The Benefits Of Thanksgiving

It is not only the sign of a spirit filled believer to give thanks. Praise, prayer and thanksgiving are strong vital signs of a vibrant spirit filled church.

A thankful heart is recognition of God’s good hand and presence in whatever situation we face. We often ask God to change the circumstances and forget to thank Him for being with us in every circumstance.

V. Be aware of what keeps you from being thankful

A) A critical spirit

A bishop was invited to dinner. During the meal he was astonished to hear the younger daughter state that a person must be very brave to go to church these days. “Why do you say that?” asked the bishop.

“Because,” she answered, “I heard Dad tell Mom last Sunday that there was a big shot in the pulpit, the canon was in the vestry, the choir murdered the anthem, and the organist drowned everybody!”

B) A prideful spirit

Pride is a sign and a symptom of an unbelieving unregenerate heart. Read Romans 1:21

Those that will not bow their lives before the gracious hand of God will certainly not give thanks to Him.

The Scottish preacher George H. Morrison said, "Nine-tenths of our unhappiness is selfishness, and is an insult cast in the face of God." (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament)

VI. Be aware of the benefits of thanksgiving

A) If you are giving thanks you are in God’s will

B) If you are giving thanks you are living in God’s presence

C) If you are giving thanks you are overcoming circumstances

What are some ways we can give thanks?

Share what you have with others

Spend time in the ministries God has grown in this body

Steward what you have for God’s glory

Share the gospel with those that don’t know Jesus

Surrender you plans, desires and opinions to God’s will and His mission for Immanuel

Shout thanks to God.

Conclusion: Forgive Me When I Whine

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with golden hair; I envied her -- she seemed so gay, and how, I wished I were so fair; When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle; she had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed, a smile. Oh God, forgive me when I whine, I have two feet -- the world is mine.

And when I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm; he seemed to radiate good cheer, his manner was so kind and warm; I said, "It's nice to deal with you, such courtesy I seldom find"; he turned and said, "Oh, thank you sir." And then I saw that he was blind. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine, I have two eyes, and the world is mine.

Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue; he stood and watched the others play, it seemed he knew not what to do; I stopped a moment, then I said, "Why don't you join the others, dear?" He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew he could not hear. Oh God, forgive me when I whine, I have two ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go; with eyes to see the sunsets glow, with ears to hear what I would know. I am blessed indeed. The world is mine; oh, God, forgive me when I whine. (Source unknown)