WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.200 For every Bible, I want you to turn to Luke chapter 17. 00:00:02.480 --> 00:00:05.500 I'm also blessed this morning to see Janet Childs sitting back 00:00:05.500 --> 00:00:05.820 there. 00:00:06.480 --> 00:00:06.919 Amen. 00:00:07.620 --> 00:00:08.019 Amen. 00:00:11.220 --> 00:00:15.480 Some time ago, Janet had a stroke that the experts say she 00:00:15.480 --> 00:00:17.120 wouldn't be able to do what she's doing today. 00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:19.760 But we serve a greater God, don't we? 00:00:19.920 --> 00:00:20.199 Amen. 00:00:20.420 --> 00:00:23.080 He's continuing to work, so you continue to pray for Janet. 00:00:23.179 --> 00:00:26.080 And I'm sorry to point you out, but no, I don't. 00:00:26.339 --> 00:00:26.780 No, I'm not. 00:00:26.780 --> 00:00:29.640 I'm thankful for what God's done in your life. 00:00:29.640 --> 00:00:31.820 And continue to do. 00:00:32.960 --> 00:00:35.740 As so many Americans, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite 00:00:35.740 --> 00:00:36.280 holidays. 00:00:36.439 --> 00:00:40.420 I mean, you know, it's a day of parades and football and turkey 00:00:40.420 --> 00:00:43.679 and fellowship, and that makes for a great day. 00:00:45.260 --> 00:00:47.880 Sadly, however, in the midst of all that good fellowship, 00:00:48.140 --> 00:00:50.460 sometimes the main thing about it has been missed. 00:00:52.200 --> 00:00:55.700 More than anything else, it's a day to set aside to thank God 00:00:55.700 --> 00:00:57.159 for his many blessings. 00:00:57.159 --> 00:00:59.959 To remember where we came from. 00:01:01.279 --> 00:01:03.439 That meaning sometimes has been missed. 00:01:04.979 --> 00:01:07.280 The forefathers of this country took it seriously. 00:01:08.959 --> 00:01:13.739 American history has somewhat been revisited and revised in 00:01:13.739 --> 00:01:14.640 recent books. 00:01:15.479 --> 00:01:19.340 But I'll be clear, our nation was settled by followers of Christ. 00:01:19.340 --> 00:01:25.299 Our American heritage is a Christian one, unapologetically. 00:01:26.120 --> 00:01:29.540 The first American settlement in Plymouth was settled by pilgrims 00:01:29.540 --> 00:01:32.040 who broke away from the Church of England. 00:01:33.420 --> 00:01:38.659 And sailing over on the Mayflower in 1620, they wrote the Mayflower Compact. 00:01:38.659 --> 00:01:48.219 Before they ever touched American soil, they stated that they wanted a colony based on biblical principles. 00:01:48.939 --> 00:01:51.659 That the colony was to be established, and I quote, 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:55.620 for the glory and the advancement of the Christian faith. 00:01:55.620 --> 00:02:03.939 After harvest that first year, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer. 00:02:04.939 --> 00:02:09.719 It became a custom that became a holiday under Abraham Lincoln. 00:02:10.719 --> 00:02:14.640 Over the years, the emphasis has somewhat been mismanaged. 00:02:15.640 --> 00:02:16.840 But it shouldn't be. 00:02:16.840 --> 00:02:22.819 It's a day to give thanks and praise, and who more should do that than Americans? 00:02:23.920 --> 00:02:25.340 How blessed we are. 00:02:26.020 --> 00:02:29.140 The only folks that I can think of would be Christians. 00:02:29.920 --> 00:02:32.080 How blessed we are. 00:02:32.980 --> 00:02:35.240 We have a lot to be thankful for. 00:02:36.719 --> 00:02:37.740 But are we? 00:02:39.740 --> 00:02:44.340 An encounter in Luke chapter 17 begs that question. 00:02:44.340 --> 00:02:48.860 The account says in Luke 17, verse 11, 00:02:48.939 --> 00:02:55.780 On the way to Jerusalem, he, speaking of Christ, was passing along between Samaria and Galilee, 00:02:56.680 --> 00:03:00.640 and as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance, 00:03:01.180 --> 00:03:03.060 and lifted up their voices, saying, 00:03:03.199 --> 00:03:06.539 Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 00:03:07.740 --> 00:03:10.759 When he saw them, he said to them, 00:03:10.860 --> 00:03:12.740 Go and show yourself to the priest. 00:03:12.740 --> 00:03:18.920 And as they went, they were cleansed. 00:03:20.100 --> 00:03:23.400 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, 00:03:24.180 --> 00:03:27.480 turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 00:03:28.219 --> 00:03:31.520 He fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. 00:03:32.260 --> 00:03:35.040 Now he was a Samaritan. 00:03:36.219 --> 00:03:37.580 And then Jesus answered, 00:03:37.760 --> 00:03:39.480 Were not ten cleansed? 00:03:39.479 --> 00:03:42.519 Where are the nine? 00:03:44.519 --> 00:03:48.620 Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? 00:03:49.659 --> 00:03:50.839 And he said to him, 00:03:50.939 --> 00:03:52.599 Rise and go your way. 00:03:53.859 --> 00:03:56.120 Your faith has made you well. 00:03:58.060 --> 00:04:00.139 Jesus was en route to Jerusalem, 00:04:00.419 --> 00:04:03.519 and as he entered into the regions of Samaria and Galilee, 00:04:03.639 --> 00:04:05.060 he encountered ten lepers. 00:04:05.060 --> 00:04:09.960 He spoke healing to them and told them to show themselves to the priest. 00:04:10.539 --> 00:04:13.140 But only one of them returned back with thanks, 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:14.520 and Jesus asked the question, 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:16.800 Where are the other nine? 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:18.420 Where are the nine? 