WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.020 That's one thing we can do is thank the Lord for each day that He gives to us. 00:00:04.020 --> 00:00:10.460 And, you know, it's a wonderful thing of just having friends. 00:00:10.540 --> 00:00:14.460 Because, you know, when you realize, as Adrian was up here talking, 00:00:14.560 --> 00:00:16.719 it just made me think again about the reality. 00:00:16.940 --> 00:00:19.240 You know, we serve a God that's not an American God. 00:00:20.440 --> 00:00:22.740 We serve a God who created the whole world, 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:26.280 loves everybody all around, and no matter what, 00:00:27.060 --> 00:00:29.160 you know, if you've accepted Christ as your Savior, 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:31.359 you know, we're going to get to heaven and meet all sorts of people. 00:00:32.600 --> 00:00:37.399 Some of which we have had an influence upon to their salvation, 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:40.939 others that you have no idea about. 00:00:41.640 --> 00:00:48.439 But it makes a wonderful reality that what we have in common is in Christ. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:51.659 And just the idea of being thankful, you know, 00:00:51.719 --> 00:00:56.159 it's one of those elements that is something that we have to understand 00:00:56.159 --> 00:00:59.419 understand the need to be thankful. 00:00:59.799 --> 00:01:03.559 And you can start finding your Bibles, Colossians chapter 3 this morning. 00:01:03.679 --> 00:01:08.500 We're going to take a few moments here this morning as we look into God's Word 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:11.359 about just the reality of be thankful. 00:01:12.599 --> 00:01:17.560 You know, because oftentimes I think when we even set aside a day to be thankful, 00:01:17.560 --> 00:01:25.579 I'm glad that we in America set aside a day of a year just to remind us to be thankful. 00:01:26.640 --> 00:01:27.480 Because you know what? 00:01:27.520 --> 00:01:30.359 It's very easy, especially in today's world, to get cynical. 00:01:31.520 --> 00:01:35.320 You know, to kind of get negative about the dynamics of life 00:01:35.319 --> 00:01:39.199 and the things that go on and the challenges we face. 00:01:39.299 --> 00:01:42.319 And you see all the things happening around us. 00:01:42.459 --> 00:01:48.099 But to have a day that is supposed to be focused upon giving thanks, you know. 00:01:48.159 --> 00:01:51.379 And Thanksgiving's a time that families gather. 00:01:51.699 --> 00:01:53.899 And, you know, we often think about Thanksgiving. 00:01:54.119 --> 00:01:59.539 We talk about food, you know, of everything from turkeys to cranberry sauce. 00:01:59.599 --> 00:02:03.000 And I've yet to see a cranberry shaped like that can that always comes out of. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.480 You know, we think about those things. 00:02:06.540 --> 00:02:11.539 And oftentimes we say, well, we're thankful for what we get to eat or what we get to consume. 00:02:11.780 --> 00:02:16.599 You know, we think about the commercialization of Thanksgiving. 00:02:16.860 --> 00:02:22.680 I mean, a lot of promotion of football and just all different things that dynamic, you know. 00:02:22.719 --> 00:02:27.379 But it's a day that's really changed since its inception that we really need to stop. 00:02:27.560 --> 00:02:31.180 And as believers, it's not something that ought to be a day. 00:02:31.180 --> 00:02:33.420 It ought to be what we live. 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:41.460 Because, but a day is good because throughout Scripture, you'll find God sets apart days to help us remember. 00:02:42.300 --> 00:02:47.260 So I think having a day of Thanksgiving is a great thing because it makes us slow down, 00:02:47.939 --> 00:02:54.180 makes us stop and consider the great things that God has done for us, 00:02:54.659 --> 00:02:56.560 that he's given to us. 00:02:56.560 --> 00:02:59.000 You know, if you're here today, God has blessed you, you know. 00:02:59.520 --> 00:03:03.140 We need to understand that reality in our life. 00:03:03.259 --> 00:03:09.080 You know, the holiday in America is often traced back to 1621 in New England 00:03:09.080 --> 00:03:17.800 when the much-needed harvest provided what was needed to survive the next upcoming winter after a very hard season. 00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:26.600 You know, oftentimes we forget that the pilgrims that began this idea of having a day of celebration here in America, 00:03:27.040 --> 00:03:34.380 we lose the idea that they went through some very hard times prior to giving thanks. 00:03:35.520 --> 00:03:36.740 Some difficulties. 00:03:36.939 --> 00:03:39.620 It wasn't thankful just because of all the good things. 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:45.420 They were thankful that no matter what, God is still God. 00:03:46.580 --> 00:03:48.379 That God is who he said he is. 00:03:48.840 --> 00:03:53.340 And, you know, as we see that come about throughout our history, 00:03:53.460 --> 00:03:57.120 but it wasn't until about 1863 it became a national holiday. 