WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.839 Go ahead and take your Bibles this morning, and before you turn to the book of Mark, go to Colossians. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:13.060 We'll change things up a little bit this morning. We'll continue back in our series there in the book of Mark next week. 00:00:13.160 --> 00:00:15.880 But we're going to take a look here for a few moments here this morning. 00:00:16.140 --> 00:00:22.039 In the book of Colossians, chapter 3, here this morning, we're going to be talking about Thanksgiving 00:00:22.039 --> 00:00:28.560 and thankfulness for a moment here this morning, and just this understanding that, you know, 00:00:28.559 --> 00:00:33.839 it's really, it's more than a meal. Have you ever noticed that Thanksgiving, as you go through, 00:00:33.920 --> 00:00:40.179 oftentimes becomes focused around just the meal? The preparations, all the things involved with it, 00:00:40.179 --> 00:00:46.320 and, you know, it is a great day, what we celebrate this week. I think it's a wonderful holiday, 00:00:46.920 --> 00:00:53.219 because holidays are something that are there for us to remember, and to pay attention to. And I think 00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:59.579 it's great that we have a day that we actually stop, or at least supposed to stop, and consider 00:00:59.579 --> 00:01:08.099 thankfulness. To consider what that means, and what's surrounded around it, because the idea of a day 00:01:08.099 --> 00:01:14.840 of giving thanks is rooted really very firmly even in our nation. From the very beginning, it was a 00:01:14.840 --> 00:01:24.240 concept that many practiced, and on December 4th, 1619, was the first time that they said that they had 00:01:24.240 --> 00:01:31.460 a declaration that they can find in our nation, in America, in these shores, when 38 British settlers 00:01:31.460 --> 00:01:37.659 reached Berkeley on the bank of the Virginia's James River, and the first thing they did was 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:43.500 proclaiming a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God. You know, they arrive, and what do they do? 00:01:43.500 --> 00:01:50.079 They proclaim a day of thanksgiving, a day to honor and just to thank the Lord. But often our roots of 00:01:50.079 --> 00:01:57.960 thanksgiving is placed around a meal celebrated in November of 1621, you know, when William Bradford 00:01:57.960 --> 00:02:06.099 declared a day of thanksgiving, inviting the Native American allies and those that would come, 00:02:06.460 --> 00:02:12.719 and they had a meal together. Actually, it was about a three-day meal. And when you read history, 00:02:12.719 --> 00:02:15.659 you know, it's something I think we would have had a good time at. You know, they did all sorts of 00:02:15.659 --> 00:02:20.379 things. They had games, and they had shooting events. They had all sorts of stuff that they did 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:25.560 in the course of three days. They even went hunting. You know, when you read the accounts, they went 00:02:25.560 --> 00:02:30.819 hunting and got some deer, you know. It's like there's a lot of people who say, hey, that's my kind of a 00:02:30.819 --> 00:02:37.020 three-day event, you know, to get together and to do those things. But we know those things from 00:02:37.020 --> 00:02:44.240 history that often get promoted, but you know, the origins of thanksgiving go farther. They go a lot 00:02:44.240 --> 00:02:52.860 farther back in time. The idea of being thankful, you know, we find even those at the early settlers 00:02:52.860 --> 00:02:59.100 and later celebrations, they understood that what they were celebrating was not a current idea. 00:02:59.099 --> 00:03:05.519 It wasn't just about a meal. It wasn't about the activity. It was about what was it for? 00:03:07.359 --> 00:03:13.599 Because you find even in the Psalms, you'll find that many times, thanks, thanksgiving, thankfulness, 00:03:14.099 --> 00:03:17.379 you know, those terms, you know, Psalm 75 starts off, it says, 00:03:17.539 --> 00:03:21.459 unto thee, O God, do we give thanks. Unto thee do we give thanks. 00:03:21.819 --> 00:03:25.519 For that thy name is near, thy wondrous works declare. 00:03:25.520 --> 00:03:30.840 You know, you think about what the Word of God tells us in the focus upon thankfulness. 00:03:31.480 --> 00:03:37.040 And when you begin looking at thankfulness and this idea of gratitude, you'll find it recorded 00:03:37.040 --> 00:03:43.120 throughout Scripture. You know, the first time you really see the phrase is in Leviticus. 00:03:43.860 --> 00:03:47.200 But you know, if you go back and you read before that, you'll find that there's, 00:03:47.439 --> 00:03:52.600 it might not be phrased that way, it might not be called thankfulness or thanksgiving, 00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:55.960 but you see actions that demonstrate it. 00:03:57.299 --> 00:04:01.139 You know, because thankfulness is not just something we say. 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:04.840 Thankfulness is something that involves what we do. 00:04:06.359 --> 00:04:08.359 How we handle those things. 00:04:08.439 --> 00:04:11.799 How do we walk through those things in life? 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:15.079 And you can find that concept from the beginning. 00:04:15.080 --> 00:04:21.199 And we find that thankfulness is something that represents more than just a day or a meal 00:04:21.199 --> 00:04:25.220 that we often associate it with today. 00:04:26.660 --> 00:04:31.139 But I think we need to be encouraged to say it's not about the meal. 00:04:31.240 --> 00:04:34.460 The meal is a function that surrounds and lets us slow down 00:04:34.460 --> 00:04:37.180 and really consider what's important. 00:04:37.280 --> 00:04:40.600 And what is important is how we are thinking, 00:04:40.600 --> 00:04:44.860 how are we processing the things that we have? 00:04:45.900 --> 00:04:48.240 The things in life that go on around us. 00:04:48.379 --> 00:04:51.060 And it's a frame of mind, you might say, 00:04:51.100 --> 00:04:54.560 of how you interpret the world around you. 00:04:55.680 --> 00:04:59.640 You know, thankfulness goes beyond just words 00:04:59.640 --> 00:05:02.240 because it is a whole lens in which we see. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:05.160 And we're going to look at that this morning 00:05:05.160 --> 00:05:10.320 because Colossians brings out some of those things here this morning for us. 00:05:10.380 --> 00:05:12.300 It's something that doesn't just happen, 00:05:12.800 --> 00:05:15.160 but thankfulness needs to be a part of us. 00:05:15.980 --> 00:05:19.460 It needs to be part of who we are as an individual, 00:05:19.460 --> 00:05:21.900 to be thankful in that. 00:05:22.020 --> 00:05:24.080 And so if you found Colossians here this morning, 00:05:24.480 --> 00:05:26.300 chapter 3, let's stand together 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:28.340 in honor of the reading of the Word of God. 00:05:28.440 --> 00:05:31.000 And we'll pick up here in verse 15 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:32.520 as you follow along. 00:05:32.580 --> 00:05:33.560 And you see here, and it says, 00:05:33.560 --> 00:05:35.879 let the peace of God rule in your hearts, 00:05:36.100 --> 00:05:39.459 to the which also ye are called in one body. 00:05:40.759 --> 00:05:42.040 And be ye thankful. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.980 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, 00:05:47.139 --> 00:05:49.779 teaching and admonishing one another 00:05:49.779 --> 00:05:52.240 in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 00:05:52.379 --> 00:05:54.519 singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 00:05:55.399 --> 00:05:58.279 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:01.100 do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:06.020 giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:07.379 Let's pray. 00:06:07.460 --> 00:06:09.140 Heavenly Fathers, we come before you today. 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:13.780 Lord, we pray just would have your hand upon each one here today. 00:06:13.900 --> 00:06:15.580 Lord, you know each soul. 00:06:15.700 --> 00:06:16.640 You know each individual. 00:06:17.740 --> 00:06:19.540 Lord, you know those who have called upon you. 00:06:19.580 --> 00:06:21.280 Lord, if there's one here today that's unsure 00:06:21.280 --> 00:06:24.900 or does not know what you've done, Lord, for them, 00:06:24.899 --> 00:06:26.939 or that we could truly be thankful. 00:06:28.019 --> 00:06:29.759 Lord, those that you've redeemed, 00:06:29.859 --> 00:06:31.039 that have called upon you, Lord, 00:06:31.079 --> 00:06:34.079 we have nothing but reason to be thankful 00:06:34.079 --> 00:06:35.519 for what you've done for us. 00:06:35.599 --> 00:06:37.679 But Lord, we pray just would stir our minds 00:06:37.679 --> 00:06:41.479 towards this idea of thankfulness here today 00:06:41.479 --> 00:06:43.060 and how it ought to not just be something 00:06:43.060 --> 00:06:44.399 that we say or do, 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:46.939 even, but Lord, something that is a part 00:06:46.939 --> 00:06:49.919 of who we are in our daily life. 00:06:49.979 --> 00:06:51.359 And Lord, we just give you all the praise 00:06:51.360 --> 00:06:52.360 in Jesus' name. 00:06:53.040 --> 00:06:53.480 Amen. 00:06:53.699 --> 00:06:54.240 You may be seated. 00:06:55.639 --> 00:06:56.759 Because as we see here, 00:06:56.800 --> 00:06:59.360 to be thankful doesn't begin outwardly, 00:07:00.139 --> 00:07:01.439 but begins inwardly. 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:04.080 You want something that's within an individual 00:07:04.080 --> 00:07:05.740 that comes out. 00:07:05.920 --> 00:07:07.420 And we can see it clearly. 00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:10.620 You know, Ephesians chapter 1 in verse 16 00:07:10.620 --> 00:07:11.460 tells us this. 00:07:11.580 --> 00:07:11.780 It says, 00:07:12.120 --> 00:07:14.460 Cease not to give thanks for you, 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:17.000 making mention of you in my prayers. 00:07:17.060 --> 00:07:18.220 That was the Apostle Paul. 00:07:18.300 --> 00:07:20.660 He wasn't just thankful for what God had given to him. 00:07:20.660 --> 00:07:22.420 He was thankful for others 00:07:22.420 --> 00:07:23.740 that God put in his life. 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:26.140 He was thankful even in the midst 00:07:26.140 --> 00:07:27.600 of trials and struggles. 00:07:28.580 --> 00:07:30.020 When things didn't go well, 00:07:30.280 --> 00:07:31.560 he says we need to be thankful. 00:07:31.960 --> 00:07:33.180 When things go well, 00:07:33.240 --> 00:07:34.720 we need to remember to be thankful. 00:07:35.440 --> 00:07:35.740 He says, 00:07:35.900 --> 00:07:37.040 no matter where you're at, 00:07:37.100 --> 00:07:38.000 you need to be thankful. 00:07:39.560 --> 00:07:40.900 To have an attitude, 00:07:41.200 --> 00:07:42.900 a spirit of thankfulness, 00:07:43.020 --> 00:07:43.980 because, you know, 00:07:44.040 --> 00:07:45.660 we can be thankful for others. 