Thanksgiving: More than a Holiday
Watch: Pastor Ray’s message entitled “Thanksgiving: More than a Holiday”, and then work through the following.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:1-9
Summary: Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. Granted, it is a day our founding fathers set aside to emphasize the spiritual focus we should have in our lives. However, our perspective as followers of Christ should go way beyond a single day. The church, as the body of Christ, should live in constant thanksgiving for God’s mercy, grace, redemption, and salvation. There are three ways we may come to recognize our need for a Savior: 1. Through the realization of our sin. 2. Through trials or suffering. 3. A combination of the first two, leading to faith and surrender to Jesus. Be encouraged to live a lifestyle of thanksgiving and generosity every day, and in every way through your time, talents, and treasures.
Key Scriptures: Philippians 3:20-21; Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 3:12-17
Discussion Questions:
How do the Thanksgiving proclamations by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln inspire a sense of gratitude today, both as citizens and as people of faith?
What are some specific examples of God’s mercy, grace, and redemption in your own life that inspire you to live in a state of thanksgiving?
The text mentions three ways people come to realize their need for a Savior. Which of these resonates most with your own journey of faith, and why?
What practical steps can you take to cultivate a lifestyle of thanksgiving, as described in the text? Consider areas like prayer, service, or generosity.
Reflect on one of the scripture passages mentioned above. How do these passages challenge or encourage you to live in gratitude and surrender to Jesus?
Personal Application:
Recognize God’s Gifts Daily: Reflect each day on specific ways God has shown mercy, grace, and redemption in your life. Make gratitude a regular part of prayer and meditation.
Live Generously: Embrace generosity, not only financially but also by giving your time, talents, and words of encouragement to others, as an expression of thanksgiving to God.
Deepen Your Faith: Consider how personal trials or moments of revelation have shaped your relationship with Jesus. Use these experiences to strengthen your trust and surrender to Him.
Practice Gratitude in Community: Share testimonies of thanksgiving with your family, small group, or church to inspire others and encourage a collective spirit of gratitude.
Focus on Scripture: Regularly study passages like Philippians 4 or Colossians 3:12-15, applying their teachings about peace, humility, and thankfulness to your daily actions and mindset.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your mercy, grace, and redemption. Thank You for the countless blessings You have poured into my life—both seen and unseen. I am especially grateful for the gift of salvation through Jesus, who has reconciled me to You and given me eternal hope. Lord, help me to live in a constant state of thanksgiving, not just on special occasions, but in every moment of my life. Teach me to see Your hand in every situation, whether in joy or trial, and to trust that You are always working for my good. May I be generous with what You’ve entrusted to me so that I can reflect Your love to those around me. Guide me to live in unity as a member of the body of Christ, encouraging others and pointing others toward Your truth. I surrender my heart to You, acknowledging my need for a Savior and declaring that Jesus is Lord over my life. Help me to remain rooted in Your Word and to live out its teachings with humility, peace, and thanksgiving. Thank You for being faithful and steadfast in all things. I offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