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:23.480 This encounter to me is revealing, and God has been so good to us, 00:04:23.540 --> 00:04:26.240 we ought to live in response to what God's done for us. 00:04:26.240 --> 00:04:28.860 And how should we do that? 00:04:29.620 --> 00:04:33.500 Well, I believe this encounter gives us three ways that we ought to, 00:04:34.699 --> 00:04:36.980 that Jesus shows us we ought to give thanks. 00:04:37.100 --> 00:04:40.579 One is that we ought to speak up and ask God. 00:04:41.560 --> 00:04:42.740 Speak up and ask God. 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:47.519 Now these lepers had heard the rumors of healing that had come from Jesus. 00:04:48.439 --> 00:04:51.519 And they wanted healing, and they wondered how they could get it. 00:04:51.939 --> 00:04:55.040 Scripture says that they stood at a distance from him, 00:04:55.040 --> 00:04:57.100 They better. 00:04:58.280 --> 00:04:58.879 They're lepers. 00:05:00.340 --> 00:05:04.720 Mosaic law isolated lepers from social contact. 00:05:05.520 --> 00:05:08.460 They were forbidden to come within six feet of a person. 00:05:08.900 --> 00:05:13.980 If the wind was blowing, they couldn't come within 50 yards of a person. 00:05:14.540 --> 00:05:17.900 And if somebody accidentally approached them, they were to yell, 00:05:18.939 --> 00:05:19.780 Unclean! 00:05:21.379 --> 00:05:21.939 Unclean! 00:05:21.939 --> 00:05:21.980 Unclean! 00:05:25.040 --> 00:05:25.600 Unclean! 00:05:25.600 --> 00:05:25.680 Unclean! 00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:26.040 Unclean! 00:05:26.040 --> 00:05:26.080 Unclean! 00:05:26.080 --> 00:05:26.600 Unclean! 00:05:26.600 --> 00:05:30.060 So what did they do when Jesus came by? 00:05:31.400 --> 00:05:32.680 They spoke up. 00:05:34.319 --> 00:05:37.680 They showed enough fortitude, even in the midst of their circumstances, 00:05:37.900 --> 00:05:42.860 enough strength under pressure, patient perseverance. 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:49.560 Instead of sitting there hopelessly, they got up. 00:05:51.199 --> 00:05:53.580 Most with leprosy didn't do that. 00:05:54.040 --> 00:05:55.300 And no wonder they didn't do that. 00:05:55.360 --> 00:05:57.819 They suffered from a hideous disease. 00:05:58.600 --> 00:06:01.699 And a very misunderstood disease, as far as that goes. 00:06:01.699 --> 00:06:07.519 Because leprosy appears to be slowly eating the body away. 00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:11.039 It begins by erasing the facial features. 00:06:11.979 --> 00:06:15.579 It moves to the fingers and the hands and the feet. 00:06:15.579 --> 00:06:25.180 And the hands become like frozen claws before they fall off. 00:06:26.180 --> 00:06:30.680 The feet become stumps of sores before falling off. 00:06:30.779 --> 00:06:32.500 The odor is nauseating. 00:06:32.639 --> 00:06:34.979 The appearance is ghastly. 00:06:34.980 --> 00:06:45.160 But Dr. Paul Brand was a man who was, at one time, the world's leading leprosy surgeon. 00:06:46.200 --> 00:06:48.920 He worked as a missionary with lepers. 00:06:49.060 --> 00:06:54.520 And he came to the very important discovery that leprosy was a neuropathy 00:06:54.520 --> 00:06:59.160 that caused people to not feel their extremities. 00:06:59.160 --> 00:07:06.620 Without pain, they would develop sores from bumps and bruises. 00:07:06.820 --> 00:07:07.960 And it would not heal. 00:07:09.580 --> 00:07:12.080 He wrote about that in a book with Philip Yancey. 00:07:12.140 --> 00:07:13.860 He wrote several books with Philip Yancey. 00:07:14.140 --> 00:07:16.740 But this book was called The Gift of Pain. 00:07:17.360 --> 00:07:21.420 It gave an insight about leprosy that we didn't previously understand. 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:24.360 They were outcasts. 00:07:24.360 --> 00:07:29.199 They were shut out from the world to live among people of their kind. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:32.939 It would have been easy to give up. 00:07:34.100 --> 00:07:35.319 But they didn't give up. 00:07:35.400 --> 00:07:36.720 They got up instead. 00:07:37.480 --> 00:07:39.460 Because Jesus was walking by. 00:07:40.780 --> 00:07:42.840 And I'll tell you today that if you're discouraged 00:07:42.840 --> 00:07:45.139 and you're going through a hard time in your life 00:07:45.139 --> 00:07:47.180 and you're struggling, 00:07:48.180 --> 00:07:49.720 I got news for you. 00:07:50.879 --> 00:07:52.420 Jesus is walking by today. 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:54.860 He's here for you. 00:07:55.780 --> 00:07:57.319 Do you feel like you're beside the road? 00:07:58.740 --> 00:08:01.220 Maybe you feel like life's dealt you a bad hand 00:08:01.220 --> 00:08:03.860 or the future seems dim or you feel cut off. 00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:06.580 I got news for you. 00:08:06.660 --> 00:08:08.180 This is the first day of the rest of your life. 00:08:09.460 --> 00:08:11.939 And you can look up and ask God for mercy 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:14.259 and thank God he'll give it to you. 00:08:15.000 --> 00:08:16.160 Speak up and ask God. 00:08:17.340 --> 00:08:20.860 The second thing I learned from this is to step out and trust God. 00:08:20.860 --> 00:08:23.639 To step out and trust him. 00:08:23.740 --> 00:08:26.180 Not only did they come to Jesus and speak up, 00:08:26.259 --> 00:08:28.020 but they also stepped out. 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:31.560 Understand that after Jesus pronounced healing upon them, 00:08:31.600 --> 00:08:33.300 they were not healed, Scripture says. 00:08:34.139 --> 00:08:36.419 It said they healed as they went. 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:38.279 They were still lepers when they left him. 00:08:39.639 --> 00:08:42.980 A leper was not supposed to go to the priest until he was clean, 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:44.600 until he was healed. 