00:07:45.900 --> 00:07:48.460 Thankful begins with our attitude, 00:07:48.459 --> 00:07:48.799 though, 00:07:48.879 --> 00:07:49.639 towards God, 00:07:49.719 --> 00:07:50.680 because, you know, 00:07:50.739 --> 00:07:53.039 oftentimes we forget that God is the one, 00:07:53.099 --> 00:07:53.839 his provider. 00:07:54.279 --> 00:07:55.859 He is the one that gives everything, 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:57.319 including our very life, 00:07:57.399 --> 00:07:57.819 to us. 00:07:58.759 --> 00:08:00.639 He is the giver of life. 00:08:01.060 --> 00:08:03.079 And we understand that thanksgiving 00:08:03.079 --> 00:08:06.599 is not centered in the words that are said, 00:08:06.799 --> 00:08:08.560 but in the spirit behind it. 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:09.539 You know, 00:08:09.560 --> 00:08:11.240 when we understand what's happening, 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:13.299 when we're instructed to be thankful, 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:15.560 it is centered upon the fact 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:17.740 that we have the peace of God 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:19.100 in our heart. 00:08:19.460 --> 00:08:21.120 Now, take a look there in verse 15. 00:08:21.240 --> 00:08:23.020 Notice what it tells us here in our text. 00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:23.759 It says, 00:08:23.900 --> 00:08:26.280 and let the peace of God rule in your hearts. 00:08:26.900 --> 00:08:27.160 You know, 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:29.120 one of the things, 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:30.860 that if you're at peace with God 00:08:30.860 --> 00:08:33.560 and understand what God has done for you, 00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:35.120 it's going to change your perspective. 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:38.200 It's going to change the way you think. 00:08:38.900 --> 00:08:40.840 It's going to change the way you see 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:42.560 the things around us 00:08:42.560 --> 00:08:43.860 and the things going on. 00:08:44.160 --> 00:08:45.320 And when the peace of God, 00:08:45.379 --> 00:08:47.020 when we're at peace with God 00:08:47.020 --> 00:08:49.140 and experience the peace of God, 00:08:49.220 --> 00:08:50.900 because we're not going to get into detail 00:08:50.900 --> 00:08:52.280 about the difference between the two, 00:08:52.320 --> 00:08:53.200 but there is a difference. 00:08:54.860 --> 00:08:57.560 Because you can never have the peace of God 00:08:57.560 --> 00:08:58.240 in your life 00:08:58.240 --> 00:08:59.940 if you're not first at peace with God. 00:09:01.040 --> 00:09:02.480 And peace with God 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:04.780 is when you recognize Him as your Savior 00:09:04.780 --> 00:09:05.820 and call upon Him. 00:09:05.820 --> 00:09:08.960 And the Bible says that we're no longer His enemy, 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:11.580 but we're become part of His family. 00:09:11.960 --> 00:09:14.820 I mean, it's a totally transformational setting 00:09:15.360 --> 00:09:17.060 and dynamic that's represented. 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:18.220 It's totally different. 00:09:19.879 --> 00:09:23.080 But to be thankful is centered upon that 00:09:23.080 --> 00:09:25.540 when we understand who God is 00:09:25.540 --> 00:09:27.480 and His presence and His peace 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:29.780 that comes when you trust Christ 00:09:29.780 --> 00:09:31.640 and you know that your sins are forgiven 00:09:31.640 --> 00:09:35.400 and the guilt and shame is no longer upon you. 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:36.879 And without the peace of God, 00:09:37.319 --> 00:09:40.220 we need to understand 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:41.919 you can't have peace with God. 00:09:43.459 --> 00:09:44.659 And that's how we truly, 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:46.139 the perspective and the lens 00:09:46.139 --> 00:09:48.860 that we understand thankfulness or gratitude. 00:09:50.059 --> 00:09:52.819 To understand what God has done for us 00:09:52.819 --> 00:09:55.600 and to understand to experience. 00:09:56.740 --> 00:09:57.779 Now I want you to understand, 00:09:58.779 --> 00:10:00.939 we need a lot of things about experience today, 00:10:00.940 --> 00:10:01.900 but I want you to understand 00:10:01.900 --> 00:10:03.000 when you get saved, 00:10:03.100 --> 00:10:05.240 there is an element of experience to it. 00:10:06.900 --> 00:10:08.020 You've been transformed. 00:10:08.700 --> 00:10:09.700 You've been changed. 00:10:09.780 --> 00:10:11.040 That's something you experience. 00:10:11.340 --> 00:10:13.040 Now not like people try to blow it up 00:10:13.040 --> 00:10:13.720 like any, you know, 00:10:13.740 --> 00:10:15.420 a lot of people blow things out of perspective, 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:16.320 but you know, 00:10:16.340 --> 00:10:17.840 an experience just means something 00:10:17.840 --> 00:10:19.060 that happened to you. 00:10:19.320 --> 00:10:20.140 And when you get saved, 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:21.360 there's something happened to you. 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:24.980 The Bible says that you were dead in your sins 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:25.940 and your trespasses 00:10:25.940 --> 00:10:27.900 and you were made alive in Christ. 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:28.860 That's a big change. 00:10:30.179 --> 00:10:33.340 You experienced a new life in Christ. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:34.139 You know, 00:10:34.340 --> 00:10:36.059 you understand the reality 00:10:36.059 --> 00:10:37.259 of what's being said 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:39.360 that is available to us 00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:40.899 and thankfulness 00:10:40.899 --> 00:10:42.720 and this disposition of gratitude 00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:44.559 are something that we ought to have 00:10:44.559 --> 00:10:45.899 when we understand 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:47.539 what God has done for us. 00:10:48.620 --> 00:10:48.879 You know, 00:10:48.939 --> 00:10:50.039 because when we understand 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:51.299 what God has done for us, 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:52.699 it changes our perspective. 00:10:53.419 --> 00:10:55.299 It changes our understanding. 00:10:55.299 --> 00:10:58.419 It ought to change the lens 00:10:58.419 --> 00:11:00.039 through which we see things happening. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:04.099 Because thankfulness is that. 00:11:04.199 --> 00:11:05.199 It's almost a lens 00:11:05.199 --> 00:11:06.500 through which we see 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:08.419 what's going on around us. 00:11:09.099 --> 00:11:10.059 To understand, 00:11:10.159 --> 00:11:10.459 he says, 00:11:10.539 --> 00:11:12.299 tells us to be ye thankful. 00:11:13.159 --> 00:11:13.719 Thankfulness 00:11:13.719 --> 00:11:15.859 and the importance of it, 00:11:15.939 --> 00:11:16.699 this disposition, 00:11:17.039 --> 00:11:19.099 extends to those around us 00:11:19.099 --> 00:11:21.579 and the situations of life. 00:11:21.580 --> 00:11:22.520 you know, 00:11:22.720 --> 00:11:24.500 when we know 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:25.780 what's happening in life, 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:26.060 I mean, 00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:27.120 life can be rough, 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:28.320 but when we understand 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:30.320 that God is the one 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:32.060 that gives peace, 00:11:32.120 --> 00:11:32.740 he is the one 00:11:32.740 --> 00:11:33.980 that helps us to know 00:11:33.980 --> 00:11:35.440 and to understand 00:11:35.440 --> 00:11:37.080 those things in life 00:11:37.080 --> 00:11:37.639 to put them 00:11:37.639 --> 00:11:38.700 in the right perspective 00:11:38.700 --> 00:11:40.840 that we might be thankful. 00:11:42.160 --> 00:11:43.759 To have that right spirit 00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:44.800 of thankfulness. 00:11:45.640 --> 00:11:45.800 You know, 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:47.540 1 Corinthians 14.33 00:11:47.540 --> 00:11:48.520 tells us this, 00:11:48.580 --> 00:11:48.820 it says, 00:11:48.820 --> 00:11:50.300 for God is not the author 00:11:50.299 --> 00:11:51.500 of confusion, 00:11:51.699 --> 00:11:52.379 but of peace 00:11:52.379 --> 00:11:53.839 as in all the churches 00:11:53.839 --> 00:11:54.599 of the saints. 00:11:54.699 --> 00:11:55.399 I want you to understand 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:57.019 God's the author of peace 00:11:57.019 --> 00:11:58.459 and when we have peace 00:11:58.459 --> 00:11:59.719 with God 00:11:59.719 --> 00:12:01.419 and we experience his peace, 00:12:01.439 --> 00:12:02.319 we can have peace 00:12:02.319 --> 00:12:02.919 about things 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:04.179 that are happening in life 00:12:04.179 --> 00:12:05.179 which makes it 00:12:05.179 --> 00:12:06.299 a lot different perspective 00:12:06.299 --> 00:12:07.000 to be thankful 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:08.099 for the things of life. 00:12:09.679 --> 00:12:10.719 To understand 00:12:10.719 --> 00:12:11.479 what's happening. 00:12:11.699 --> 00:12:11.799 So, 00:12:12.120 --> 00:12:12.719 we might say, 00:12:12.799 --> 00:12:13.559 how do we get 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:14.519 and understand 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:15.539 this thing 00:12:15.539 --> 00:12:17.000 called thankfulness? 00:12:17.000 --> 00:12:18.519 How do we live 00:12:18.519 --> 00:12:19.319 thankfully? 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:19.900 Well, 00:12:19.900 --> 00:12:20.740 that's a great question 00:12:20.740 --> 00:12:22.620 because you have to move it 00:12:22.620 --> 00:12:23.420 from concept 00:12:23.420 --> 00:12:25.040 to application. 00:12:26.480 --> 00:12:26.600 You know, 00:12:26.620 --> 00:12:27.160 have you ever noticed 00:12:27.160 --> 00:12:28.960 that concepts are easy? 00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:30.720 You know, 00:12:30.820 --> 00:12:32.520 they look good on paper, 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:34.100 they sound good, 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:36.540 but application 00:12:36.540 --> 00:12:38.160 is where the tough part comes. 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:40.360 How do I take 00:12:40.360 --> 00:12:41.420 what I know 00:12:41.420 --> 00:12:44.420 and put it to use? 00:12:45.920 --> 00:12:47.440 How does it impact me? 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:48.840 How does what I know 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:50.040 impact what I do 00:12:50.040 --> 00:12:50.800 or how I live 00:12:50.800 --> 00:12:51.600 or what I say? 00:12:53.260 --> 00:12:53.820 And so, 00:12:53.900 --> 00:12:54.620 we're going to look at that 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.440 because the first thing 00:12:55.440 --> 00:12:55.940 this morning 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:56.820 is we need to change 00:12:56.820 --> 00:12:57.280 our thinking. 