00:03:58.080 --> 00:04:01.259 It had been celebrated in pockets on different days. 00:04:01.560 --> 00:04:04.759 But, you know, but this whole idea of Thanksgiving, 00:04:04.759 --> 00:04:09.280 and I think one reason that you find that commercialization today moves past Thanksgiving, 00:04:09.399 --> 00:04:14.539 you ever notice that they move from a pagan holiday of worshiping things you ought not to worship 00:04:14.539 --> 00:04:16.939 that are counter to Scripture, 00:04:17.560 --> 00:04:20.860 to try to do Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus, 00:04:20.980 --> 00:04:22.639 but it's really not about the birth of Jesus. 00:04:23.120 --> 00:04:25.039 It's let's get our money made for the year. 00:04:25.319 --> 00:04:26.920 And they skip over Thanksgiving. 00:04:27.139 --> 00:04:27.459 You know what? 00:04:27.500 --> 00:04:29.579 It's hard to commercialize being thankful. 00:04:29.579 --> 00:04:36.219 It's hard to monetize that because it's not something that you can put a price tag on. 00:04:37.800 --> 00:04:40.359 You can't buy enough stuff to be happy. 00:04:41.539 --> 00:04:44.139 You know, you can't possess enough things to be happy. 00:04:44.659 --> 00:04:52.860 You can't have enough good things in your life happen to be just make you happy or joyful or thankful. 00:04:53.279 --> 00:04:56.879 But I think it's important that we stop to be thankful. 00:04:56.879 --> 00:05:00.139 And the word, it's the word thank. 00:05:01.019 --> 00:05:02.000 You know, it's interesting. 00:05:02.120 --> 00:05:04.959 If you study words, the word thank and the word think. 00:05:06.060 --> 00:05:10.300 Thank and think are the same root. 00:05:10.480 --> 00:05:12.740 That's an interesting dynamic because you know what? 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:16.379 Thankfulness is directly tied to how we think. 00:05:16.379 --> 00:05:21.459 You cannot separate thankfulness from how you think. 00:05:22.819 --> 00:05:27.100 Because how you think impacts your gratitude. 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:33.019 Because what you think about the things that you have and the things you've been blessed with, 00:05:33.019 --> 00:05:37.620 the things around us, that connection is there. 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:43.379 And it's the result because thankfulness is the result of thoughtful reflection. 00:05:44.319 --> 00:05:51.160 Reminding us that thanksgiving comes from thinking about the blessings that God gives. 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:52.079 That's true. 00:05:52.160 --> 00:05:53.620 But you know, the opposite is also true. 00:05:53.720 --> 00:05:59.939 That if we don't think about them, we'll be unthankful. 00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:02.180 Because it talks about us being thankful. 00:06:02.360 --> 00:06:04.220 But you know, it's very easy to be unthankful. 00:06:04.220 --> 00:06:08.740 Matter of fact, unthankfulness is natural. 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:12.320 Because unthankfulness has to do with us. 00:06:13.960 --> 00:06:15.640 To say, what do I deserve? 00:06:15.880 --> 00:06:17.600 What do I get out of this? 00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:19.420 What is life about? 00:06:19.520 --> 00:06:22.720 How is it all focused upon me as an individual? 00:06:23.200 --> 00:06:27.540 And thankfulness isn't something just to consider for a day, but every day. 00:06:27.640 --> 00:06:31.140 And it's not an easy thing for us to do by any means. 00:06:31.139 --> 00:06:34.680 Because we're busy in life. 00:06:34.819 --> 00:06:39.259 Because sometimes I think we're unthankful because we don't stop and think. 00:06:39.519 --> 00:06:41.060 We just don't take the time to stop. 00:06:42.419 --> 00:06:47.699 Or to think or to consider the blessings that God gives to us. 00:06:47.919 --> 00:06:51.719 The dynamic of how we think about it is essential. 00:06:51.720 --> 00:06:55.680 And this is why, as a believer, we ought to be thankful. 00:06:55.920 --> 00:07:03.080 Because when we spend time and understand who God is, the outflow ought to naturally be thankfulness. 00:07:04.420 --> 00:07:08.240 Because here, if you found Colossians chapter 3, let's take a look here this morning. 00:07:08.340 --> 00:07:10.840 Let's stand and honor the reading of the Word of God. 00:07:10.900 --> 00:07:12.740 And we'll look down here and read just a couple of verses. 00:07:14.460 --> 00:07:16.740 We'll begin in verse 15 here this morning. 00:07:16.740 --> 00:07:46.720 And it says, 00:07:46.740 --> 00:07:56.800 Let's pray. 00:07:56.879 --> 00:08:05.379 Heavenly Fathers, we just take a few moments here this morning to think together about being thankful. 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:13.540 Lord, help us to understand the necessity, the substance of thankfulness. 00:08:14.540 --> 00:08:23.000 When we understand the reality of what it is and how it stems directly from you. 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:27.720 Lord, we pray just have your hand upon each heart, each life here today. 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:33.059 Lord, you know the struggles, the trials, the tribulations of life. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:36.379 But Lord, we also know the greatness of who you are. 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:40.159 Lord, help us to be mindful of the right things, to think on the right things. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:46.319 Lord, we ask it all in your precious name. 00:08:47.319 --> 00:08:47.679 Amen. 00:08:47.839 --> 00:08:48.419 You may be seated. 00:08:48.579 --> 00:08:53.419 You know, as we look here this morning in our text, we find something very important here. 00:08:53.419 --> 00:08:56.579 Because I think we see the core of thankfulness. 00:08:57.039 --> 00:08:58.079 The core of thankfulness. 00:08:58.139 --> 00:09:01.240 You know, what is the center of thankfulness? 00:09:01.699 --> 00:09:06.379 You know, and as a child of God, I think we have some core reasons to be thankful. 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:12.839 And I think one of those core reasons is the fact that we can actually experience the peace of God in our life. 00:09:12.840 --> 00:09:23.220 In the midst of chaos, in the midst of life that's sometimes upside down, you can walk with peace in your heart if you're walking with God. 00:09:23.940 --> 00:09:26.879 You can walk in the midst when it doesn't make sense. 00:09:27.620 --> 00:09:34.280 You know, I want you to understand because the core reason to be thankful, it stems from within, not without. 00:09:36.160 --> 00:09:40.320 Our mindset is I ought to be thankful because of what I have out here. 00:09:40.320 --> 00:09:44.560 But the scripture tells us it has to do with what you have in here. 00:09:44.800 --> 00:09:54.300 Because when we consider what we have in Christ, it changes our perspective of how you see things. 00:09:55.620 --> 00:09:59.760 You know, oftentimes we walk past things that we don't pay any attention to. 00:10:00.700 --> 00:10:03.600 And I was reminded about this yesterday. 00:10:03.800 --> 00:10:06.960 We had a Zoom board meeting for the camp. 00:10:06.960 --> 00:10:12.460 And we're sitting there beforehand and Brother Rickard's out of Ottawa down there. 00:10:12.519 --> 00:10:16.400 He's on and he's the chairman of the board there. 00:10:16.440 --> 00:10:17.519 And we're talking a little bit. 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:21.100 And I'm sitting in my office here and he notices the window behind me. 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:23.840 Oh, beautiful stained glass window. 00:10:23.920 --> 00:10:24.200 You know what? 00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:25.019 It came to my mind. 00:10:25.120 --> 00:10:27.639 I look at that thing so much I don't even pay attention to it. 00:10:27.900 --> 00:10:28.759 You know, you have people come. 00:10:28.860 --> 00:10:30.360 Oh, beautiful stained glass windows. 00:10:30.440 --> 00:10:32.440 And you're kind of like, well, yeah, I walk by them every day. 00:10:32.440 --> 00:10:39.740 But you know, it made me stop and think, you know, how often do we walk past the things we ought to be thankful for? 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:43.660 Because they're there so much we miss them. 00:10:45.200 --> 00:10:49.920 We become accustomed to them and don't even understand what it is. 00:10:51.180 --> 00:10:57.520 And when we see this dynamic, this core within us is the peace of God in our life. 00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:01.279 Now, notice here in verse 15, it says, let the peace of God do what? 00:11:01.899 --> 00:11:04.100 Rule in your hearts. 00:11:04.539 --> 00:11:10.340 Now, we're going to talk just a little bit about that because I think it's tied directly to the attitude of thankfulness. 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.039 But first, we need to define something. 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:17.019 Because the Bible speaks about two things when it comes to peace. 00:11:17.419 --> 00:11:21.740 It talks about the peace of God and peace with God. 00:11:23.100 --> 00:11:25.500 Now, I want you to understand that's two different things. 00:11:25.500 --> 00:11:28.960 The peace with God happens at the moment of salvation. 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:32.820 It happens when one accepts Christ as their Savior. 00:11:33.340 --> 00:11:35.539 It changes from within. 00:11:35.679 --> 00:11:38.600 I want you to understand Romans 5 tells us this. 00:11:38.700 --> 00:11:44.940 It says, therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:45.019 --> 00:11:50.799 I want you to understand what Christ did on the cross made a way for us to be at peace with God. 00:11:50.799 --> 00:11:56.419 Because our sin has made us alienated, made us an enemy of God. 00:11:57.059 --> 00:12:01.219 Salvation provides the means of being at peace with God. 00:12:02.299 --> 00:12:04.379 The peace with God is important. 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:10.099 Romans 5.10 says this, for if we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son. 00:12:10.479 --> 00:12:14.519 Much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:17.720 But I want you to understand something. 00:12:17.799 --> 00:12:25.139 Just because you're at peace with God because of salvation, many believers don't experience the peace of God in their life. 00:12:26.379 --> 00:12:31.799 Because the peace of God doesn't come on autopilot. 00:12:31.799 --> 00:12:38.439 I want you to understand there are certain things you get at salvation that are automatic. 