00:08:44.600 --> 00:08:48.740 Yet, once Jesus told them that he would heal them 00:08:48.740 --> 00:08:50.360 and to go to the priest, 00:08:51.060 --> 00:08:55.240 God was healing them as they went to the priest. 00:08:55.960 --> 00:08:57.899 They had to have the confidence and the faith 00:08:57.899 --> 00:09:00.639 that that healing would take place before they came to the priest 00:09:00.639 --> 00:09:02.580 in order to be in proper protocol. 00:09:03.500 --> 00:09:05.440 It took faith for them to go anyway 00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:07.300 because they were claiming his healing. 00:09:08.340 --> 00:09:11.320 That somewhat something wonderfully strange 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:12.600 was happening within them. 00:09:12.600 --> 00:09:14.399 They were healed as they went. 00:09:14.659 --> 00:09:16.659 They could have easily said to him after he said that, 00:09:16.800 --> 00:09:18.560 you don't understand, we're not well. 00:09:19.659 --> 00:09:21.560 We still feel the ramifications of this. 00:09:21.659 --> 00:09:22.420 But they didn't. 00:09:23.960 --> 00:09:25.320 I want you to hear me today. 00:09:26.600 --> 00:09:28.899 They took God at his word. 00:09:30.980 --> 00:09:33.340 And if you get up today and ask God for mercy, 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:34.680 God will direct you. 00:09:34.679 --> 00:09:36.859 And as he directs you, 00:09:37.599 --> 00:09:39.500 and in the way he directs you, 00:09:39.579 --> 00:09:42.979 it probably will not be comfortable. 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:46.659 God does his greatest work 00:09:46.659 --> 00:09:48.359 in the uncomfortable times of our life. 00:09:50.139 --> 00:09:51.599 But you must go anyway. 00:09:53.099 --> 00:09:55.259 You must trust him anyway. 00:09:56.399 --> 00:09:59.179 It's not enough to simply speak up and ask God. 00:09:59.279 --> 00:10:00.819 You've got to get out and trust God. 00:10:00.820 --> 00:10:03.820 We start by asking. 00:10:04.680 --> 00:10:06.200 We continue by trusting. 00:10:08.740 --> 00:10:10.820 And when he does his work in our lives, 00:10:11.200 --> 00:10:14.160 if we've been changed by the Lord, 00:10:14.220 --> 00:10:15.920 we go back and thank God. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:18.680 All were lepers. 00:10:19.420 --> 00:10:20.379 All got up. 00:10:22.520 --> 00:10:23.900 All got up in obedience. 00:10:25.400 --> 00:10:26.860 And scripture says all were healed. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:30.200 And the similarities stop there. 00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:35.220 Most celebrated so much over the work of God 00:10:35.220 --> 00:10:38.720 that they never bothered to acknowledge God. 00:10:40.899 --> 00:10:41.940 Now be honest. 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:46.039 Not with me, but with yourself and with God. 00:10:46.200 --> 00:10:48.779 How many times has God pulled you out, 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:51.480 given you new opportunity, 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:54.240 and you simply went about your way? 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:59.560 But what did this one leper do? 00:11:01.639 --> 00:11:03.320 He went back, praised God, 00:11:03.460 --> 00:11:05.200 threw himself at his feet, and thanked him. 00:11:06.500 --> 00:11:08.340 And I believe that's where thanksgiving 00:11:08.340 --> 00:11:09.320 comes into the matter. 00:11:11.480 --> 00:11:13.360 Because if you're a child of God today, 00:11:13.419 --> 00:11:14.120 and if you're not, 00:11:14.200 --> 00:11:15.779 I promise you, you can come to him today. 00:11:17.419 --> 00:11:19.200 You have to acknowledge your need for him. 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:22.980 Acknowledge the wrong in your life 00:11:22.980 --> 00:11:24.300 that needs to be cleansed. 00:11:26.580 --> 00:11:27.200 Acknowledge that 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:30.779 he can be your Lord and Savior 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:33.000 and cleanse you and save you and change you. 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:35.639 And then surrender your life to him today. 00:11:37.580 --> 00:11:39.100 If that's ever happened to you, 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:43.460 you have a responsibility with that. 00:11:45.139 --> 00:11:47.759 And that's to live a life of gratitude for God. 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:48.159 We need to acknowledge him. 00:11:49.159 --> 00:11:50.360 We need to acknowledge him. 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:52.360 Not one time, but all the time. 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:53.200 We need to acknowledge him. 00:11:53.600 --> 00:11:54.460 How do we do that? 00:11:54.539 --> 00:11:56.480 Well, we need to acknowledge him with our time. 00:11:59.879 --> 00:12:00.620 Let me ask you, 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:03.279 how much time do you give to the Lord each day? 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:06.659 I mean, if you're thankful for the Lord 00:12:06.659 --> 00:12:08.860 and his salvation and his leadership in your life, 00:12:09.559 --> 00:12:11.980 let him lead your life. 00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:16.080 Give him the time each day 00:12:16.080 --> 00:12:18.240 to speak through his word. 00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:22.759 The ladies shared with you a wonderful concept. 