A HAPPY THANKSGIVING

In this message, Dr. Stanley walks with us through a number of Psalms that extol the greatness of our God. These verses lift our attention from earthly circumstances and inspire us to respond to His gracious favor with grateful hearts. When we focus on the Lord, we cultivate a spirit of gratitude that recognizes His goodness, guidance, and provision. He is worthy of all praise and every thanksgiving!
KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 105:1-5
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Genesis 1:1-31 | Psalm 66:1-2 | Psalm 81:1-3 | Psalm 95:1-2 | Psalm 98:4-6 | Psalm 100:1-5 | Matthew 11:28 | 1 John 1:9
SUMMARY
When Thanksgiving comes around, we are reminded of the Pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1620 to settle in the New World.
They were an adventurous group who came to an unknown land in search of religious freedom. Despite all the hardships and losses they experienced in that difficult first year, they gathered to celebrate a Thanksgiving feast to God for all His goodness toward them. And we continue that tradition each year.
SERMON POINTS
Psalm 100 is all about thanksgiving. There is nothing negative in it because each line is about the Lord. That should be our focus for thanksgiving as well, even in difficult circumstances. Like the Pilgrims, we need a spirit of gratitude that recognizes God’s provision, goodness, and guidance in our lives.
Although we aren’t making a fresh start in a new land,
if we’ve trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have been given new life in Him. Just as the Pilgrims’ new beginning was not free from problems, heartaches, and burdens, neither is the Christian life. But when we focus on the Lord, we have many reasons to be thankful.