00:12:39.299 --> 00:12:40.620 Everybody gets the same. 00:12:40.699 --> 00:12:41.620 There's no deviation. 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:42.979 Everybody gets the same thing. 00:12:43.159 --> 00:12:45.659 But what you do with it makes a difference. 00:12:46.719 --> 00:12:55.359 The peace of God that Paul is speaking about here is that peace that God gives in our heart. 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:57.819 You know, Jesus, as he's getting ready to go to the cross, 00:12:57.820 --> 00:13:02.740 You know, the more I study the dynamic of Jesus going to the cross, 00:13:02.780 --> 00:13:09.020 the more I realize that the things that Jesus said, knowing what was ahead of him, are just amazing. 00:13:09.420 --> 00:13:11.360 John 14, he's getting ready. 00:13:11.460 --> 00:13:12.879 He knows what's going to happen. 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.300 He's going to be beaten. 00:13:14.700 --> 00:13:16.640 He's going to be spit on. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:18.440 His beard is going to be pulled out. 00:13:18.640 --> 00:13:19.780 He's going to be crucified. 00:13:20.360 --> 00:13:23.440 I don't know about you, but those aren't things that sound enticing. 00:13:23.840 --> 00:13:26.640 But yet Jesus is concerned about his disciples. 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:29.399 And he says, guys, I want you to know something. 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:30.340 Notice what he says. 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:32.220 Peace I leave with you. 00:13:32.279 --> 00:13:33.740 My peace I give unto you. 00:13:34.019 --> 00:13:36.980 Not as the world giveth, I give unto you. 00:13:37.319 --> 00:13:38.819 Let not your heart be troubled. 00:13:39.299 --> 00:13:40.699 Neither let it be afraid. 00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:47.720 The peace of God is knowing that we can rely upon God in the situations of life. 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:51.360 Even when there's trouble. 00:13:53.220 --> 00:13:56.220 You know, sometimes the hardest time to be thankful is when trouble's there. 00:13:57.500 --> 00:13:59.120 When life's upside down. 00:14:00.019 --> 00:14:02.899 When things aren't working the way we think it ought to be. 00:14:03.100 --> 00:14:10.399 And the expectations that we have get in our mind supersede what we ought to be thinking about. 00:14:11.039 --> 00:14:12.580 Because I want you to see here. 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:13.779 Look what it tells us here. 00:14:14.199 --> 00:14:15.120 Paul's telling them. 00:14:15.179 --> 00:14:15.779 He says what? 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:18.600 He says, let the peace of God do what? 00:14:20.100 --> 00:14:20.580 Rule. 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:22.400 That's a very important word. 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:29.720 The word rule here is a word that has to do with who has authority. 00:14:31.639 --> 00:14:36.420 The picture here is actually like a referee or an umpire at a sporting event. 00:14:36.419 --> 00:14:42.919 Both teams, when they step on the field, say that umpire has authority. 00:14:44.399 --> 00:14:45.939 They direct the game. 00:14:46.099 --> 00:14:47.919 They make the calls. 00:14:48.599 --> 00:14:51.519 You know, as far as when things are out of bounds. 00:14:51.639 --> 00:14:53.559 I mean, you see all that dynamic. 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:54.439 And that's what it's talking about. 00:14:54.559 --> 00:14:56.199 To let the peace of God do what? 00:14:56.200 --> 00:15:03.740 Rule in your heart is to say, I'm going to give God the authority in my life. 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:07.740 I'm going to give what God offers as the authority. 00:15:08.280 --> 00:15:09.860 And notice how that happens. 00:15:10.020 --> 00:15:11.820 Because it says this. 00:15:11.920 --> 00:15:14.500 It says, and let the peace of God rule. 00:15:16.240 --> 00:15:18.500 That's another important term there too. 00:15:19.920 --> 00:15:20.920 The word let. 00:15:20.919 --> 00:15:23.039 Because let implies something else. 00:15:23.099 --> 00:15:24.799 It implies a decision by you. 00:15:25.019 --> 00:15:27.740 Of what you're going to allow to take place. 00:15:27.979 --> 00:15:31.339 You know, sometimes I think we miss God's peace he wants in our heart. 00:15:31.399 --> 00:15:33.579 Because we're so caught up holding on to everything else. 00:15:33.779 --> 00:15:34.559 All the troubles. 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:36.360 All the sorrows of this life. 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:40.240 You know, Philippians 4.7 says, 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:46.899 And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 00:15:47.339 --> 00:15:49.480 You know, we want the peace of God. 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:53.379 Not just the peace of the situation. 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:56.220 Because oftentimes we look, well, I have peace about this. 00:15:56.399 --> 00:15:57.480 Let me give you an example. 00:15:57.860 --> 00:16:00.800 Let's go back to a good scriptural example here. 00:16:00.860 --> 00:16:01.519 Think about Jonah. 