00:12:24.100 --> 00:12:25.379 With the Bible recap, 00:12:25.840 --> 00:12:28.580 a wonderful way to go through the Bible 00:12:28.580 --> 00:12:30.639 together with a group of ladies. 00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:34.559 I picked up the commentary that goes along with it. 00:12:34.819 --> 00:12:38.080 Sound, good, summarizing short stuff. 00:12:38.179 --> 00:12:38.860 Good stuff. 00:12:39.480 --> 00:12:40.539 It gives you an understanding. 00:12:40.720 --> 00:12:42.620 And the podcast goes right along with that. 00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:43.659 Wonderful. 00:12:43.939 --> 00:12:45.399 A little bit too high-tuned for me, 00:12:45.500 --> 00:12:46.939 but hey, I'm not a woman. 00:12:48.279 --> 00:12:49.899 But the book is wonderful. 00:12:51.240 --> 00:12:52.100 It really is. 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:57.580 Jeff leads men through the Bible through D-Life. 00:12:57.580 --> 00:13:00.680 Put someone on a simple reading plan, 00:13:00.740 --> 00:13:02.900 not trying to accomplish everything 00:13:02.900 --> 00:13:04.720 and read everything. 00:13:04.860 --> 00:13:06.860 It's not about the consumption. 00:13:07.160 --> 00:13:08.660 It's about the digestion. 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:10.200 You do understand that, don't you? 00:13:11.379 --> 00:13:13.700 We put these bookmarks on these offering boxes 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:16.620 and out there for you to have a steady plan. 00:13:17.960 --> 00:13:18.980 I read that every morning. 00:13:19.360 --> 00:13:21.620 Matthew 1 through 4 is what I read this morning. 00:13:21.700 --> 00:13:23.140 And I was touched by the fact that 00:13:23.140 --> 00:13:25.160 he went to Peter and Andrew and said, 00:13:25.759 --> 00:13:26.640 come and follow me. 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:28.220 And immediately they followed him. 00:13:28.460 --> 00:13:30.000 He went to the sons of Zebedee and said, 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:31.100 come follow me. 00:13:31.179 --> 00:13:34.080 And immediately they left their father's business 00:13:34.080 --> 00:13:36.220 that they were going to inherit and followed him. 00:13:36.360 --> 00:13:37.559 And every time I read that, 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:40.639 I'm challenged to think when God says to do something, 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:43.519 when he speaks to my heart and life louder than words, 00:13:43.600 --> 00:13:47.000 it's my responsibility to immediately follow him. 00:13:47.819 --> 00:13:49.379 That's what God tells me today 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:51.860 by spending time with him. 00:13:51.860 --> 00:13:55.899 You have a desire for God's word. 00:13:56.120 --> 00:13:57.480 You don't have to wait till January 1. 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:58.320 You can start today. 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:01.379 But we'd love to guide you in that process. 00:14:01.500 --> 00:14:05.639 But listen, it's not about winning a badge. 00:14:08.340 --> 00:14:10.200 It's not about some great accomplishment. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:12.860 It's about a relationship. 00:14:12.860 --> 00:14:17.779 It's about taking time each and every part of your day 00:14:17.779 --> 00:14:21.340 and acknowledging by giving him your time. 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:26.940 Are you thankful enough to give him time? 00:14:26.940 --> 00:14:30.580 But it's not only time, it's also our talent. 00:14:32.420 --> 00:14:35.520 Our lives of gratitude acknowledge God with our talents. 00:14:36.360 --> 00:14:38.100 Are you willing to serve the Lord? 00:14:40.540 --> 00:14:42.780 If you are, we'll put you to work. 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.600 Are you good with babies? 00:14:47.320 --> 00:14:49.360 How about it when they're a little older than that? 00:14:50.280 --> 00:14:53.480 We got kid worship now, worshiping underneath us. 00:14:53.540 --> 00:14:56.040 If you hear the rumblings coming up through the vents, 00:14:56.039 --> 00:14:59.639 just praise the Lord that we got kids down there worshiping. 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:01.559 Are you good at that? 00:15:02.299 --> 00:15:03.279 Do you know how to smile? 00:15:04.419 --> 00:15:05.399 Can you show up early? 00:15:06.599 --> 00:15:09.360 We have a first impressions team that comes 00:15:09.360 --> 00:15:11.179 to greet folks as they come in, 00:15:11.839 --> 00:15:13.919 to give guidance as they need it. 00:15:16.199 --> 00:15:17.599 Do you want to help us 00:15:17.599 --> 00:15:20.659 not be interrupted by the mystery for the world? 00:15:21.480 --> 00:15:23.279 We got a safety team that does that. 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:25.500 We don't put them big ugly thugs out front 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.379 for the fun of it. 00:15:29.819 --> 00:15:31.360 We got a meeting coming up 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:33.399 a week after Thanksgiving 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:34.980 on Thursday night, 7 to 9. 00:15:35.019 --> 00:15:36.100 If you just have an interest 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:37.839 in knowing more, 00:15:38.339 --> 00:15:40.220 how to make sure that we can worship 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:42.019 without being interrupted by the world. 