November 22, 2020
Sunday Sermon
LIVING IN THANKSGIVING DELIGHT
Psalm 100:1- 5
The first verse of 100 Psalm says that thanksgiving is addressed to "all the earth" and the last verse says that it includes "all generations." This message of thanksgiving is so deep and wide that it applies to every person in every era in every stage of life.
It's sad, isn't it that we are the only country in the world, except for Canada that has a Thanksgiving Day? I wonder how our world would be changed if suddenly all nations would begin to observe Thanksgiving?
I think there is something about giving thanks together to God that breaks down barriers between people, much like that which occurred as the Berlin wall began to crumble at the end of the Cold War.
There is a real danger of determining our thanksgiving on the basis of how much we have. "Do I have enough turkey to gorge myself sufficiently? Is my money in the bank secure? Am I healthy?" And we let these things determine how we should be thankful. Our things may change at any time. They may drift away, or burn up, or someone may steal them. The only thing we have for sure is our relationship with the Lord.
That is what the 100th Psalm emphasizes. Just scan the Psalm. In verse 1 you'll find the word "Lord." In verse 2 you'll find the word "Lord." In verse 3 you'll find the word "Lord." In verse 4 it says "Enter His gates with thanksgiving." And in verse 5 you'll find the word "Lord." The basis of our thanksgiving is the Lord.
Illustration: Alex Haley, author of "Roots," had an unusual picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post.
When asked, "Why is that there?" He answered, "Every time I write something significant, every time I read my words & think that they are wonderful, & begin to feel proud of myself, I look at the turtle on top of the fence post & remember that he didn't get there on his own. He had help."
That is the message of thankfulness to remember we didn't get here on our own, if is because of the Almighty God. He is the Provider of every blessing we have.
Thankfully, this text teaches us about "Living In Thanksgiving Delight." It gives us plenty of reasons why we should thank the Lord for His goodness toward us. We should be overwhelmed with gratitude for God's glory and grace. God's people should be delighted in having a grateful attitude. Help me with this thought today, "Living In Thanksgiving Delight."
I.
APPROACHING GOD
v. 1-2
A. Acclaim (praise) Him with Joy v.1
B. Adore (admire, love) Him with Gladness v. 2a
C. Acknowledge (to recognize, to declare, to accept) Him With Singing v. 2b
II.
APPREHENDING GOD
v. 3
(catch, capture, understand, perceive)
A. He Alone Is Our God v. 3a
("Know ye that the Lord he is God")
B. He Alone Is Our Creator v. 3b
("It is he that hath made us")
C. He Alone Is Our Shepherd v. 3c
("We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture")
III.
ADORING GOD
v. 4-5
(love, worship, praise, glorify)
A. Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving v. 4a, c
B. Enter His Courts With Praise v. 4b, 5
(Therefore, praise Him always!)
1. Because He is good v. 5a
(God Himself being the source of every blessing that comes to His
people)
2. Because He is loving v. 5b
(His love endures forever, there is no end of His perfect goodness)
3. Because He is faithful v. 5c
(Emphasizing the endless goodness of God toward His own)
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