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:03.440 Jonah's running from God. 00:16:04.320 --> 00:16:05.879 And he's at peace enough. 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:08.720 He's asleep in the bottom of a boat in the middle of a storm. 00:16:10.039 --> 00:16:12.820 A storm's raging outside and Jonah's asleep. 00:16:13.200 --> 00:16:15.420 Jonah was at peace with the situation. 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:17.360 But he wasn't at peace with God. 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:21.480 Because sometimes we can fool ourselves into saying, well, everything's okay. 00:16:21.680 --> 00:16:24.820 But God says that we need to let it rule in our heart. 00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:28.659 That has to remember thankfulness and thinking are connected. 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:30.840 What's it saying? 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:34.259 We need to have the right thought process in our life. 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:37.899 And the peace of God will allow you to walk together. 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:45.500 And we see here, he says, let the peace of God rule in your hearts, that which also you are called in one body. 00:16:45.679 --> 00:16:47.740 And be ye thankful. 00:16:47.939 --> 00:16:49.779 You know, that's even corporately together. 00:16:49.779 --> 00:16:55.799 Because we're called together as a church, a called out assembly of believers. 00:16:57.759 --> 00:17:01.459 To be thankful to the Lord, to be thankful for one another. 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:02.959 You know, sometimes that's not easy. 00:17:03.220 --> 00:17:03.860 Because we're people. 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:07.039 You know, have you ever stopped to consider some people aren't very easy to be thankful for? 00:17:07.180 --> 00:17:08.019 I'm just being honest. 00:17:08.279 --> 00:17:08.799 But you know what? 00:17:08.819 --> 00:17:12.859 When you look at them and think about it the right way, it changes the perspective. 00:17:12.859 --> 00:17:18.659 Because how you think changes how you respond and what you do. 00:17:20.359 --> 00:17:22.179 Our thinking is important. 00:17:22.339 --> 00:17:27.699 And we see here, notice next here, the construction, the assembly of thankfulness. 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.799 Where does it come from? 00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:31.279 Notice the next verse 16 says, let the what? 00:17:31.339 --> 00:17:35.339 The word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. 00:17:36.919 --> 00:17:38.519 Now that's another one, let. 00:17:38.519 --> 00:17:44.639 Just because you're saved doesn't mean you're letting God's word have authority in your life. 00:17:44.920 --> 00:17:47.639 You know, oftentimes we can know what God wants. 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:52.299 We can understand the scripture, the word, the scripture, the Holy Bible. 00:17:52.779 --> 00:17:56.259 It's the first cause of thankfulness. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:59.920 When the word of God impacts you, it changes you. 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:03.359 And when you're transformed, the spirit of God dwells within you. 00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:09.099 And God's grace and mercy impacts a life, especially you personally. 00:18:09.599 --> 00:18:12.599 You know, because how you think about God impacts your response. 00:18:13.459 --> 00:18:15.819 I was thinking this week on a verse in Job. 00:18:17.719 --> 00:18:23.019 This isn't on the slide, so they'll be up there looking for it since I'm going to mention it. 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:24.500 Job 121. 00:18:24.719 --> 00:18:29.719 Oftentimes we don't think about this verse being tied with thankfulness. 00:18:30.019 --> 00:18:32.500 Job said, basically this, he says, 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:34.180 I came into this world naked. 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:34.920 I'm going to leave naked. 00:18:35.000 --> 00:18:35.579 I don't have anything. 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:37.559 He just lost everything. 00:18:38.119 --> 00:18:41.220 And the end of that verse says, and makes an interesting declaration. 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:43.819 Talks about blessing God. 00:18:44.039 --> 00:18:45.440 I was thinking about that this week. 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:50.140 You know, this week I've thought a little bit about all the year that's gone by. 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:53.259 I mean, there's been a lot of things happen this year. 00:18:54.039 --> 00:19:00.119 There've been some things that very challenging, disappointing, sadness. 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:03.179 But you'll hear Job experienced all those same things. 00:19:03.519 --> 00:19:07.079 And in the midst and the bottom, you might say Job was on the bottom. 00:19:07.399 --> 00:19:09.179 And he looked up and said, praise the Lord. 00:19:12.419 --> 00:19:13.599 How could he do that? 00:19:13.639 --> 00:19:15.259 That's exactly what we're talking about here. 