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:44.379 Inviting the world, don't misunderstand me, 00:15:44.459 --> 00:15:45.919 but not putting up with a bunch of junk. 00:15:46.759 --> 00:15:47.980 That's what a safety team's for. 00:15:47.980 --> 00:15:52.019 Do you have a CDL and you're hiding that from us? 00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:54.220 We got a bus. 00:15:54.440 --> 00:15:55.360 Hide no longer. 00:15:56.440 --> 00:15:57.259 Go to work. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.879 Would you be willing to lead kids 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:02.000 to know more about the Word? 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:04.379 I'm telling you, 00:16:04.460 --> 00:16:06.680 lives change through the Word of God, 00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:09.820 and Awana is simply based on the Word of God 00:16:09.820 --> 00:16:11.379 on Sunday nights. 00:16:12.000 --> 00:16:12.879 Great place to serve. 00:16:12.879 --> 00:16:16.399 Can you handle a middle schooler 00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:17.759 calmly and effectively? 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:20.179 Bless your heart. 00:16:21.580 --> 00:16:23.220 There's a place for you in glory, 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:24.519 but there's also a place for you 00:16:24.519 --> 00:16:25.299 at Pickens First. 00:16:27.100 --> 00:16:27.939 Put your work. 00:16:30.019 --> 00:16:31.879 Would you like to go and serve in His name? 00:16:33.620 --> 00:16:34.700 We do missions. 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:37.399 In the states and overseas, 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:39.440 we do missions. 00:16:39.440 --> 00:16:41.820 Do you think you can sing? 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:44.379 Or do you look good? 00:16:45.980 --> 00:16:48.080 Because Brian takes folks that can sing 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:49.279 and some that look good. 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:52.259 So, some think they're both. 00:16:54.379 --> 00:16:55.740 Try to figure all that out 00:16:55.740 --> 00:16:56.820 when you're watching them next time. 00:16:59.080 --> 00:17:03.240 Are you willing to encourage a teacher 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:04.740 on a regular basis? 00:17:05.839 --> 00:17:07.539 We have a wonderful outreach 00:17:07.539 --> 00:17:08.799 called Hearts for School 00:17:08.799 --> 00:17:11.539 where we're just trying to encourage teachers 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.299 along the way. 00:17:12.920 --> 00:17:14.339 And you know there's a sign up 00:17:14.339 --> 00:17:15.299 in the foyer for that. 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:20.519 These shoeboxes we were blessed with 00:17:20.519 --> 00:17:21.920 with nearly 600 last week. 00:17:22.619 --> 00:17:23.639 Put our hands on them 00:17:23.639 --> 00:17:24.680 and ask God to bless them 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:25.619 and for every child 00:17:25.619 --> 00:17:26.839 that receives one of those boxes. 00:17:28.440 --> 00:17:30.119 May they not only get a simple Christmas, 00:17:30.279 --> 00:17:31.680 but may they know the love of Christ. 00:17:33.039 --> 00:17:34.720 May they commit their lives to Him 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:35.960 and may other lives change 00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:37.579 because those children's lives are changed. 00:17:37.579 --> 00:17:41.240 You really want to know what that's about. 00:17:42.159 --> 00:17:43.939 To get an inside track on that, 00:17:43.980 --> 00:17:45.099 that processing center 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:46.039 that he brought up earlier 00:17:46.039 --> 00:17:48.099 on December the 1st for us, 00:17:48.159 --> 00:17:49.679 for the youth on December the 2nd, 00:17:49.899 --> 00:17:50.699 is a blessing. 00:17:51.379 --> 00:17:52.819 We've got some spots reserved. 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:54.960 There's some available still. 00:17:55.819 --> 00:17:57.039 I encourage you to consider 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:59.099 taking that day on Friday, December the 1st, 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:01.079 and being a part of that 00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:03.559 for four hours in Charlotte. 00:18:04.159 --> 00:18:04.759 It's a blessing. 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:09.879 I don't know what's in your wheelhouse. 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:11.160 We talked for a few minutes. 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:12.359 I might be able to help you with that. 00:18:12.980 --> 00:18:18.559 But be grateful for what God has done for you 00:18:18.559 --> 00:18:21.079 and serve the Lord 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:23.400 with how He's gifted you. 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:28.000 I'll tell you another way to do it 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:29.940 is with your treasure. 