts full of gratitude for God’s deliverance, the lessons learned in trials, and His provision through every season. As Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Let us recount His faithfulness and let it fuel our thanksgiving today!
II. Three Lessons We Learn from the Present to Be Grateful For:
Living in the present teaches us invaluable lessons about gratitude. While it’s easy to focus on what’s ahead or dwell on what’s behind, the Bible reminds us that God is actively working in our lives now.
The Case of the Worn-Out Rocking Chair: There’s a story I heard about a man who inherited an old rocking chair. It wasn’t much to look at—just a creaky, faded thing with chipped paint. But it had belonged to his grandmother, and he cherished it for the memories it carried. She used to sit in that chair, humming hymns and praying, no matter how tough life got.
One day, the man decided he wanted to get the chair restored. He brought it to a craftsman known for his ability to bring old furniture back to life. As the craftsman examined the chair, he chuckled and said, “Do you know what’s wrong with this chair?”
The man was curious. “Well, it’s old and wobbly, isn’t it?”
“No,” the craftsman replied. “The problem with this chair isn’t its age. It’s all the complaining that’s been done while sitting in it.”
The man laughed, but the craftsman went on, “You see, rocking chairs are great for moving, but they don’t take you anywhere. That’s what complaining does—it gives you something to do, but it won’t take you forward. It only wears you down.”
How true that is! Complaining is like sitting in a rocking chair, going back and forth, back and forth, yet staying in the same spot. It consumes our energy, blinds us to blessings, and keeps us stuck in a cycle of negativity.
The Israelites learned this the hard way. After being miraculously delivered from Egypt, they began complaining in the wilderness. They grumbled about food, water, and even God’s leadership (Exodus 16:2-3). Despite all God had done, they couldn’t see the Promised Land ahead because they were too busy looking back and grumbling.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Complaining doesn’t just affect us; it affects our witness.
So, the next time you feel like complaining, stop and ask yourself: Am I stuck in a rocking chair? Instead of grumbling, choose gratitude. Instead of whining, choose worship. Let God restore your heart, like that craftsman restored the rocking chair—free of the wear and tear of needless complaints.
When we trade complaining for thankfulness, we start moving forward in God’s will and enjoy the peace and joy He promises. And that, my friends, is a journey worth taking.
"A complainer sees a problem in every blessing, but a grateful heart finds a blessing in every problem."
Here are three lessons we can embrace to cultivate gratitude in the present:
1. God's Mercies Are New Every Morning
The present is a constant reminder that God’s mercies are renewed for us daily, giving us strength for each moment.
Example from Scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Application:
Every day, no matter how challenging, is filled with fresh opportunities to experience God’s grace. Whether it’s through a kind word, a provision for a need, or the peace that sustains us, we can be grateful for the tangible evidence of His compassion right now.
2. God Is Our Ever-Present Help
We learn in the present that God isn’t a distant deity; He is with us, providing guidance, strength, and comfort moment by moment.
Example from Scripture:
Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Application:
When life feels overwhelming, we can pause and give thanks that we are not alone. God is with us, actively helping us through difficulties. Gratitude grows when we stop to recognize His sustaining power in our current circumstances.
3. The Gift of Today
The present teaches us the importance of valuing today as a gift, filled with opportunities to glorify God and love others.
Example from Scripture:
Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Application:
Each day is a unique opportunity to serve, grow, and enjoy the blessings God has provided. Gratitude comes when we choose to focus on today’s blessings rather than worrying about tomorrow or regretting yesterday. We can thank God for the little things: a sunrise, a meal, or a moment with loved ones.
Conclusion:
Gratitude in the present is cultivated when we remember that God’s mercies are new each day, His help is ever-present, and each day is a gift to be cherished. As we live in the now, let us intentionally thank God for the blessings and lessons this moment holds. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
In every situation, let us pause and say, “Thank you, Lord, for this moment.”
Sermon Illustration: The Gift of Today
Title: The Unopened Gift
Imagine a man named Jonathan who received a beautifully wrapped gift from his best friend. It wasn’t his birthday or Christmas—just an ordinary Tuesday. Curious but busy, Jonathan set the gift aside, thinking, I’ll open it later when I have more time.
The next day came, and again Jonathan walked past the gift, saying, I’ll get to it tomorrow. Days turned into weeks, and soon the gift became just another piece of furniture, collecting dust on the shelf. One day, his friend called and asked, “Hey, how did you like the gift?”
Jonathan hesitated. He hadn’t opened it. Embarrassed, he finally unwrapped it and found inside a handwritten letter and a beautiful watch engraved with the words, "Cherish every moment."
Jonathan had wasted weeks with the gift unopened, missing the joy it was meant to bring.
So often, we treat today like that unopened gift. We’re so preoccupied with yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries that we forget to cherish what God has given us right now. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Today is a gift from God—wrapped with fresh opportunities, new mercies, and moments to glorify Him.
Think about it: God didn’t promise you yesterday, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, but He gave you today. He’s given you breath in your lungs, people to love, and a purpose to fulfill.
Let’s not leave the gift of today unopened. Rejoice in it, live it fully, and give thanks to the One who made it. Like Jonathan learned with the watch, every moment matters. Open the gift of today, and cherish every second as a blessing from God.
III. Three Lessons We Learn About Being Thankful for Tomorrow:
The Bible encourages us to approach the future with faith, hope, and gratitude. While tomorrow is unknown, it is also a gift filled with God’s promises and opportunities. Here are three lessons we can learn about being thankful for tomorrow, grounded in Scripture:
1. Tomorrow Brings New Opportunities for God’s Work
The future is not something to fear but a canvas for God’s continued work in and through us.
Example from Scripture:
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Application:
God has already planned opportunities for us to make a difference tomorrow. We can be grateful for the potential to serve Him, grow in faith, and share His love with others in ways we may not even expect. Gratitude for tomorrow springs from trusting that God’s plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11).
2. Tomorrow Carries the Promise of God’s Faithfulness
Even though tomorrow is uncertain, God’s faithfulness is not.
Example from Scripture:
Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The same God who has been faithful in the past and present will continue to be faithful in the future.
Application:
We can thank God for the assurance that He will be with us no matter what tomorrow holds. This gives us peace and hope, knowing that His promises endure beyond today. As Lamentations 3:23 says, “Great is your faithfulness.”
3. Tomorrow Offers Hope for Redemption and Renewal
Each new day is a chance for God to bring renewal, healing, and redemption to our lives.
Example from Scripture:
Isaiah 43:19 declares, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” God specializes in creating new beginnings.
Application:
No matter how broken today might feel, tomorrow carries hope. It’s an opportunity for God to turn mourning into joy, failure into growth, and despair into hope. Gratitude for tomorrow stems from trusting that God is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).
Conclusion:
Being thankful for tomorrow is not about controlling the future but trusting the One who holds it. We are grateful for tomorrow because it offers new opportunities to serve, the assurance of God’s faithfulness, and the hope of renewal and redemption. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Let us thank God today for the hope and promise of what tomorrow will bring!
