Who are We Giving Thanks to? – Watchful Wednesdays
Everyone around Thanksgiving seems to be saying “thanks” but our minister questioned “to whom are they giving thanks?”
The following notes are based on last Sunday’s Sermon – Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude by Harry Morgan.
We, as Christians, are giving thanks to our God – who is real and exists. Everything is a gift of God. We need to grow our attitude of gratitude so we remember that when we do things well or great things happen to us – that it is NOT us – but instead it is a gift from God.
The words: “I’m good at this. I made my own way.” Don’t we hear this? But is it true? NO.
God put us together for a purpose.
Three points – to help us get a starting point for thankfulness to God
Based on Matthew 6:25-34.
1. Do not worry about our lives. Life is more than food, the body more than clothing. “Consider the ravens.” Think and ponder, imagine. This Scripture makes us think. Ravens don’t think about things – they just live. God feeds them. And God cares about you more than the ravens.
God creates and provides for us.
Jesus wants us to consider creation. – The wonder of the created world. There is One to be thankful to – God did this. But our world talks about evolution instead – an accident?, luck? – just popped into being. Right? NO. We can see design, engineering, beauty, in all things. Consider one single CELL – it so complex, so complex.
2. Consider the lilies. Stop and think about flowers. Why? All the colours. God made so many different kinds of flowers. But these flowers don’t work at it. It just happens. Even Solomon wasn’t arrayed like one of these. We cannot make anything to compare to one of God’s flowers.
God is extravagant.
God always goes big. All the creatures, with variety, – so wonderful. But we are the only creatures that can comprehend – rational, emotional, volitional. God made us – in His Own Image but the earth’s creatures could go on living without us. Look at all the stars, galaxies. Watch for rainbows… double ones.
3. Seek His Kingdom and these things will be given to you as well. Put all other things aside but seek God first. His reign, His Kingdom, His will – make that your first choice. Lord’s prayer says – Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Follow Jesus
He is the way God connects to us. Without Jesus we don’t get God. He becomes one of us. Chats with us. He eats and drinks with us. He gets tired. He has friends and family who are like us. He suffers. He dies like us and for us. Jesus shows that He loves us and cares for us. Jesus is interested in loving us. Serve and follow Jesus. Put aside all the world is chasing and instead seek God – you get thankful and joyful. It increases and grows.
And therefore you cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
List to the whole sermon – Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude.
