Be Thankful

Be Thankful (Ps. 65:1-13) God is Unique God is unique in that he is the only one who hears (Ps. 65:2, Isa. 65:24, Jer. 29:12-13) and answers (Ps. 65:5, 1 John 5:14-15) prayer (see 1 Kings 18:20-39, Elijah vs. the priests of Baal) Blessing It is a blessing to be chosen and drawn closer to God (Ps. 65:4, Eph. 1:4 -5, 11-12) Do you see the blessing’s/presence of God in your daily life? Drought is often a sign of God’s judgment and rain of His blessing (Joel 2:23-27) The farmer plows the field and plants the seed, but God gives the increase. God has atoned for (covered over) our iniquities (personal failings) (Ps. 40:12) and rebellion (group failings) How? By the propitiatory sacrifice of Jesus. Thanks (For what He has done) We ought have an attitude of gratitude. A few years ago Dr. Nick Stinnett of the University of Nebraska conducted a group of studies called the "Family Strengths Research Project". Stinnett and his researchers identified six qualities that make for strong families. The first quality and one of the most important to be found in strong families was the quality of appreciation. Families that are strong are strong in part, Dr. Stinnett concludes, because family members express to each other their appreciation for what the other members DO and for who they ARE. In a similar study another researcher looked into the effect of praise in the workplace. His study showed that the ratio of praise to criticism in the workplace needs to be four to one before employees feel that there is a balance that there must be four times as much praise as there is criticism before they feel good about their work and about the environment they work in. Expressing gratitude draws us closer to God.

Likewise, a lack of gratitude, especially in prosperous times, can cause us to forget about God’s blessings (see Book of Joel) How can we demonstrate our gratitude? Worship Tithe & Other Giving Obedience Praise (For who He is) The purpose of the first American Thanksgiving was focus on God’s goodness instead of life’s troubles. The proper response to the receipt of blessing is the giving of praise. An attitude of praise should characterize people of God. Praise should be accompanied by obedience (Ps. 65:1). Vows should be honored Biblical Examples: Jacob Have you made any vows? To God? (At Baptism?)