WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THANKSGIVING

How do you react to adversity? When everything in going good,
and going our way, it’s easy to praise the Lord.
But when our plans are disrupted, and we have a mountain of
bills to face, or our health fails, thankfulness seems to disappear.
It’s easy to let these things really cloud our thinking, and cause us
to slip into discouragement, and degrees of deep depression.
The Apostle Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica and
encourages them (and us) to look at the benefits of thanksgiving.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we find two instructions on thanksgiving,
that will keep us in the positive, and truly bless our lives.
1. THE EXTENT OF THANKSGIVING
(1 Thessalonians 5:18a)
“In everything give thanks”
2. THE EXPECTATION OF THANKSGIVING
(1 Thessalonians 5:18b)
“For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
“COUNT”
Count your blessings instead of your crosses.
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes.
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears.
Count your courage instead of your fears
Count your full years instead of your lean.
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth.
Count on God instead of yourself ___Selected.

BLESSINGS OF THE NEW AND LIVING WAY

As we enter into a time of Thanksgiving, I would like for us to look at what the Hebrew writer says is the greatest blessing of all. Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary, we now have access to the presence of God. Back in Old Testament times, the only one who could approach God on behalf of the people, was the high priest. Once a year, he entered the most holy place, and sprinkled the blood of the animals, on the mercy seat, of the Ark of the Covenant. This was to atone for the sins of the people. But now because our eternal high priest, Jesus Christ, was the sacrifice for our sins, the veil that separated the most holy place from the rest of the temple, was torn from top to bottom. This means that now each one who has surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, has personal access to the throne of God.
This is truly the greatest blessing one could have.
To enjoy a personal fellowship with the God of the universe, is truly the greatest blessing of all.
In Hebrews 10:19-25 The Hebrew writer breaks down for us the elements of this wonderful blessing. Because of our Lord Jesus Christ, we can..
1. DRAW NEAR (Hebrews 10:22)
2. HOLD FAST TO OUR CONFESSION (Hebrews 10:23)
3. CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER (Hebrews 10:24)
4. ASSEMBLE OURSELVES TOGETHER
(Hebrews 10:25)

THE QUALITY OF SACRIFICE

Veteran's Day not only calls us to remember those who
gave their lives for our country, but also calls us to
a desire, a privilege, a responsibility that we as
American citizens, and Christians have;
and that is: To Sacrifice
The Apostle Paul describes this kind of sacrifice in
Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore brethren, by the
mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
What motivates this kind of sacrifice? Love
Paul does not say "I command you: But "I beseech you
because of what God has already done for you."
We do not serve God in order to receive His mercies,
because we already have them. (3:21-8:39)
We must ask ourselves this question:
How much do we love the Lord?
If we love Him all our heart, soul, and strength, then
we will offer to God this kind of sacrifice, Paul talks about
here.
Let;s look briefly at the qualities of this sacrifice:
1. THIS SACRIFICE IS TO BE A LIVING SACRIFICE
(Romans 12:1a)
2. THIS SACRIFICE IS TO BE A HOLY SACRIFICE
(Romans 12:1b)
3. THIS SACRIFICE MUST BE ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD
(Romans 12:1c)
4. THIS SACRIFICE IS TO BE A REASONABLE SERVICE
(Romans 12:1d)