00:12:57.400 --> 00:12:58.380 We need to think 00:12:58.380 --> 00:12:59.420 thankfully. 00:13:00.360 --> 00:13:01.740 To have an idea 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:02.740 and this gratitude 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:03.660 begins 00:13:03.660 --> 00:13:05.040 in how 00:13:05.040 --> 00:13:06.540 we think. 00:13:06.940 --> 00:13:07.160 You know, 00:13:07.180 --> 00:13:07.580 look here 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:09.640 at verse 15 here. 00:13:09.980 --> 00:13:10.260 It says, 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:11.360 let the peace of God 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:12.280 rule in your hearts 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:13.919 and we need to understand 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:14.819 if something's ruling 00:13:14.819 --> 00:13:15.639 in your heart, 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:16.819 it has to do 00:13:16.819 --> 00:13:17.959 with how you're thinking, 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:19.600 how you're processing 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.919 those things. 00:13:21.039 --> 00:13:21.839 Our perspective 00:13:21.839 --> 00:13:22.759 should be one 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:23.860 of appreciation 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:25.319 and humility 00:13:25.319 --> 00:13:26.740 or it'll be one 00:13:26.740 --> 00:13:27.720 that's wholly opposite. 00:13:27.839 --> 00:13:28.299 Have you ever thought 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:29.319 about this concept 00:13:29.319 --> 00:13:29.819 for a moment? 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:31.519 If you're not thankful, 00:13:31.699 --> 00:13:32.279 what are you? 00:13:32.519 --> 00:13:33.659 Because there's 00:13:33.659 --> 00:13:34.639 a dichotomy here. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.159 You're either thankful 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:37.439 and have gratitude 00:13:37.439 --> 00:13:39.240 or you're complaining 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:40.339 or you're arguing. 00:13:40.340 --> 00:13:41.940 You might maybe 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:43.379 it presents itself. 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:44.399 If you're not thankful, 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:45.060 you have a sense 00:13:45.060 --> 00:13:45.720 of entitlement. 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:46.540 Thankfulness 00:13:46.540 --> 00:13:48.240 contrasts victimhood. 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:49.580 Our thinking 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:50.259 is important, 00:13:50.420 --> 00:13:50.700 isn't it? 00:13:50.840 --> 00:13:51.560 And we see this 00:13:51.560 --> 00:13:52.180 playing out 00:13:52.180 --> 00:13:53.100 of how we think 00:13:53.100 --> 00:13:54.180 and how we process 00:13:54.180 --> 00:13:55.759 these things. 00:13:55.840 --> 00:13:56.560 To be thankful 00:13:56.560 --> 00:13:57.180 is something 00:13:57.180 --> 00:13:57.899 that's tied 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:58.780 to letting the peace 00:13:58.780 --> 00:13:59.259 of God 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:00.840 rule in your heart. 00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:01.440 Now this word 00:14:01.440 --> 00:14:02.060 rule here, 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:03.120 the concept here 00:14:03.120 --> 00:14:04.879 is that when we know 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:06.060 and are governed 00:14:06.060 --> 00:14:07.420 by the peace of God 00:14:07.420 --> 00:14:08.200 in our heart, 00:14:08.920 --> 00:14:09.180 you know, 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:09.820 one person, 00:14:09.820 --> 00:14:10.800 as I was preparing 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:11.040 this, 00:14:11.120 --> 00:14:11.720 made a comment 00:14:11.720 --> 00:14:12.560 I was reading 00:14:12.560 --> 00:14:13.420 I thought was interesting. 00:14:13.520 --> 00:14:14.700 He put the word rule 00:14:14.700 --> 00:14:16.300 as being the umpire 00:14:16.300 --> 00:14:17.360 of things going on 00:14:17.360 --> 00:14:17.940 in your life. 00:14:19.520 --> 00:14:20.920 Let the peace of God 00:14:20.920 --> 00:14:21.680 be the umpire, 00:14:21.780 --> 00:14:23.200 the determining factor 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:25.280 in how you perceive 00:14:25.280 --> 00:14:26.100 the things happening. 00:14:26.420 --> 00:14:26.680 I'm like, 00:14:26.720 --> 00:14:26.860 you know, 00:14:26.900 --> 00:14:27.600 that word rule 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:28.900 kind of plays into that, 00:14:28.980 --> 00:14:29.280 doesn't it? 00:14:30.240 --> 00:14:30.920 It's the one 00:14:30.920 --> 00:14:32.500 who has control 00:14:32.500 --> 00:14:33.600 because whenever 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:34.880 things happen in life, 00:14:34.880 --> 00:14:35.700 we have some choices 00:14:35.700 --> 00:14:36.260 to make. 00:14:36.260 --> 00:14:37.380 Are we going to complain 00:14:37.380 --> 00:14:38.980 and be miserable about it 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:39.740 or are we going to say, 00:14:39.820 --> 00:14:40.139 God, 00:14:40.639 --> 00:14:41.700 I'm going to trust you 00:14:41.700 --> 00:14:42.379 and I'm thankful 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:43.039 for the things 00:14:43.039 --> 00:14:43.820 that I do have. 00:14:44.600 --> 00:14:45.320 I'm thankful 00:14:45.320 --> 00:14:46.259 for what you've given 00:14:46.259 --> 00:14:47.279 to me that we have 00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:48.860 that we can experience 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:49.720 your peace 00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:50.580 even in the midst 00:14:50.580 --> 00:14:51.800 of chaos. 00:14:52.300 --> 00:14:52.700 You know, 00:14:52.720 --> 00:14:54.120 that we can be saved, 00:14:55.120 --> 00:14:56.639 that we can be redeemed, 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:57.240 that we can know 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:58.420 we have eternal life, 00:14:58.500 --> 00:14:58.840 but you know, 00:14:58.860 --> 00:14:59.860 the reality is this, 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:00.980 you can be saved 00:15:00.980 --> 00:15:02.139 and still be unthankful 00:15:02.139 --> 00:15:03.700 because that word rule 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:04.680 implies something. 00:15:04.679 --> 00:15:07.000 It implies what's in charge. 00:15:07.299 --> 00:15:08.459 All of us allow something 00:15:08.459 --> 00:15:09.219 to be in charge 00:15:09.219 --> 00:15:10.239 in our decision making. 00:15:10.639 --> 00:15:11.959 Something is in charge 00:15:11.959 --> 00:15:12.919 of how we see 00:15:12.919 --> 00:15:14.079 or perceive the things 00:15:14.079 --> 00:15:15.219 going on around us. 00:15:15.519 --> 00:15:17.979 We know what we ought to do. 00:15:18.079 --> 00:15:19.579 Now, most people would agree, 00:15:19.659 --> 00:15:19.839 you know, 00:15:19.859 --> 00:15:20.579 it's a good thing 00:15:20.579 --> 00:15:21.199 to be thankful. 00:15:22.500 --> 00:15:23.339 I think you'd have 00:15:23.339 --> 00:15:24.099 a hard time 00:15:24.099 --> 00:15:24.919 finding somebody 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:25.239 who says, 00:15:25.339 --> 00:15:26.359 I don't think it's a good thing 00:15:26.359 --> 00:15:26.959 to be thankful. 00:15:28.439 --> 00:15:29.359 And I say that 00:15:29.359 --> 00:15:30.039 because there's always 00:15:30.039 --> 00:15:30.819 that one in the crowd 00:15:30.819 --> 00:15:31.819 that's just antagonist. 00:15:32.179 --> 00:15:32.319 You know, 00:15:32.339 --> 00:15:32.699 if you tell them 00:15:32.699 --> 00:15:33.379 the sky is blue, 00:15:33.379 --> 00:15:34.240 they'll say it was red. 00:15:34.659 --> 00:15:34.860 You know, 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:36.700 let's argue 00:15:36.700 --> 00:15:37.659 for the sake of arguing. 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:39.340 But generally speaking, 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:41.039 you won't find anybody 00:15:41.039 --> 00:15:42.379 that says thankfulness 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:44.320 and this idea of thankfulness 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:45.200 and the application 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:45.939 of thankfulness 00:15:45.939 --> 00:15:46.759 is a bad thing. 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:49.620 Because everybody 00:15:49.620 --> 00:15:52.179 knows that thankfulness 00:15:52.179 --> 00:15:53.379 is tied to appreciation. 00:15:53.779 --> 00:15:54.919 And who doesn't like 00:15:54.919 --> 00:15:55.720 to see somebody 00:15:55.720 --> 00:15:56.379 be appreciative? 00:15:58.159 --> 00:15:58.700 You know, 00:15:58.720 --> 00:16:00.000 we all like our labors 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:00.799 to be appreciated. 00:16:02.080 --> 00:16:03.259 To be recognized 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:04.299 and, you know, 00:16:04.319 --> 00:16:04.700 oftentimes, 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.399 oh, I don't want 00:16:05.399 --> 00:16:05.919 to do it for you. 00:16:05.919 --> 00:16:07.179 But we still like people 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:07.799 to recognize 00:16:07.799 --> 00:16:08.679 that it was done. 00:16:08.899 --> 00:16:10.059 It's an innate part 00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:11.039 within us 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:13.580 to say, 00:16:13.740 --> 00:16:14.080 hey, 00:16:14.620 --> 00:16:16.840 somebody's paying attention, 00:16:17.000 --> 00:16:17.819 but I want you to know 00:16:17.819 --> 00:16:18.860 part of our thankfulness 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.439 and our spirit 00:16:19.439 --> 00:16:20.120 is understanding 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:21.120 God's paying attention. 00:16:22.559 --> 00:16:23.519 Whether men 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:24.120 or women 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:24.899 or anybody else 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:26.039 gives you recognition, 00:16:26.580 --> 00:16:27.439 if you do 00:16:27.439 --> 00:16:28.399 what you ought to do, 00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:29.439 God's paying attention. 00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:32.600 God's paying attention 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:33.400 to those things 00:16:33.400 --> 00:16:34.280 to be thankful 00:16:34.280 --> 00:16:35.540 and to let that rule 00:16:35.540 --> 00:16:37.000 in our life 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:38.560 allow it to drive 00:16:38.560 --> 00:16:39.860 our response. 