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:22.940 Because what he thought and understood about God changed his attitude of thankfulness. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:29.480 I think we can be unthankful for the things that go on because of the way we think and consider who God is. 00:19:29.700 --> 00:19:34.839 Because when we see this dynamic, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. 00:19:35.500 --> 00:19:40.960 You know, I want you to understand it's not just having it, but in wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another. 00:19:41.079 --> 00:19:45.140 You know, one thing about the word of God, we need to encourage from others about it. 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:51.240 Because sometimes I think we can get so hyper-focused on something that we get caught up and we miss the rest of the things God has for us. 00:19:51.460 --> 00:19:55.160 But God's word covers everything for life and godliness for us. 00:19:56.539 --> 00:19:59.440 That includes having a spirit of thankfulness. 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:10.220 Because that peace of God ruling in your heart, to be at peace with God says, God, I don't understand the circumstances. 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:12.900 I don't understand why you allowed this. 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:16.140 But I trust that it's going to work for the best. 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:17.279 That it's your will. 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:22.420 If you consider that the will of God is something specific to thankfulness. 00:20:22.480 --> 00:20:24.580 You know, being thankful is in the will of God. 00:20:24.579 --> 00:20:28.579 When we understand the importance of that, of dwelling there. 00:20:28.699 --> 00:20:30.319 Notice what it tells us here. 00:20:30.379 --> 00:20:32.839 Let the word of God dwell in you. 00:20:33.059 --> 00:20:35.359 That word dwell means to inhabit. 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:39.899 But it's even more in a sense than just inhabiting. 00:20:41.279 --> 00:20:48.179 Because to dwell is literally the term used here is kind of interesting because it means like to feel at home. 00:20:48.439 --> 00:20:49.399 Because there's a difference. 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:54.280 You can be someplace, you can be present someplace, and not feel at home. 00:20:54.480 --> 00:21:01.140 I've visited places that, you know, it's like you might say you're okay being there, but it's like you're not at home. 00:21:02.360 --> 00:21:03.280 Because think about it. 00:21:03.280 --> 00:21:05.540 When you're at home, there's a different comfort level. 00:21:07.040 --> 00:21:08.440 There's a different connection. 00:21:08.900 --> 00:21:13.759 When it says for the word of God to dwell in you means that it's comfortable with you. 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:16.780 And you're comfortable with it. 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:18.740 It changes the way we think. 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:21.220 Notice here that it goes on and it says, 00:21:21.660 --> 00:21:25.380 Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. 00:21:25.880 --> 00:21:28.480 Singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:30.640 You know, one of the songs this morning is, 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:32.539 Is Well With My Soul. 00:21:32.779 --> 00:21:33.680 You've probably heard that. 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:37.259 If you've been around church very long, you've probably heard that song sung many times. 00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:40.960 I encourage you to go look up the backstory on it, Is Well With My Soul. 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:50.200 Because you'll find out the author of that song could truly say, I have peace of God that dwells in my heart. 00:21:50.400 --> 00:21:54.019 Because it wasn't written when everything was going well. 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:56.759 Just like Job, it wasn't written from the top. 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.940 It was written from the bottom. 00:21:59.880 --> 00:22:00.700 Looking up. 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:03.059 Because we need to understand the importance. 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:05.700 And even that song this morning teaches us. 00:22:05.960 --> 00:22:10.940 You know, oftentimes I think we forget today how much what we listen to in song impacts our thinking. 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:17.220 Because the songs we sing should accurately reflect the word of God. 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.500 I'll just make this statement. 00:22:18.600 --> 00:22:20.600 We don't have time to delve into this this morning. 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:22.299 But I want you to understand this. 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:29.500 There's a definite relationship between our understanding of scripture and God and the songs that we sing. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:37.200 Just because they say it's scriptural or they say that it's godly or they say that it's religious doesn't mean it's accurate. 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:42.900 Now, a preacher can, I can pick on a lot of things because I'm not talking about just some of this crazy music out there. 00:22:44.220 --> 00:22:45.940 It might be by groups you like. 00:22:45.940 --> 00:22:47.660 As a believer, I'll caution you. 00:22:47.779 --> 00:22:51.220 Always filter everything you hear sung through the word of God. 00:22:52.299 --> 00:22:54.080 Because it's teaching you. 00:22:55.600 --> 00:23:00.380 That's the reason music is such a powerful dynamic in our life. 00:23:00.480 --> 00:23:02.019 It's part of how God wired us. 00:23:02.960 --> 00:23:09.340 When we understand that dynamic, that knowing the word of God allows us to do something. 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:11.279 Notice what it says here. 00:23:12.019 --> 00:23:13.779 It says in the verse 16, 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.980 Singing with what? 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:18.259 Grace in your hearts to who? 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.099 To the Lord. 00:23:19.380 --> 00:23:27.160 You know, one thing about music in our life, it ought to be to the Lord, especially at church. 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:30.920 People do a lot of things they call worship and they sing to each other. 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:33.299 But true worship, we sing to the Lord. 00:23:33.299 --> 00:23:37.960 The sad part is it can all happen in the same auditorium. 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:45.279 Because worship isn't an outward action, but a dynamic of the heart towards God. 00:23:46.940 --> 00:23:48.819 Singing in our heart to the Lord. 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:52.240 I want you to see here to be ye thankful. 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:56.599 Because look at the course of thankfulness. 00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:59.980 The action, the direction that it takes us. 00:24:01.339 --> 00:24:02.720 Notice in verse 17, 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:06.660 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all, what? 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:12.920 In the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:15.539 This is the only part of thankfulness that's outward. 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:17.180 The other two dwell within. 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:21.880 This is the result, this is the manifestation of what's within comes out. 00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:24.060 Remember, Jesus made that very clear. 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:27.360 It's not the outward things, but the heart that condemns a person. 00:24:28.620 --> 00:24:29.779 It's from within. 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:35.000 You know, we spend a lot of time looking on the out, but the in makes the difference. 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:41.180 Because you can do the right things on the outside and have a corrupt heart and still have a problem. 00:24:41.600 --> 00:24:42.759 Notice what it says, 00:24:42.759 --> 00:24:45.799 That whatsoever ye do. 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:51.039 You know, this is kind of like an interesting measuring stick for our course through this life. 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:55.940 The things we do and the things we say should be in line with the Lord Jesus. 00:24:57.799 --> 00:24:59.460 Look what the text tells us here. 00:24:59.519 --> 00:24:59.759 And it says, 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:06.779 Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. 00:25:08.259 --> 00:25:09.480 To do all. 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:13.900 It means that, let me put it this way. 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:17.079 It means that Jesus ought to be able to associate with it. 00:25:17.279 --> 00:25:21.519 In other words, what you say and what you do, Jesus ought to be comfortable with. 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:27.539 Everything you do in word and deed ought to be unto the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:25:29.140 --> 00:25:31.099 To say, God, I'm doing this. 00:25:31.140 --> 00:25:33.319 You say, well, what are you talking about? 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:35.440 This covers every area of our life. 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:36.519 Whether it's going to work. 00:25:37.640 --> 00:25:40.039 Whether it's how we interact with our spouse. 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:42.400 Whether it's how we interact with strangers. 00:25:42.799 --> 00:25:46.900 How we interact at just whatever the function is. 00:25:46.980 --> 00:25:53.440 Because how we interact, the things we say and do ought to be honoring to the Lord Jesus. 