00:18:29.940 --> 00:18:35.799 If all that you have is from the Lord, 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:37.500 and it is, 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:41.559 and if He has called you to be a steward 00:18:41.559 --> 00:18:43.200 of what He's given you, 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:45.299 and He has, 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:48.980 and if He's given you clear instruction 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:52.340 to bring your tithe into the storehouse, 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:54.440 and He has, 00:18:54.440 --> 00:18:58.440 Malachi chapter 3 verse 10 says, 00:18:58.900 --> 00:19:02.279 bring the full tithe into the storehouse, 00:19:02.900 --> 00:19:04.820 that there may be food in my house, 00:19:05.539 --> 00:19:07.200 and therefore put me to the test, 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:08.120 says the Lord of hosts, 00:19:08.360 --> 00:19:11.360 if I will not open the windows of heaven for you 00:19:11.360 --> 00:19:13.160 and pour down from you a blessing 00:19:13.160 --> 00:19:15.620 until there is no more need. 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:17.680 What is the storehouse? 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:18.640 I'll tell you what it is. 00:19:18.920 --> 00:19:21.440 It's the place where they stored the grain 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:23.820 to be used in the ministry of the temple. 00:19:24.900 --> 00:19:27.700 It's the place where you're spiritually fed. 00:19:29.200 --> 00:19:31.440 The storehouse is where God feeds you. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:35.779 The tithe is literally a Hebrew word 00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:36.940 that means tenth. 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:40.320 It is giving an obedient gift 00:19:40.320 --> 00:19:41.400 to acknowledge that 00:19:41.400 --> 00:19:44.620 everything that you have came from God, 00:19:44.720 --> 00:19:46.840 and God owns all that you have, 00:19:46.839 --> 00:19:48.480 but you give back 00:19:48.480 --> 00:19:52.159 in a portion of obedience 00:19:52.159 --> 00:19:54.259 back to Him. 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:58.500 We are grateful enough, 00:19:58.659 --> 00:20:00.699 and I've not left my text, 00:20:01.699 --> 00:20:04.480 to go back and thank God 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:06.199 with what He has entrusted us. 00:20:08.199 --> 00:20:10.959 A life of gratitude says thank you 00:20:10.959 --> 00:20:13.939 with the time in our life. 00:20:14.879 --> 00:20:15.599 Thank you, God. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:18.299 for the gifts and the passions 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:19.879 and the pleasures that you've given me. 00:20:20.139 --> 00:20:21.579 Help me use them for your glory. 00:20:22.539 --> 00:20:24.679 Thank you, God, for providing for me 00:20:24.679 --> 00:20:28.319 more than we need. 00:20:30.159 --> 00:20:31.539 God's been good to us. 00:20:34.539 --> 00:20:36.519 Give back to Him, 00:20:37.899 --> 00:20:38.959 and let's let other people 00:20:38.959 --> 00:20:41.339 be changed by the ministries 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:43.299 of the church. 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:46.680 Thanksgiving is an American holiday, 00:20:47.839 --> 00:20:51.220 but I also think that it's almost 00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:53.500 even more so a spiritual appointment 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:54.200 for Christians. 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:57.539 It's a time to make sure 00:20:57.539 --> 00:20:58.799 that we come before God 00:20:58.799 --> 00:20:59.839 and give Him thanks. 00:21:01.839 --> 00:21:03.740 So many of us can give testimony 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:05.019 of how the Lord has blessed, 00:21:06.019 --> 00:21:07.799 and we need to share that. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:09.379 You'll have the opportunity tonight 00:21:09.379 --> 00:21:12.519 before our meal together 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:14.940 as people are going to the tables 00:21:14.940 --> 00:21:16.339 to get their food. 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:19.180 I'll ask for testimonies. 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:22.319 We pray about that. 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:23.639 What would God have you to share? 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:26.240 A short testimony of how God 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:27.859 has blessed your life. 00:21:27.859 --> 00:21:30.899 But the question is, 00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:32.000 where are the nine? 00:21:34.359 --> 00:21:35.379 Too many times, 00:21:35.899 --> 00:21:38.500 people never really acknowledge 00:21:38.500 --> 00:21:39.879 what God has done for them. 00:21:41.959 --> 00:21:43.199 And it's my prayer 00:21:43.199 --> 00:21:44.419 as I prepare this message 00:21:44.419 --> 00:21:47.099 that may Pickens First Baptist Church 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:49.619 be counted as that rare 10% 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:50.939 that gives credit 00:21:50.939 --> 00:21:52.279 to where credit is due. 00:21:52.479 --> 00:21:53.479 One out of 10. 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:54.860 Let us be the one 00:21:54.860 --> 00:21:57.079 to make sure 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:58.700 that we live lives of gratitude 00:21:58.700 --> 00:22:00.400 by giving thanks 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:01.900 by waking up in the morning 00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:03.079 with Jesus. 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:05.019 Giving thanks 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:06.700 by not celebrating the gifts, 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:08.599 but celebrating the giver. 