00:16:40.320 --> 00:16:41.140 When we let the peace 00:16:41.140 --> 00:16:42.020 of God rule, 00:16:42.140 --> 00:16:43.000 we'll let the word 00:16:43.000 --> 00:16:45.500 of God dwell within us. 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:47.160 Because one of the things 00:16:47.160 --> 00:16:48.020 is understanding 00:16:48.020 --> 00:16:48.760 his promises. 00:16:48.880 --> 00:16:49.900 How can you be thankful 00:16:49.900 --> 00:16:50.600 for everything? 00:16:51.000 --> 00:16:51.940 But when we understand 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:53.040 God's promises, 00:16:54.080 --> 00:16:55.120 and where do we find 00:16:55.120 --> 00:16:55.920 God's promises? 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:56.860 In the scripture, 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:57.440 in the Bible. 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:00.320 It allows us to know 00:17:00.320 --> 00:17:01.580 God's promises. 00:17:01.720 --> 00:17:02.180 When we know 00:17:02.180 --> 00:17:03.100 his promises, 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:04.720 when we dwell 00:17:04.720 --> 00:17:07.480 on what should 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:09.019 drive our thinking, 00:17:09.620 --> 00:17:09.900 you know, 00:17:10.299 --> 00:17:11.720 oftentimes it's easier 00:17:11.720 --> 00:17:13.559 to dwell on our problems 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:14.680 and woes 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:16.140 more than the promises 00:17:16.140 --> 00:17:16.759 of God. 00:17:17.940 --> 00:17:18.160 You know, 00:17:18.180 --> 00:17:19.360 it's easy to get distracted 00:17:19.360 --> 00:17:20.500 by what's going on 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:21.140 instead of saying, 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:22.539 let's slow down 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:23.940 and take a look 00:17:23.940 --> 00:17:24.640 at what God 00:17:24.640 --> 00:17:25.500 has given to us. 00:17:25.579 --> 00:17:25.740 You know, 00:17:25.740 --> 00:17:26.859 when we slow down 00:17:26.859 --> 00:17:27.680 and think that 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:29.559 and we start processing it, 00:17:29.599 --> 00:17:31.019 it begins to change 00:17:31.019 --> 00:17:32.539 even how the problems 00:17:32.539 --> 00:17:33.099 come about. 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:34.420 How we walk 00:17:34.420 --> 00:17:35.140 through the problems, 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:35.940 how we're dealing 00:17:35.940 --> 00:17:36.920 with those things. 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:38.599 Because consider 00:17:38.599 --> 00:17:40.059 some of God's promises 00:17:40.059 --> 00:17:40.720 to us. 00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:41.940 You know, 00:17:42.480 --> 00:17:43.519 just to name a few 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:44.640 that he'll never leave you 00:17:44.640 --> 00:17:45.500 or forsake you. 00:17:45.700 --> 00:17:47.240 Is that not a good promise 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:47.759 for when you're 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:48.740 in the midst of problems? 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:50.519 Even when you feel forsaken, 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:51.220 God says, 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:51.819 I haven't. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:52.420 God says, 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:53.400 you can rest assured 00:17:53.400 --> 00:17:54.099 it doesn't depend 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:55.099 on how you feel. 00:17:55.099 --> 00:17:55.939 I've said it 00:17:55.939 --> 00:17:57.379 and therefore I am. 00:17:57.679 --> 00:17:58.539 God declares 00:17:58.539 --> 00:17:59.619 he's going to be faithful. 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:01.339 He's going to do his part. 00:18:01.819 --> 00:18:03.219 He says he's going to hear us 00:18:03.219 --> 00:18:04.619 and answer our prayers. 00:18:05.599 --> 00:18:05.740 You know, 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:07.439 consider his process 00:18:07.439 --> 00:18:07.959 promise 00:18:07.959 --> 00:18:10.759 that he's going to hear us, 00:18:10.959 --> 00:18:11.579 that you're not just 00:18:11.579 --> 00:18:12.819 speaking up to the air. 00:18:14.339 --> 00:18:15.059 Consider that 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:17.599 he promised to give wisdom 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:18.539 when we need it. 00:18:19.799 --> 00:18:20.279 You know, 00:18:20.299 --> 00:18:21.399 how many of us need wisdom? 00:18:21.719 --> 00:18:22.419 I want to be truthful, 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:23.700 you need wisdom every day. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:26.700 As we walk through the life 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:28.320 and the things that come about, 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:29.539 the things that go on, 00:18:29.800 --> 00:18:29.960 you know, 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:30.600 wisdom, 00:18:31.100 --> 00:18:33.820 he promises to guide our steps. 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:34.480 That's just, 00:18:34.580 --> 00:18:34.759 I mean, 00:18:34.800 --> 00:18:35.900 the list could go on, 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:37.080 there's so many more, 00:18:37.580 --> 00:18:38.860 but how one thinks 00:18:38.860 --> 00:18:39.740 must be centered 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:41.060 on the right things. 00:18:41.860 --> 00:18:42.580 Because remember, 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:43.600 Peter says that 00:18:43.600 --> 00:18:45.620 in 2 Peter 1, 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.200 verse 4, 00:18:46.279 --> 00:18:47.440 whereby we were given unto us 00:18:47.440 --> 00:18:48.559 exceedingly great 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:51.019 and precious promises. 00:18:52.220 --> 00:18:52.779 You know, 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:53.559 when we find 00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:55.279 and look at his promises 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:56.380 and trust them, 00:18:56.680 --> 00:18:58.980 it's when his word dwells in us. 00:18:59.259 --> 00:19:00.960 And when his word dwells in us, 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:02.299 it changes how we think. 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:04.039 It changes how we process. 00:19:05.380 --> 00:19:07.180 It changes our perspective. 00:19:08.400 --> 00:19:08.740 You know, 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:12.039 when we have his word dwell in us, 00:19:12.620 --> 00:19:14.220 it's an important concept 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:15.980 that we see here 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:17.200 in the scripture. 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:18.599 Look down at verse 17. 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:19.440 Or excuse me, 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:20.299 look at verse 16. 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:20.620 It says, 00:19:20.819 --> 00:19:22.019 let the word of Christ 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:23.799 dwell in you richly 00:19:23.799 --> 00:19:25.519 in all wisdom. 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:28.680 Thankfulness is tied 00:19:28.680 --> 00:19:30.620 to the word of Christ, 00:19:30.819 --> 00:19:31.940 the word of God, 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:35.019 the scripture dwelling in us. 00:19:36.819 --> 00:19:37.120 You know, 00:19:37.360 --> 00:19:38.500 have you ever thought about something 00:19:38.500 --> 00:19:39.720 you can't claim a promise 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:40.460 you don't know about? 00:19:40.680 --> 00:19:41.559 Something to think about for a moment. 00:19:41.620 --> 00:19:43.099 If you don't know what God said, 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:45.140 how can you hold on to it? 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:46.380 Sometimes we struggle 00:19:46.380 --> 00:19:47.520 because we don't realize 00:19:47.520 --> 00:19:48.800 that God's given us a promise 00:19:48.800 --> 00:19:51.560 that covers that area 00:19:51.560 --> 00:19:53.480 or situation of life 00:19:53.480 --> 00:19:54.460 to help us through. 00:19:56.360 --> 00:19:58.060 When we know that our trust 00:19:58.060 --> 00:19:59.259 is in his promises, 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:01.620 it's shown when we make requests 00:20:01.620 --> 00:20:02.920 known to him in prayer. 00:20:03.640 --> 00:20:03.820 You know, 00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:04.880 prayer is simple. 00:20:05.100 --> 00:20:06.580 It is bringing to him 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:07.840 the things of life, 00:20:07.940 --> 00:20:09.300 both good and bad. 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:10.740 You know? 00:20:10.740 --> 00:20:11.420 Now, 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:11.920 we're talking about 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:13.339 a specific portion of prayer 00:20:13.339 --> 00:20:15.200 because I want you to understand 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:16.460 prayer involves more 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.279 than just asking. 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:18.700 But part of our prayer 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:19.380 is asking. 00:20:19.620 --> 00:20:20.839 That's an essential part 00:20:20.839 --> 00:20:22.700 as much as praising God 00:20:22.700 --> 00:20:24.160 and being thankful 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:25.319 to God in prayer. 00:20:26.019 --> 00:20:27.440 Our asking is something 00:20:27.440 --> 00:20:28.700 he tells us 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:30.440 that not only we have 00:20:30.440 --> 00:20:32.240 a ability to do, 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:33.799 that we have a privilege to do. 00:20:35.799 --> 00:20:36.620 Matter of fact, 00:20:36.779 --> 00:20:37.960 I'll put it a little different. 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:39.980 I believe God has an expectation 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.100 from you 00:20:41.100 --> 00:20:42.100 for you to come to him. 00:20:42.440 --> 00:20:42.640 You know? 00:20:43.539 --> 00:20:44.259 That's a different way 00:20:44.259 --> 00:20:44.579 of looking. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.360 When was the last time 00:20:45.360 --> 00:20:45.840 that you said, 00:20:45.920 --> 00:20:47.240 God expects me 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:48.720 to come to him? 00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:51.980 God has an expectation 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:54.180 for you to pray. 