00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:58.360 That's the course in which thankfulness takes you. 00:25:58.420 --> 00:26:04.640 Because thankfulness takes you away from focusing upon yourself and focusing upon God. 00:26:04.840 --> 00:26:06.759 You know, we can be thankful for others. 00:26:06.900 --> 00:26:13.080 But you know, the root of that, because we understand the value of others. 00:26:13.880 --> 00:26:18.600 And we understand the values of others because we understand who God is and what God created. 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:25.039 When we understand that picture, it means that this dynamic of association. 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:27.919 Because oftentimes it's a big ask in our life. 00:26:27.959 --> 00:26:31.599 Because often we don't consider that what we do or say reflects upon our Savior. 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:36.159 But that's the standard that will allow us to give thanks to God. 00:26:37.719 --> 00:26:41.419 Because as a believer, you bear witness of the one who saved you. 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.559 To a lost world. 00:26:42.619 --> 00:26:45.559 Of anybody who ought to be thankful, believers ought to be thankful. 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:50.299 But when we don't let the peace of God rule in our heart, 00:26:50.399 --> 00:26:52.740 we don't let the Word of God dwell within us, 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:56.639 instead of thankful, we become unthankful. 00:26:56.679 --> 00:26:58.779 Let me throw another word of unthankfulness, bitterness. 00:26:59.299 --> 00:26:59.720 Anger. 00:27:00.000 --> 00:27:01.879 You know, because sometimes when things happen in life, 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:03.799 we get very quickly to get bitter and angry. 00:27:04.659 --> 00:27:06.419 And we let bitterness and anger, 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:09.419 the root is unthankfulness. 00:27:09.919 --> 00:27:12.079 Unthankfulness comes from a wrong perspective. 00:27:13.619 --> 00:27:14.799 A wrong thinking. 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:17.960 Because it's an inward thinking instead of an upward thinking. 00:27:19.599 --> 00:27:22.480 When we consider these things, even here this morning, 00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:24.899 we can rejoice in what we have. 00:27:26.579 --> 00:27:29.539 You know, if you're saved, you ought to have the biggest thing you can rejoice about, 00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:30.879 the fact that you're saved. 00:27:31.799 --> 00:27:34.579 Because there was a moment in your life when you understood 00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:38.740 who you were, a sinner that was separated, alienated from God. 00:27:38.919 --> 00:27:40.680 You had no peace with God. 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:44.279 And at some point, somebody, you were confronted with the Scripture. 00:27:45.180 --> 00:27:51.519 You were confronted with the Word of God that made you understand your place in what Jesus did. 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:57.059 And to understand that it's not information, it's something that you have to apply to your life. 00:27:57.099 --> 00:27:59.160 You have to make a choice to be saved. 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:04.139 And if that's truly happened, God says that if you let the peace of God, 00:28:04.140 --> 00:28:12.280 because you have peace with God, you can experience the peace of God in the circumstances of life. 00:28:12.279 --> 00:28:16.920 You know, this morning, do you have the peace of God in your heart? 00:28:17.079 --> 00:28:19.539 Because as Paul's writing to the church here at Colossae, 00:28:19.579 --> 00:28:26.519 he reminds them that you cannot separate the peace of God and the Word of God within you, 00:28:26.700 --> 00:28:29.099 the right thinking from thankfulness. 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:31.619 Because we can have a generic thankfulness, 00:28:31.859 --> 00:28:35.819 but it's still in error if we don't understand who God is and what He's done for us. 00:28:35.980 --> 00:28:39.859 Because the things physically you can thank God, you can be thankful for, 00:28:39.859 --> 00:28:43.639 none of it would be there without the one above. 00:28:45.259 --> 00:28:46.419 Without Christ. 00:28:47.119 --> 00:28:47.959 Without the Creator. 00:28:48.399 --> 00:28:51.359 Without it, thankfulness is difficult and impossible 00:28:51.359 --> 00:28:57.599 without understanding who God is and what He's done for you. 00:28:58.819 --> 00:29:00.919 This morning, I want you to think about, 00:29:01.479 --> 00:29:03.139 are you thankful? 00:29:03.539 --> 00:29:05.659 Why or why not? 00:29:07.459 --> 00:29:09.759 As heads are bowed and eyes are closed this morning, 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:12.759 this morning, is the Word of Christ at home? 00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:14.319 Does it dwell in your life? 00:29:14.500 --> 00:29:18.279 Is there a reflection of Christ in you and what you say and do? 00:29:20.139 --> 00:29:24.740 And how does it impact your thinking about being thankful? 00:29:24.740 --> 00:29:25.240 do you do?