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Let us give thanks…. 1.Gratitude takes us beyond our circumstances into the presence of the Lord. Ps118:1 “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.” One of the key distinguishing marks of a Christian that sets us apart from the world is gratitude.
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1.Gratitude takes us beyond our circumstances into the presence of the Lord. • Ps118:1 “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.” • One of the key distinguishing marks of a Christian that sets us apart from the world is gratitude.
2. Gratitude is about perspective in life not about circumstances. • Paul was not moved by his imprisonment, being shipwrecked, being flogged or stone; he was moved by his gratitude for a God who loved and saved him.
3. Gratitude makes your witness for Christ more viable. • 1 Pet 2:12 “Keep your behavior excellent among the unbeliever so that in the thing in which they slander you they may on account of your good deeds…glorify God…” • Some of us act like we’ve been baptized in vinegar rather than the Holy Spirit. No one wants to listen to a sour puss.
4. Staying grateful keeps us appreciative of our relationships. • Paul exemplified gratitude for relationships: Rom 1:8/ 1 Cor 1:4/ Eph 1:16/ Phil 1:3/ Col 1:3 • “I thank my God in remembrance of you.”
Testimonies from: • Jim Bartman • Valerie Evenson
Story of atheist and believer traveling together…. • We were designed by God to be thankful to Him. • 1 Cor 4:7b “What do you have that you did not receive, and if you did receive it, you cannot boast…”