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.940 He's made everything available 00:20:55.940 --> 00:20:57.940 because prayer is really 00:20:57.940 --> 00:20:59.019 that simple. 00:20:59.240 --> 00:21:00.720 It's through his word 00:21:00.720 --> 00:21:01.960 we know that we can bring 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:03.039 the things of life 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:05.200 that we carry to him. 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:05.440 You know, 00:21:05.480 --> 00:21:06.640 consider what Jesus said, 00:21:06.640 --> 00:21:08.480 Matthew chapter 11 verse 28 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.640 tells us this. 00:21:09.740 --> 00:21:09.920 It says, 00:21:10.120 --> 00:21:10.880 Come unto me all ye 00:21:10.880 --> 00:21:12.140 that labor and are heavy laden 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:13.740 and I will give you rest. 00:21:13.820 --> 00:21:14.620 What's Jesus commanding? 00:21:14.660 --> 00:21:14.759 He says, 00:21:14.980 --> 00:21:15.900 Come unto me 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:17.000 and what's he want to do? 00:21:17.040 --> 00:21:18.200 What are you laboring over? 00:21:19.520 --> 00:21:20.640 What's the labor here? 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:22.880 Life. 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:24.520 Think about the things we carry. 00:21:24.880 --> 00:21:25.000 You know, 00:21:25.020 --> 00:21:26.160 the reality is this. 00:21:27.060 --> 00:21:28.140 Sometimes it's easier 00:21:28.140 --> 00:21:29.420 to do physical labor 00:21:29.420 --> 00:21:30.340 than it is 00:21:30.340 --> 00:21:32.720 mental labor. 00:21:33.040 --> 00:21:34.060 The labor that says, 00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:35.840 how do I walk through situations? 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:38.220 How do I deal with family dynamics? 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:40.259 How do I deal with employers 00:21:40.259 --> 00:21:41.740 and the grumpy neighbor? 00:21:42.039 --> 00:21:42.539 And, you know, 00:21:42.579 --> 00:21:43.359 how do you deal with 00:21:43.359 --> 00:21:44.399 all the situations 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:45.419 that come up in life? 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:46.519 That's a heavy labor, 00:21:46.659 --> 00:21:46.959 isn't it? 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:48.379 You know what Jesus says? 00:21:48.419 --> 00:21:48.919 Come to me 00:21:48.919 --> 00:21:51.759 and I will give you rest. 00:21:52.759 --> 00:21:52.959 You know, 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:54.679 consider in Philippians 4, 6. 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:55.359 Notice what it says. 00:21:55.439 --> 00:21:56.619 Be careful for nothing, 00:21:56.959 --> 00:21:57.859 but in everything 00:21:57.859 --> 00:21:59.839 by prayer and supplication 00:22:00.419 --> 00:22:00.839 with thanksgiving 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.439 let your requests 00:22:02.439 --> 00:22:03.740 be made known unto God. 00:22:03.939 --> 00:22:04.119 You know, 00:22:04.119 --> 00:22:05.339 to be able to be thankful 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:06.319 even in the midst 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:07.019 of struggle 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:08.239 because often 00:22:08.239 --> 00:22:09.719 we struggle to be thankful 00:22:09.719 --> 00:22:10.519 when we labor 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.639 to carry the burdens 00:22:11.639 --> 00:22:13.299 that He tells us 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:13.979 that we ought to be 00:22:13.979 --> 00:22:14.819 bringing to Him. 00:22:16.699 --> 00:22:17.219 You know, 00:22:17.239 --> 00:22:18.259 consider some of the 00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:19.479 burdens that we carry. 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.159 We carry those 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:21.579 emotional burdens. 00:22:21.959 --> 00:22:22.739 How we feel 00:22:22.739 --> 00:22:23.639 about something, 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:25.399 how we feel 00:22:25.399 --> 00:22:26.379 about someone, 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:28.259 how even you feel 00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:28.959 about yourself. 00:22:28.959 --> 00:22:29.979 You need to understand 00:22:29.979 --> 00:22:31.199 God says that He wants us 00:22:31.199 --> 00:22:32.819 to bring those to Him. 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:33.919 How about our hurts 00:22:33.919 --> 00:22:34.480 and wounds 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:35.379 that happen in life? 00:22:35.639 --> 00:22:35.799 You know, 00:22:35.839 --> 00:22:36.220 sometimes, 00:22:36.379 --> 00:22:36.919 have you ever had 00:22:36.919 --> 00:22:38.079 that woe is me moment? 00:22:38.159 --> 00:22:38.299 Lord, 00:22:38.359 --> 00:22:39.099 why did you let this 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:39.700 happen to me? 00:22:39.899 --> 00:22:41.019 And you can fill in the blank. 00:22:41.139 --> 00:22:41.319 I mean, 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:42.139 the blank could be 00:22:42.139 --> 00:22:42.980 a multitude 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:44.179 of different things 00:22:44.179 --> 00:22:45.559 that we measure. 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:45.879 You know, 00:22:45.919 --> 00:22:47.240 why did this 00:22:47.240 --> 00:22:47.859 or that 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:48.839 or whatever? 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:49.200 But, 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:49.899 you know, 00:22:50.399 --> 00:22:51.599 when we understand 00:22:51.599 --> 00:22:53.079 that these things 00:22:53.079 --> 00:22:54.059 oftentimes we carry, 00:22:54.159 --> 00:22:54.279 Lord, 00:22:54.339 --> 00:22:55.019 why did you allow 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.319 others to do that to me? 00:22:56.539 --> 00:22:57.740 Why did you allow 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.619 this to happen? 00:22:58.819 --> 00:22:58.960 Or, 00:22:59.159 --> 00:23:00.240 you have unfulfilled 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:02.019 expectations of somebody 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:03.460 that fall into this category. 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:05.980 Why didn't they? 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:06.420 You know, 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:07.839 God says you can be thankful 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:08.519 when you come 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:09.359 with the right attitude 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:09.839 to say, 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:10.740 God, 00:23:10.819 --> 00:23:11.559 I don't understand 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.539 but I need the wisdom 00:23:12.539 --> 00:23:13.660 and I need to trust You 00:23:13.660 --> 00:23:14.400 as I walk through 00:23:14.400 --> 00:23:15.099 these things. 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:16.039 To understand 00:23:16.039 --> 00:23:16.819 the importance 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:18.460 that knowing 00:23:18.460 --> 00:23:19.240 that He's going to 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:20.620 help us walk through it. 00:23:21.059 --> 00:23:21.259 You know, 00:23:21.279 --> 00:23:22.920 consider 2 Corinthians 12, 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:23.400 9, 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:25.079 where the Apostle Paul, 00:23:25.299 --> 00:23:26.160 he's going through 00:23:26.160 --> 00:23:27.700 a very difficult season. 00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:29.759 You know, 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:30.400 one of the things 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:32.100 that I think we do sometimes, 00:23:32.240 --> 00:23:33.380 we read in the Bible 00:23:33.380 --> 00:23:34.480 and you read about Paul 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.039 and you read about 00:23:35.039 --> 00:23:36.160 all the great things 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:37.019 that God did, 00:23:37.700 --> 00:23:38.960 but there's a lot of things 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:40.000 also record about 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.779 Paul's struggles. 00:23:41.140 --> 00:23:42.160 That things didn't go 00:23:42.160 --> 00:23:43.200 the way he thought 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:44.900 or hoped they would go. 00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:46.279 In this particular case, 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:46.759 we don't know 00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:47.940 what he was struggling with 00:23:47.940 --> 00:23:48.759 but we know it was 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:49.819 a taxing burden 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:51.000 emotionally 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:52.480 and mentally 00:23:52.480 --> 00:23:53.380 upon him 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:54.340 about what was happening. 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:56.880 It was bearing him down, 00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:57.700 it was a burden 00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:58.940 and he kept going 00:23:58.940 --> 00:23:59.700 to the Lord 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:00.500 and Lord, 00:24:00.600 --> 00:24:01.120 why aren't you 00:24:01.120 --> 00:24:01.960 dealing with it? 00:24:02.280 --> 00:24:03.500 And God's response 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:04.140 was this, 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:04.440 it says, 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:05.880 my grace is sufficient 00:24:05.880 --> 00:24:06.560 for thee 00:24:06.560 --> 00:24:07.780 for my strength 00:24:07.780 --> 00:24:08.680 is made perfect 00:24:08.680 --> 00:24:09.320 in weakness. 00:24:09.840 --> 00:24:09.980 You know, 00:24:10.020 --> 00:24:11.020 sometimes we forget 00:24:11.020 --> 00:24:13.620 that sometimes God 00:24:13.620 --> 00:24:14.620 allows things 00:24:14.620 --> 00:24:15.580 into our life 00:24:15.580 --> 00:24:16.040 to say, 00:24:16.420 --> 00:24:17.800 I want you to understand 00:24:17.800 --> 00:24:19.040 more who I am. 00:24:20.760 --> 00:24:21.580 That God says, 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:22.580 I want you to draw closer 00:24:22.580 --> 00:24:23.040 to know 00:24:23.040 --> 00:24:24.400 that you can trust me more, 00:24:24.480 --> 00:24:25.160 that you can walk 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:26.060 through those things. 