GRATITUDE CHALLENGE
Choosing Gratitude to God in All Things
Pastor Trevor, October 15, 2023
Key Verses: Psalm 105:1-5,Phil.2:12-16a;1Peter 4:11,1Thess. 5:16-18
I. Worldly vs. Spiritual Perspective of Life on Earth
- Struggle to know what to be grateful for. Difficult to be peaceful or joyful with many more reasons to grumble and complain.
- The end of age will escalate with increased ungratefulness.
- Christians to have peace, to take heart, be joy-filled, giving thanks to God for all things.
- Where are you on this spectrum?
II. Faithless Complaining (worldly grumbling)
- doubts the goodness, power, provision, promises of God
- complaining spirit leads to a critical spirit against others
III. Faithful Complaining (without grumbling)
- lament (cry out) through a sacrifice of praise with thanksgiving (use Psalms as your guide)
- praise and worship is a powerful spiritual weapon
IV. Implication/Application
- choose to be grateful regardless of circumstances
- trust who God is and the position/promises you have in Christ
- allow Jesus to witness through you before the nations (living hope)
V. Gratitude Challenge
1. How would you continue writing Psalm 105? What has God done for you over the years? How has Jesus changed your life? How are you different today than yesterday? What did God save you from becoming? What is still to come because of God’s faithfulness?
2. For 15 days, try the following (journal your experience):
a. Express daily gratitude to others and to God.
b. Hold your negative complaints and replace with positive compliments.
c. View difficult circumstances as “God-opportunities” to be used for your goodness and His glory.
d. Share with others how Jesus has been your good and faithful shepherd.