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.500 Give thanks 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:11.000 by being faithful in worship. 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:11.559 Give thanks 00:22:11.559 --> 00:22:13.019 by obeying Him with the tithe. 00:22:13.299 --> 00:22:14.140 Give thanks 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:15.440 by resting in Him 00:22:15.440 --> 00:22:16.539 for all decisions 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:17.500 that we face. 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:19.059 Give thanks 00:22:19.059 --> 00:22:19.940 by telling someone 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:20.779 about the difference 00:22:20.779 --> 00:22:22.160 that He's made 00:22:22.160 --> 00:22:23.620 in our lives. 00:22:27.080 --> 00:22:27.880 Give thanks 00:22:27.880 --> 00:22:29.040 by circling with friends 00:22:29.040 --> 00:22:29.620 at a table 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:30.620 and with tears say, 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:31.840 thank you, Lord. 00:22:33.680 --> 00:22:34.700 Thank you, Lord. 00:22:36.320 --> 00:22:37.920 What are you thankful for today? 00:22:41.100 --> 00:22:42.300 Footballs, parades, 00:22:42.800 --> 00:22:44.200 even turkey 00:22:44.200 --> 00:22:44.820 are enjoyable 00:22:44.820 --> 00:22:45.519 for a day 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.440 or for a season. 00:22:47.820 --> 00:22:48.980 But when the Savior 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:50.080 walks down the road 00:22:50.080 --> 00:22:50.860 of your life 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:52.699 willing and ready, 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.579 that is life 00:22:54.579 --> 00:22:55.500 and life 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:56.740 more abundantly. 00:22:58.419 --> 00:22:59.819 And there's no better way 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.559 to say thanks 00:23:00.559 --> 00:23:01.819 than with all of our lives. 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:04.939 One way to do that 00:23:04.939 --> 00:23:05.759 is through obedience. 00:23:07.699 --> 00:23:08.019 And 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:10.959 I believe that includes 00:23:10.959 --> 00:23:11.500 an obedient, 00:23:11.659 --> 00:23:13.179 based on what Jesus tells us, 00:23:13.539 --> 00:23:15.139 an obedient participation 00:23:15.139 --> 00:23:16.379 in the Lord's Supper 00:23:16.379 --> 00:23:17.119 as believers. 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:19.119 as we gather 00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:20.179 around the table 00:23:20.179 --> 00:23:20.639 tonight, 00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.899 before we ever eat, 00:23:22.459 --> 00:23:22.919 we'll take 00:23:22.919 --> 00:23:23.579 the Lord's Supper 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:24.039 together. 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:28.339 Before we do, 00:23:29.639 --> 00:23:30.759 let's make sure 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:32.319 that our lives 00:23:32.319 --> 00:23:34.219 are giving thanks 00:23:34.219 --> 00:23:35.739 to God 00:23:35.739 --> 00:23:38.179 in every way. 00:23:39.639 --> 00:23:40.059 Now, 00:23:40.139 --> 00:23:41.079 I want to be clear today. 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:43.559 I don't want you 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:43.919 to twist 00:23:43.919 --> 00:23:44.559 what I said. 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.359 God can do 00:23:50.359 --> 00:23:51.139 what God wants 00:23:51.139 --> 00:23:51.679 to do 00:23:51.679 --> 00:23:53.879 without us. 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.379 God's not begging 00:23:58.379 --> 00:23:59.079 us to help Him. 00:24:01.139 --> 00:24:02.059 God will provide 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:02.759 every need. 00:24:05.559 --> 00:24:06.399 And how does He 00:24:06.399 --> 00:24:06.899 provide it? 00:24:08.179 --> 00:24:09.099 He provides it 00:24:09.099 --> 00:24:09.699 through us. 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.500 And I say 00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.059 what I say 00:24:14.059 --> 00:24:14.599 this morning 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:16.779 because I don't 00:24:16.779 --> 00:24:17.619 want you to miss out. 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:20.959 There's no 00:24:20.959 --> 00:24:21.819 greater way 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:24.219 that you can 00:24:24.219 --> 00:24:25.199 say thanks to God 00:24:25.199 --> 00:24:25.959 than to give back 00:24:25.959 --> 00:24:26.439 to Him. 00:24:28.359 --> 00:24:28.959 Your time 00:24:28.959 --> 00:24:31.579 and your talent 00:24:31.579 --> 00:24:33.899 and your treasure. 00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:36.919 And when you 00:24:36.919 --> 00:24:37.619 don't do that, 00:24:37.619 --> 00:24:38.359 not only are you 00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:39.219 robbing God, 00:24:39.919 --> 00:24:41.539 but you're 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.319 robbing yourself 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:44.639 of the blessing 00:24:44.639 --> 00:24:46.679 of serving 00:24:46.679 --> 00:24:47.119 the Lord. 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.399 May we live 00:24:49.399 --> 00:24:49.899 lives 00:24:49.899 --> 00:24:51.959 of gratitude. 