00:24:26.059 --> 00:24:27.379 Because those situations 00:24:27.379 --> 00:24:28.179 of life are going 00:24:28.179 --> 00:24:28.599 to happen. 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:29.819 And a right spirit, 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:30.579 a right attitude, 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:31.500 a right thinking 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.839 about thankfulness 00:24:32.839 --> 00:24:34.039 is going to happen 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:35.299 when we turn those things 00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:36.139 over to him 00:24:36.139 --> 00:24:38.200 as he walks with us 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:39.159 through life. 00:24:40.879 --> 00:24:42.559 Because the next thing 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.079 we'll find 00:24:43.079 --> 00:24:44.039 is when thankfulness 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:44.700 and gratitude 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.700 in our thinking, 00:24:46.099 --> 00:24:47.099 it'll automatically 00:24:47.099 --> 00:24:48.419 spill over in praise. 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:50.659 You know, 00:24:50.679 --> 00:24:52.059 oftentimes people put praise 00:24:52.059 --> 00:24:52.700 at the top. 00:24:53.019 --> 00:24:53.819 But have you ever considered 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.700 that if your heart 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:55.360 and your mind 00:24:55.360 --> 00:24:56.799 isn't right towards God, 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:58.080 praise doesn't mean anything? 00:24:58.420 --> 00:24:58.559 You know, 00:24:58.580 --> 00:24:59.140 have you ever had somebody 00:24:59.140 --> 00:25:00.539 come up and try to flatter you 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:01.180 to get advantage? 00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:02.100 Have you considered 00:25:02.100 --> 00:25:03.200 that when we go to God 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:04.220 with our wrong thinking 00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:05.299 and a wrong attitude 00:25:05.299 --> 00:25:06.340 and a wrong connection 00:25:06.340 --> 00:25:06.840 with him, 00:25:07.080 --> 00:25:07.779 and just come out 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:07.940 and say, 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:09.059 oh, great God is! 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:11.460 Have you ever thought 00:25:11.460 --> 00:25:12.120 that maybe God's 00:25:12.120 --> 00:25:12.779 sitting up there going, 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:13.700 what do you want? 00:25:14.100 --> 00:25:14.980 Because you can kind of 00:25:14.980 --> 00:25:16.420 read it as disingenuine. 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.380 Somebody going 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:18.360 through the actions. 00:25:20.160 --> 00:25:21.960 Somebody doing something 00:25:21.960 --> 00:25:22.960 to gain advantage. 00:25:24.720 --> 00:25:26.400 True praise to God 00:25:26.400 --> 00:25:27.160 isn't to gain 00:25:27.160 --> 00:25:28.660 an advantage from God. 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:30.100 It's because of what God 00:25:30.100 --> 00:25:31.340 has already done for you. 00:25:33.120 --> 00:25:34.940 To consider praise. 00:25:35.420 --> 00:25:35.720 You know, 00:25:35.880 --> 00:25:37.940 we hear a lot about praise today, 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:39.059 but biblically, 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:40.000 I don't think you can 00:25:40.000 --> 00:25:41.440 truly praise the Lord 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.380 until you're thankful 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:43.519 for what God has done. 00:25:43.620 --> 00:25:45.180 Because thankfulness 00:25:45.180 --> 00:25:46.900 is always tied to praise. 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:49.740 This idea, 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:51.500 this thinking of thankfulness 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:52.740 is tied to praise. 00:25:53.460 --> 00:25:54.680 You don't show up 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:55.620 and play some music 00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:56.240 on Sunday 00:25:56.240 --> 00:25:57.280 and sing some songs 00:25:57.280 --> 00:25:58.060 and praise the Lord. 00:25:58.320 --> 00:25:59.240 Now, I want you to understand, 00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:00.460 praise and music 00:26:00.460 --> 00:26:01.540 are tied together, 00:26:02.320 --> 00:26:03.820 oftentimes in Scripture, 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:06.340 but the function of them 00:26:06.340 --> 00:26:08.180 isn't near as important 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:10.840 as what is driving them. 00:26:11.080 --> 00:26:12.220 The driving of it 00:26:12.220 --> 00:26:12.920 is important 00:26:12.920 --> 00:26:14.180 to understand 00:26:14.180 --> 00:26:15.820 and to think on 00:26:15.820 --> 00:26:17.080 those things properly. 00:26:18.820 --> 00:26:19.019 You know? 00:26:19.620 --> 00:26:20.980 Consider Philippians 4, 00:26:21.080 --> 00:26:21.580 verse 8. 00:26:21.820 --> 00:26:22.840 Think about this verse. 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.360 It talks about 00:26:23.360 --> 00:26:24.259 what we think on, 00:26:24.340 --> 00:26:24.880 but notice this. 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:25.039 It says, 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:25.900 Finally, brethren, 00:26:26.420 --> 00:26:27.640 whatsoever things are true, 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:28.980 whatsoever things are honest, 00:26:29.140 --> 00:26:30.320 whatsoever things are just, 00:26:30.740 --> 00:26:31.840 whatsoever things are pure, 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:33.039 whatsoever things are lovely, 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:34.759 whatsoever things are of good report, 00:26:35.380 --> 00:26:36.840 if there be any virtue, 00:26:36.980 --> 00:26:38.320 if there be any praise, 00:26:38.640 --> 00:26:40.759 think on these things. 00:26:41.120 --> 00:26:41.640 In other words, 00:26:41.720 --> 00:26:43.500 what's virtuous and praiseworthy 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.859 is tied to what's right. 00:26:46.619 --> 00:26:48.539 And to thinking on the right things, 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:50.339 because praise is that. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:53.480 It's more than just music or song. 00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:55.440 It's really centered 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:57.400 on the substance 00:26:57.400 --> 00:26:59.180 of what's rolling off the tongue. 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:00.420 Because that brings us 00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:01.019 to the next thing. 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:01.839 We need to think, 00:27:01.900 --> 00:27:03.319 but we need to talk thankfully. 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:05.819 To talk thankfully. 00:27:05.940 --> 00:27:06.960 Look at verse 17 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:08.599 here with me this morning. 00:27:08.680 --> 00:27:09.380 Back in our text, 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:09.640 it says, 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.720 Whatsoever you do in word. 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:15.440 Now, the word there 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:16.440 is not the Scripture. 00:27:16.600 --> 00:27:17.660 It's not talking here 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:19.000 about the Scripture. 00:27:19.740 --> 00:27:20.059 It says, 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:21.299 What you do in word 00:27:21.299 --> 00:27:23.019 is talking about you 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:23.960 as an individual 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.339 and what you say. 00:27:27.240 --> 00:27:29.380 The term used here is speech. 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:31.600 What we do to talk thankfully. 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:33.700 How do we express gratitude 00:27:33.700 --> 00:27:35.860 centers on two areas, 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.640 and that's God and others. 00:27:38.059 --> 00:27:39.319 It's presented when we see 00:27:39.319 --> 00:27:41.559 the blessing and benefits of both. 00:27:42.259 --> 00:27:43.179 Because remember, 00:27:43.299 --> 00:27:44.980 it's what's on the inside already 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:45.919 that comes out 00:27:45.919 --> 00:27:46.899 that makes a difference. 00:27:47.899 --> 00:27:48.779 To understand, 00:27:48.899 --> 00:27:50.579 Mark 7, 15 says this, 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:52.019 There is nothing from 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:53.299 without a man 00:27:53.299 --> 00:27:54.720 that enteth into a man 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:56.359 that can defile him, 00:27:56.539 --> 00:27:57.619 but the thing 00:27:57.619 --> 00:27:58.619 which come out of him, 00:27:58.700 --> 00:27:59.759 those are they 00:27:59.759 --> 00:28:01.460 that defile the man. 00:28:01.460 --> 00:28:02.359 That was Jesus 00:28:02.359 --> 00:28:03.519 telling them 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:03.919 that, you know, 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:05.139 what you say, 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:06.179 what those things 00:28:06.179 --> 00:28:07.019 that come out, 00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:08.259 that what come forth, 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:10.079 is what is a critical 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:12.019 element of what is within. 00:28:12.460 --> 00:28:13.400 Because if we have 00:28:13.400 --> 00:28:14.220 the right spirit 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.119 and the right attitude 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:15.700 about it, 00:28:15.940 --> 00:28:17.019 it will impact 00:28:17.019 --> 00:28:18.259 what we say. 00:28:18.640 --> 00:28:19.879 Because how we talk 00:28:19.879 --> 00:28:20.700 is a reflection 00:28:20.700 --> 00:28:21.579 of the inside. 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:22.160 Let's look at 00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:23.200 another verse. 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:24.539 Look over to James chapter 3 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:25.099 for a moment. 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:28.160 Because what we say 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:29.220 can either have 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:30.920 a spirit of thankfulness 00:28:30.920 --> 00:28:33.379 or can be destructive. 