“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:1).
As I write this to you we have eight weeks left in this year, 2020. Are you anxious for December 31st? Many people are saying that they can’t wait for 2020 to be over. Well this year is almost over.
I want to ask you, “What about the next eight weeks?” We are entering the Holiday Season, our Thanksgiving Holiday is a few weeks away and then Christmas. I want to put a challenge out to you. . .
Let’s start a contagious, pandemic of Thanksgiving. A “ThanksDemic”.
1 Thessalonians 5:1, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 MSG, "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."
1. Let's made a Decision today.
Psalm 119:62 "At midnight (symbolic of when events are at their darkest) I will rise to give thanks."
Ex: Paul and Salis in Jail
Acts 16:25 NKJV, "At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."
What were they SINGING ABOUT?
1 Timothy 1:12 LB, "How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for choosing me as one of his messengers, and giving me the strength to be faithful to him.
Bible speaks of the blessing – from which all blessings flow."
The GOSPEL: we are loved, accepted, and forgiven – just as we are. (that's something to be thankful for)
Philippians 1:12-14, "I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear."
2. It will take, Determination.
2 Peter 1:4, "He has given us great and precious promises."
2 Peter 1:5, "Make every effort to respond to God’s promises."
2 Peter 1:12-13, "I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. 13 And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live."
3. The Starting Challenge is to show appreciation.
(1.) To God
1 Thessalonians 5:1, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Philippians 4:6 “Don’t be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally whatever is true and noble and right and pure and lovely and admirable, think about such things and the God of peace will be with you.”
(2.) To others
Philippians 1:3-5 “I thank God for you every time I think of you because of the way in which you’ve helped me in the work in the gospel from the very first day until now, both now that I am in prison and also while I was free.”
This is showing appreciation to SOMONE in your LIFE.
We have 54 days left in this year. Declare with me: I will be the SOURCE of A CONTAGIOUS SPREADING PANDEMIC of THANKSGIVING! .
Amen!
Larry & Janet Neville
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