00:24:53.239 --> 00:24:53.899 With every head 00:24:53.899 --> 00:24:54.339 bowed 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:55.479 and every eye 00:24:55.479 --> 00:24:55.759 closed, 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:56.500 I ask you this 00:24:56.500 --> 00:24:56.779 morning, 00:24:57.239 --> 00:24:57.639 if there's ever 00:24:57.639 --> 00:24:58.079 been a time 00:24:58.079 --> 00:24:58.599 in your life 00:24:58.599 --> 00:24:58.939 when you've 00:24:58.939 --> 00:24:59.439 given your heart 00:24:59.439 --> 00:24:59.759 and life 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.139 to the Lord 00:25:00.139 --> 00:25:00.939 Jesus Christ, 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.459 if that's never 00:25:02.459 --> 00:25:02.839 happened, 00:25:02.899 --> 00:25:03.500 I want you to know 00:25:03.500 --> 00:25:03.819 we're going to 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:04.459 stand and sing 00:25:04.459 --> 00:25:05.119 in just a moment. 00:25:05.699 --> 00:25:06.500 And as soon as we do, 00:25:06.500 --> 00:25:07.059 you can come down 00:25:07.059 --> 00:25:07.759 this aisle and say, 00:25:07.839 --> 00:25:08.079 Pastor, 00:25:08.180 --> 00:25:08.839 I need to give my 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:09.359 heart and life 00:25:09.359 --> 00:25:09.740 to the Lord 00:25:09.740 --> 00:25:10.819 Jesus today. 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:12.339 We'll be happy 00:25:12.339 --> 00:25:12.960 to guide you 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.759 in that process. 00:25:15.319 --> 00:25:16.119 Maybe you're here 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:16.980 and you have done 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:17.259 that, 00:25:17.319 --> 00:25:18.000 but you've never 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:19.079 publicly acknowledged 00:25:19.079 --> 00:25:19.480 that. 00:25:21.000 --> 00:25:21.559 You've never 00:25:21.559 --> 00:25:22.559 publicly acknowledged 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:24.160 that by baptism. 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:25.039 You've never been 00:25:25.039 --> 00:25:26.019 a part of a church 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:28.519 or you feel like 00:25:28.519 --> 00:25:29.180 God's leading you 00:25:29.180 --> 00:25:29.599 to be a part 00:25:29.599 --> 00:25:30.400 of this church. 00:25:30.400 --> 00:25:34.259 I'm not one 00:25:34.259 --> 00:25:34.720 to beg 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:35.160 and to push 00:25:35.160 --> 00:25:35.580 and to pull. 00:25:35.700 --> 00:25:36.200 I just want you 00:25:36.200 --> 00:25:36.980 to walk in obedience 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.480 to God, 00:25:38.100 --> 00:25:39.200 to grow in Him. 00:25:39.280 --> 00:25:40.019 And so I encourage 00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.660 you to be faithful 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:41.600 with whatever God's 00:25:41.600 --> 00:25:42.080 telling you 00:25:42.080 --> 00:25:43.680 to do this morning. 00:25:46.259 --> 00:25:46.900 Maybe you're here 00:25:46.900 --> 00:25:47.320 and you just need 00:25:47.320 --> 00:25:47.820 to get some things 00:25:47.820 --> 00:25:48.540 right and you can 00:25:48.540 --> 00:25:49.160 do that where you 00:25:49.160 --> 00:25:49.600 stand. 00:25:50.540 --> 00:25:51.300 Just bow your head 00:25:51.300 --> 00:25:52.120 and close your eyes 00:25:52.120 --> 00:25:52.840 and pray instead 00:25:52.840 --> 00:25:53.660 of sing and get it 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.019 right. 00:25:54.700 --> 00:25:55.519 Or you can do it 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.400 around these steps 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:57.240 and make it your 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:59.540 altar to get things 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.500 right before God. 00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:02.399 I don't know how 00:26:02.399 --> 00:26:03.399 God's speaking to you 00:26:03.399 --> 00:26:04.700 but I encourage you 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:05.379 to let's make the 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:06.960 most of this holiday 00:26:06.960 --> 00:26:08.619 week by allowing us 00:26:08.619 --> 00:26:10.480 to do it right. 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.339 Let's make what's 00:26:12.339 --> 00:26:13.200 wrong right in our 00:26:13.200 --> 00:26:14.839 own lives with the 00:26:14.839 --> 00:26:15.720 power and the hope 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.740 of the Lord Jesus 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.240 Christ. 00:26:18.359 --> 00:26:19.000 Lord Jesus, 00:26:19.119 --> 00:26:19.859 I love you and I 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:20.480 thank you for the 00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:21.159 opportunity you give 00:26:21.159 --> 00:26:21.720 us to be in this 00:26:21.720 --> 00:26:22.359 place today. 00:26:22.920 --> 00:26:23.659 Will you lead us, 00:26:23.879 --> 00:26:24.779 Lord, in all that 00:26:24.779 --> 00:26:25.579 we do right now? 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.299 Help us to simply 00:26:26.299 --> 00:26:27.420 be obedient and follow 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:27.899 your lead. 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:28.920 In Jesus' 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:29.680 precious name, 00:26:29.860 --> 00:26:30.100 amen. 00:26:30.320 --> 00:26:30.779 Stand together.