00:28:33.819 --> 00:28:34.859 Have you ever experienced 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:36.019 destructive speech? 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:37.500 somebody saying something 00:28:37.500 --> 00:28:39.980 that was destructive? 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:40.579 You know, 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:41.980 think about James chapter 3 00:28:41.980 --> 00:28:42.139 here. 00:28:42.220 --> 00:28:42.379 It says, 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:43.700 The tongue is a fire, 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:45.440 a world of iniquity. 00:28:45.960 --> 00:28:46.819 So is the tongue 00:28:46.819 --> 00:28:47.819 among our members 00:28:47.819 --> 00:28:48.779 that it defileth 00:28:48.779 --> 00:28:49.579 the whole body 00:28:49.579 --> 00:28:50.940 and setteth on fire 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:52.039 the course of nature 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:53.980 and is set on fire 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.879 of hell. 00:28:55.079 --> 00:28:56.099 I want you to understand 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:57.059 that we can use 00:28:57.059 --> 00:28:58.319 what we say wrongly. 00:28:58.519 --> 00:28:59.119 You can use 00:28:59.119 --> 00:29:00.500 what you say correctly. 00:29:00.500 --> 00:29:03.259 But it's a matter 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:04.119 of what's ruling 00:29:04.119 --> 00:29:06.380 because what you're thinking 00:29:06.380 --> 00:29:08.720 plays out, 00:29:08.819 --> 00:29:09.079 doesn't it? 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.859 Those things connect 00:29:11.859 --> 00:29:13.059 in our life 00:29:13.059 --> 00:29:14.079 and to understand 00:29:14.079 --> 00:29:15.700 the importance of it, 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:16.799 gratitude will not 00:29:16.799 --> 00:29:18.420 just be something said, 00:29:18.779 --> 00:29:19.740 but I want you to see here 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:21.079 it's also something done. 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:22.259 Because we don't want 00:29:22.259 --> 00:29:23.819 just a concept 00:29:23.819 --> 00:29:26.339 of thankfulness 00:29:26.339 --> 00:29:28.759 or just to give 00:29:28.759 --> 00:29:29.539 lip service 00:29:29.539 --> 00:29:30.599 to thankfulness. 00:29:30.899 --> 00:29:31.039 You know, 00:29:31.079 --> 00:29:32.199 those two things 00:29:32.199 --> 00:29:33.279 are oftentimes 00:29:33.279 --> 00:29:34.379 where it gets limited, 00:29:34.559 --> 00:29:34.819 isn't it? 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.519 When we stop, 00:29:36.599 --> 00:29:37.559 we ought to act 00:29:37.559 --> 00:29:38.579 thankfully. 00:29:39.179 --> 00:29:40.399 To act thankfully. 00:29:40.519 --> 00:29:41.359 Look what it says again 00:29:41.359 --> 00:29:42.139 in verse 17. 00:29:42.699 --> 00:29:43.500 It says this, 00:29:43.559 --> 00:29:44.359 Whatsoever ye do 00:29:44.359 --> 00:29:44.959 in word, 00:29:45.099 --> 00:29:46.220 or what's that next one? 00:29:46.939 --> 00:29:47.419 Deed. 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:49.759 Our deeds, 00:29:49.879 --> 00:29:50.639 our actions. 00:29:52.480 --> 00:29:52.740 You know, 00:29:52.759 --> 00:29:54.079 the display of gratitude 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:55.299 is witnessed 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:56.439 in what we do. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:56.960 You know, 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:58.079 how we do 00:29:58.079 --> 00:29:59.799 correlates to how 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:01.740 our words 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:03.179 and our thinking 00:30:03.179 --> 00:30:04.039 are expressed. 00:30:04.339 --> 00:30:04.500 You know, 00:30:04.539 --> 00:30:05.240 have you ever heard 00:30:05.240 --> 00:30:06.259 somebody say something 00:30:06.259 --> 00:30:07.439 and by their body language 00:30:07.439 --> 00:30:08.039 you just say, 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:08.799 I don't believe them? 00:30:09.019 --> 00:30:10.759 When it comes to thankfulness, 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:11.679 it's simply this, 00:30:11.919 --> 00:30:13.599 when somebody says thank you, 00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.639 their body language 00:30:14.639 --> 00:30:15.939 and the things that they do, 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:17.919 the things associated with it 00:30:17.919 --> 00:30:19.039 ought to confirm 00:30:19.039 --> 00:30:21.960 what was being said 00:30:21.960 --> 00:30:23.379 because it's what's being thought. 00:30:23.380 --> 00:30:24.660 There's that connection 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:25.640 that we see. 00:30:26.140 --> 00:30:27.620 This display of gratitude 00:30:27.620 --> 00:30:28.720 is witnessed 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.700 in what we do 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:30.520 and we do it 00:30:30.520 --> 00:30:31.940 from thankfulness 00:30:31.940 --> 00:30:32.900 especially because 00:30:32.900 --> 00:30:34.320 of what Christ 00:30:34.320 --> 00:30:35.180 has done for us. 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:35.480 Remember, 00:30:35.580 --> 00:30:36.680 to let the peace of God 00:30:36.680 --> 00:30:37.780 rule in your heart. 00:30:38.360 --> 00:30:39.720 To be truly thankful 00:30:39.720 --> 00:30:41.320 for those things. 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:42.400 They're tied together. 00:30:43.040 --> 00:30:43.860 We are to do it 00:30:43.860 --> 00:30:44.420 in the name 00:30:44.420 --> 00:30:45.660 of the Lord Jesus. 00:30:45.860 --> 00:30:46.280 Notice here 00:30:46.280 --> 00:30:47.460 in verse 17 again. 00:30:47.900 --> 00:30:48.660 And what it says, 00:30:48.900 --> 00:30:49.280 it says, 00:30:49.380 --> 00:30:50.240 Whatsoever ye do 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.160 and word or do you do 00:30:51.160 --> 00:30:52.460 all in the name 00:30:52.460 --> 00:30:53.339 of the Lord Jesus 00:30:53.339 --> 00:30:54.740 giving thanks to God 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:55.500 and the Father 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:57.579 by Him. 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:00.620 That's that spirit 00:31:00.620 --> 00:31:02.099 of thankfulness 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:04.380 that ought to encompass 00:31:04.380 --> 00:31:06.740 us in our life. 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:07.519 The one that is 00:31:07.519 --> 00:31:08.519 the giver 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:09.740 of this life 00:31:09.740 --> 00:31:10.660 and the one to come 00:31:10.660 --> 00:31:11.599 ought to be the focus 00:31:11.599 --> 00:31:13.079 of our attitude 00:31:13.079 --> 00:31:14.480 of thankfulness. 00:31:14.799 --> 00:31:14.920 You know, 00:31:14.940 --> 00:31:15.160 you say, 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:15.339 well, 00:31:15.380 --> 00:31:15.859 how do we 00:31:15.859 --> 00:31:17.819 demonstrate thankfulness? 00:31:17.819 --> 00:31:18.299 Well, 00:31:18.379 --> 00:31:18.980 one of the things 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:19.679 we do 00:31:19.679 --> 00:31:20.599 is we serve 00:31:20.599 --> 00:31:23.460 by the choices 00:31:23.460 --> 00:31:24.119 we make 00:31:24.119 --> 00:31:25.279 and part of our serving 00:31:25.279 --> 00:31:26.460 has to do with priority. 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:27.720 How we prioritize. 00:31:28.359 --> 00:31:29.500 Because your priorities 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:31.819 speak in those areas. 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.059 You know, 00:31:32.059 --> 00:31:32.779 we can demonstrate 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:34.279 gratitude by serving. 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:34.879 Thankfulness 00:31:34.879 --> 00:31:35.439 is something 00:31:35.439 --> 00:31:36.179 that's witnessed 00:31:36.179 --> 00:31:38.319 in what we do 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:39.539 both to others 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:41.980 and for others. 00:31:43.200 --> 00:31:43.460 You know, 00:31:43.539 --> 00:31:44.659 1 John 3.18 00:31:44.659 --> 00:31:45.379 says this, 00:31:45.460 --> 00:31:46.179 My little children, 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:47.140 let us not love 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:47.920 in word, 00:31:48.640 --> 00:31:50.039 neither in tongue, 00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:52.240 but in deed 00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:54.279 and in truth. 00:31:54.600 --> 00:31:55.120 Thankfulness 00:31:55.120 --> 00:31:57.299 involves truth. 00:31:57.580 --> 00:31:58.680 I want you to understand 00:31:58.680 --> 00:31:59.580 that in deed 00:31:59.580 --> 00:32:00.380 and in truth 00:32:00.380 --> 00:32:01.620 it's not word 00:32:01.620 --> 00:32:02.840 or in tongue, 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:03.160 you know, 00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:05.039 just to love in word. 00:32:05.140 --> 00:32:05.299 Well, 00:32:05.320 --> 00:32:05.960 I love you. 00:32:06.100 --> 00:32:06.200 You know, 00:32:06.220 --> 00:32:07.880 it doesn't really mean anything. 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:08.519 There's not something 00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:09.420 to back it up. 00:32:09.680 --> 00:32:11.120 We display those things 00:32:11.120 --> 00:32:12.100 by what we do. 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:12.980 You know, 00:32:13.000 --> 00:32:14.640 we also demonstrate it 00:32:14.640 --> 00:32:15.580 by acknowledging 00:32:15.580 --> 00:32:17.040 who the Lord is. 00:32:17.140 --> 00:32:17.259 You know, 00:32:17.280 --> 00:32:19.300 consider Proverbs chapter 3. 00:32:19.420 --> 00:32:21.440 It should be a familiar verse to you. 00:32:22.060 --> 00:32:22.280 You know, 00:32:22.320 --> 00:32:22.960 think about this. 00:32:23.020 --> 00:32:23.240 It says, 00:32:23.580 --> 00:32:24.080 Trust in the Lord 00:32:24.080 --> 00:32:24.900 with all thine heart 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:26.500 and lean not on thine own understanding. 00:32:26.960 --> 00:32:28.060 In all thy ways 00:32:28.060 --> 00:32:28.960 acknowledge Him 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:31.500 and He shall direct thy path. 00:32:31.900 --> 00:32:32.080 You know, 00:32:32.120 --> 00:32:32.259 it says, 00:32:32.340 --> 00:32:33.560 All thy ways do what? 00:32:34.160 --> 00:32:35.360 Acknowledge Him. 00:32:36.140 --> 00:32:36.380 You know, 00:32:36.400 --> 00:32:38.240 when we're acknowledging the Savior, 00:32:38.600 --> 00:32:40.120 it impacts how we not only 00:32:40.120 --> 00:32:41.100 see ourselves 00:32:41.100 --> 00:32:43.259 and the things happening in life, 00:32:43.259 --> 00:32:44.779 but it impacts how we see others. 