A Spirit of Thanksgiving

A Spirit of Thanksgiving
Psalm 100

Thanksgiving is a time when we turn our attention from ourselves to God’s faithfulness.

We tend to be more ungrateful for what we don’t have than grateful for what we do have.

The beginning of man’s rebellion against God was, and is, the lack of a thankful heart. (Frances Schaffer)

A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord. (Billy Graham)

As we look at Psalm 100 this morning, we are encouraged to thank the Lord for who He is and what He has done. We are told how to thank Him, and when and where to thank Him.

1. Gratitude leads us to shout joyfully to the Lord (Psalm 100:1)

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

• Worship should be both public and private
• Worship should be passionate and never passive
• Worship should be pointed to the Lord
• Worship should come from all people

Thankfulness to God and worship is a recognition that we are totally dependent upon Him; all that we are and have comes from God. – Jerry Bridges

2. Gratitude glorifies God by our desire to serve and sing (Psalm 100:2)

Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!

• Serve genuinely
• Serve exclusively
• Sing daily
• Sing joyfully

The Christian who walks with the Lord and keeps constant communion with Him will see many reasons for rejoicing and thanksgiving all day long. – Warren Wiersbe

3. Gratitude thanks God for being our creator and shepherd (Psalm 100:3)

Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Give thanks to the Lord because...

• He is God
• He has made us
• We belong to Him
• He is our loving shepherd

The grateful heart is like a magnet sweeping over the day, collecting reasons for gratitude. – Max Lucado

4. Gratitude stirs us to bless His name and give Him praise (Psalm 100:4)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!

Our thanksgiving and praise should be...  

• Visible
• Vocal 
• Vibrant

One day is not long enough to thank God for all that He’s given you and His blessings come daily. - Adrian Rogers

5. Gratitude motivates us to speak of God’s love and faithfulness (Psalm 100:5)

For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Give thanks to the Lord because...

• He is good
• His lovingkindness is everlasting
• He is faithful forever

God is in control, and therefore in everything I can give thanks - not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it. – Kay Arthur 

7 Takeaways for Growing a Spirit of Thanksgiving

1. Take In
   Read Psalm 100 aloud for a week as you begin and end each day.

2. Take Note
   Open your eyes to your neighbors. Do something good for a neighbor weekly.

3. Take Down
   Keep a journal of material and non-material blessings. Review your journal often.

4. Take Time
   Take time to write notes to 5 people you appreciate and have helped you grow in Christ.

5. Take Out
   Have a song of praise or gratitude in your soul to take out and sing daily.

6. Take With
   Take with you an attitude of gratitude into your daily conversations and interactions.

7. Take Up
   Lift your blessings as prayers of thanksgiving daily.

Making it Personal: 

• The greatest way to show God how grateful you are is to receive His gift of salvation. Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ? 
• What kind of gratitude action step is Jesus looking for from you? Is there a family member or friend in need of help? Is there something you feel compelled to do? 
• Do you take the time to thank God each day? How can you express your gratitude daily? 
• What is your next step today? Become a follower of Jesus Christ, publicly identify with Christ in believer’s baptism, or become a member of the First Baptist Family?