00:32:45.180 --> 00:32:45.700 Thankfulness 00:32:45.700 --> 00:32:48.480 impacts even how we see others 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:49.680 in our life 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:51.440 as we acknowledge God. 00:32:51.879 --> 00:32:53.019 Because Thanksgiving, 00:32:54.119 --> 00:32:56.059 I want you to remember 00:32:56.059 --> 00:32:58.240 and to maybe jog our thinking 00:32:58.240 --> 00:32:59.539 because Thanksgiving 00:32:59.539 --> 00:33:01.019 is not just a day 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:01.859 or a meal. 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:04.700 Thanksgiving ought to be something 00:33:04.700 --> 00:33:06.160 that encompasses us 00:33:06.160 --> 00:33:08.599 throughout the year. 00:33:08.859 --> 00:33:09.039 You know, 00:33:09.059 --> 00:33:10.140 we get so caught up 00:33:10.140 --> 00:33:12.740 in calendar and function sometimes. 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:13.520 I think that 00:33:13.520 --> 00:33:15.840 the meal has become Thanksgiving 00:33:15.840 --> 00:33:16.820 instead of 00:33:16.820 --> 00:33:18.340 why are we slowing down 00:33:18.340 --> 00:33:19.120 to do that? 00:33:19.300 --> 00:33:20.620 Because thankfulness 00:33:20.620 --> 00:33:22.840 and Thanksgiving 00:33:22.840 --> 00:33:25.300 is more than just a meal. 00:33:25.500 --> 00:33:26.700 Like anything in life, 00:33:26.800 --> 00:33:27.940 sometimes we need a reason 00:33:27.940 --> 00:33:28.740 to slow down. 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:30.000 It gives us a purpose 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:30.800 to slow down, 00:33:30.880 --> 00:33:32.020 to really consider 00:33:32.020 --> 00:33:34.100 what's important. 00:33:34.280 --> 00:33:35.620 To grab a hold of those things 00:33:35.620 --> 00:33:36.240 that are important 00:33:36.240 --> 00:33:38.259 to do those things 00:33:38.259 --> 00:33:41.279 is a reflection of our life. 00:33:43.039 --> 00:33:43.200 You know, 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:45.019 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 00:33:45.019 --> 00:33:45.940 in verse 18 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:47.379 tells us, 00:33:47.579 --> 00:33:47.839 it says, 00:33:47.960 --> 00:33:49.460 in everything give thanks 00:33:49.460 --> 00:33:51.720 for this is the will of God 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:52.879 in Christ Jesus 00:33:52.879 --> 00:33:54.859 concerning you. 00:33:54.859 --> 00:33:55.819 This spirit, 00:33:56.680 --> 00:33:57.779 this mindset, 00:33:58.099 --> 00:34:00.700 what ought to rule 00:34:00.700 --> 00:34:01.759 in our life 00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:04.700 is thankfulness. 00:34:06.059 --> 00:34:06.900 You'll see it 00:34:06.900 --> 00:34:07.740 throughout the Scripture. 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:08.539 it's filled 00:34:08.539 --> 00:34:10.480 with this idea, 00:34:10.639 --> 00:34:11.360 this concept, 00:34:11.519 --> 00:34:12.460 and the application 00:34:12.460 --> 00:34:14.619 of thankfulness. 00:34:15.420 --> 00:34:16.280 In everything 00:34:16.280 --> 00:34:17.280 give thanks 00:34:17.280 --> 00:34:20.199 for this is the will of God 00:34:20.199 --> 00:34:22.059 for you. 00:34:22.300 --> 00:34:23.699 Thankfulness ought to be attached 00:34:23.699 --> 00:34:24.780 to what God has done. 00:34:25.099 --> 00:34:25.260 You know, 00:34:25.300 --> 00:34:26.559 today are you thankful 00:34:26.559 --> 00:34:27.780 because it's the season 00:34:27.780 --> 00:34:28.420 to be thankful? 00:34:28.760 --> 00:34:28.980 You know, 00:34:29.000 --> 00:34:30.139 oftentimes it's easy 00:34:30.139 --> 00:34:30.820 to do that, 00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:31.539 but Thanksgiving 00:34:31.539 --> 00:34:33.000 ought not just be a meal 00:34:33.000 --> 00:34:34.579 to celebrate. 00:34:34.840 --> 00:34:35.619 It ought to be a time 00:34:35.619 --> 00:34:36.260 to slow down 00:34:36.260 --> 00:34:36.960 and consider 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:39.220 what God has done, 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:39.940 what He's given, 00:34:40.040 --> 00:34:40.960 how to be thankful 00:34:40.960 --> 00:34:43.360 for all that He has, 00:34:43.800 --> 00:34:45.620 all that we have, 00:34:45.680 --> 00:34:46.600 all that we enjoy, 00:34:47.560 --> 00:34:48.820 that the peace of God 00:34:48.820 --> 00:34:49.460 that's available 00:34:49.460 --> 00:34:50.340 to everyone. 00:34:50.680 --> 00:34:51.500 Because the reality 00:34:51.500 --> 00:34:52.180 is this, 00:34:52.200 --> 00:34:53.080 when we truly have 00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:53.739 in concept, 00:34:53.739 --> 00:34:54.719 in understanding 00:34:54.719 --> 00:34:55.699 what Christ has done 00:34:55.699 --> 00:34:56.239 for us, 00:34:57.360 --> 00:34:58.460 it ought to make it 00:34:58.460 --> 00:34:59.079 a lot harder 00:34:59.079 --> 00:35:00.079 to be unthankful. 00:35:00.299 --> 00:35:01.360 It ought to make it easier 00:35:01.360 --> 00:35:02.579 for us to be thankful 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:04.759 when we know Him 00:35:04.759 --> 00:35:06.039 as Savior. 00:35:06.440 --> 00:35:06.639 You know, 00:35:06.679 --> 00:35:07.799 this morning it starts, 00:35:07.980 --> 00:35:08.940 thankfulness starts 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:09.739 with understanding 00:35:09.739 --> 00:35:10.739 what God has done 00:35:10.739 --> 00:35:11.199 for you. 00:35:11.380 --> 00:35:12.000 To understand 00:35:12.000 --> 00:35:12.880 that He is the one 00:35:12.880 --> 00:35:13.519 that came 00:35:13.519 --> 00:35:14.719 and died 00:35:14.719 --> 00:35:15.759 to provide a way 00:35:15.759 --> 00:35:16.840 that you might have 00:35:16.840 --> 00:35:17.380 the peace 00:35:17.380 --> 00:35:18.880 with God, 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:19.960 that you might experience 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:21.139 the peace of God. 00:35:21.139 --> 00:35:22.420 This morning it's important 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:22.759 to know, 00:35:22.839 --> 00:35:23.759 do you know Him as Savior? 00:35:24.019 --> 00:35:24.719 Do you know Him? 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:25.659 Have you ever moved 00:35:25.659 --> 00:35:26.579 past the fact 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.460 of who He is 00:35:27.460 --> 00:35:28.139 to trusting 00:35:28.139 --> 00:35:29.239 in what He has done 00:35:29.239 --> 00:35:30.799 for you? 00:35:32.500 --> 00:35:33.000 You know, 00:35:33.019 --> 00:35:34.059 today we live in a nation, 00:35:34.139 --> 00:35:34.759 there's a lot of people 00:35:34.759 --> 00:35:35.359 even today 00:35:35.359 --> 00:35:36.019 that know a lot 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:37.879 about who Jesus is. 00:35:39.659 --> 00:35:40.779 But the application 00:35:40.779 --> 00:35:42.500 goes beyond who He is 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:44.879 to what He's done, 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:47.179 what He's accomplished 00:35:47.179 --> 00:35:49.259 for each one. 00:35:49.480 --> 00:35:49.679 You know, 00:35:49.719 --> 00:35:51.000 today if you don't know Christ, 00:35:51.000 --> 00:35:51.840 I encourage you 00:35:51.840 --> 00:35:52.739 to make the day 00:35:52.739 --> 00:35:53.179 the day. 00:35:53.400 --> 00:35:54.179 If you know Christ 00:35:54.179 --> 00:35:54.940 as your Savior, 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:56.380 I think we need 00:35:56.380 --> 00:35:57.019 to ask ourselves 00:35:57.019 --> 00:35:57.559 a question, 00:35:57.719 --> 00:35:58.519 are we living 00:35:58.519 --> 00:36:00.039 thankfully? 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:02.340 Are we living? 00:36:02.440 --> 00:36:03.019 Do you need to 00:36:03.019 --> 00:36:04.260 bring some things 00:36:04.260 --> 00:36:05.440 to the Lord today 00:36:05.440 --> 00:36:06.960 or even this morning 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:07.960 just to thank Him 00:36:07.960 --> 00:36:08.940 for who He is 00:36:08.940 --> 00:36:09.840 and what He's done 00:36:09.840 --> 00:36:10.940 for you? 00:36:11.179 --> 00:36:11.800 To think about 00:36:11.800 --> 00:36:12.559 His promises 00:36:12.559 --> 00:36:14.079 and the opportunity 00:36:14.079 --> 00:36:14.900 we have 00:36:14.900 --> 00:36:16.139 to practice 00:36:16.139 --> 00:36:16.960 the second part. 00:36:17.059 --> 00:36:17.619 We know that He 00:36:17.619 --> 00:36:18.420 will hear us, 00:36:19.119 --> 00:36:19.880 but to come 00:36:19.880 --> 00:36:22.099 and to make requests, 00:36:22.099 --> 00:36:23.119 make our requests 00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:24.820 known unto Him 00:36:24.820 --> 00:36:25.780 because it all 00:36:25.780 --> 00:36:27.019 sums up in the fact, 00:36:27.140 --> 00:36:27.840 are you thinking, 00:36:28.300 --> 00:36:28.640 talking, 00:36:28.800 --> 00:36:29.360 and acting 00:36:29.360 --> 00:36:31.200 thankfully, 00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:32.039 not just 00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:33.840 this week, 00:36:33.920 --> 00:36:34.720 but every week 00:36:34.720 --> 00:36:35.920 as we go through life? 00:36:37.500 --> 00:36:38.220 His heads are bowed 00:36:38.220 --> 00:36:38.920 and eyes are closed 00:36:38.920 --> 00:36:39.380 this morning. 00:36:39.619 --> 00:36:40.680 What about you today? 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:41.760 As we take a moment 00:36:41.760 --> 00:36:42.500 to consider 00:36:42.500 --> 00:36:43.880 and contemplate 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:45.360 on thankfulness, 00:36:45.360 --> 00:36:46.420 is it just a meal 00:36:46.420 --> 00:36:47.340 or is it part 00:36:47.340 --> 00:36:47.820 of who 00:36:47.820 --> 00:36:50.059 you are? 00:36:51.760 --> 00:36:52.539 Who you are 00:36:52.539 --> 00:36:53.079 in Christ. 00:36:54.260 --> 00:36:55.120 Heavenly Fathers, 00:36:55.220 --> 00:36:55.980 we come before you 00:36:55.980 --> 00:36:56.500 today, Lord, 00:36:56.539 --> 00:36:57.280 we just thank you 00:36:57.280 --> 00:36:57.960 and praise you. 00:36:59.480 --> 00:36:59.760 Lord, 00:36:59.800 --> 00:37:01.800 we're just stunned 00:37:01.800 --> 00:37:02.720 by all that you've 00:37:02.720 --> 00:37:03.579 given to us. 00:37:04.840 --> 00:37:05.280 Lord, 00:37:05.320 --> 00:37:06.000 that we can come 00:37:06.000 --> 00:37:07.079 boldly before you 00:37:07.079 --> 00:37:08.340 because of your promises 00:37:08.340 --> 00:37:10.000 and your provision 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:10.620 for us. 00:37:11.840 --> 00:37:12.079 Lord, 00:37:12.120 --> 00:37:12.860 you know each heart, 00:37:12.960 --> 00:37:13.820 each life here today. 00:37:13.820 --> 00:37:14.120 Lord, 00:37:14.200 --> 00:37:14.860 we pray that you just 00:37:14.860 --> 00:37:16.340 work in each one 00:37:16.340 --> 00:37:17.160 in a mighty way. 00:37:18.180 --> 00:37:18.360 Lord, 00:37:18.400 --> 00:37:19.160 we just ask it all 00:37:19.160 --> 00:37:20.260 in your precious name. 00:37:21.400 --> 00:37:21.700 Amen. 00:37:22.539 --> 00:37:23.180 His heads are bowed 00:37:23.180 --> 00:37:23.900 and eyes are closed 00:37:23.900 --> 00:37:24.260 this morning. 00:37:24.320 --> 00:37:25.059 What about you?