Dr. Rick Mandl - November 20, 2020
Being Grateful Or Giving Thanks
Devotional Manuscript: Being Grateful Or Giving Thanks
Message By Dr Rick Mandl, November 20, 2020
Recorded in Los Angeles, CA.
Hey church family... As we move closer to Thanksgiving, I want to focus on God’s command to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). What I want to challenge you to think specifically about today, is that this command is a command to “give thanks,” not just to “be grateful.”
What’s the difference between “Giving Thanks” and “Being grateful?” Well, the former is an action, the latter an attitude. Pastor Tim Keller made the observation that - “It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do.” Giving thanks is a positive commitment on our part. It is a choice that becomes an act. And when we give thanks, others notice.
Billy Graham who has shared Jesus with more people than anyone in Christian history knew a thing or two about evangelism. And Dr. Graham noted that “a spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian, whose heart is attuned to the Lord.” Because giving thanks is such a powerful witness to others, Dr. Graham encouraged us to “thank God in the midst of trials and every persecution.”
I don’t have to tell you that we’re living in tough times. And in light of the chaotic, conflicted nature of today’s culture, you’re probably not surprised that the Oxford Dictionary recently chose “toxic” was chosen as its Word of the Year. You can be saddened by that, or you can realize that the darker the room, the more powerful the light. Today I want to repeat that challenge that God’s Word gives to us which is to “give thanks in all circumstances” . . . and that includes the very difficult circumstances that we’re facing right now.
I like what Pastor Rick Warren said about this . . . He said. . . In HAPPY moments, PRAISE God. In DIFFICULT moments, SEEK God. In QUIET moments, WORSHIP God. In PAINFUL moments, TRUST God. EVERY moment, THANK God.” Let’s do that - - - starting today. And let’s continue it tomorrow and the day after and the day after.
And speaking of the day after tomorrow. I want to invite you to join us for our Parking Lot Worship Gathering, the day after tomorrow, this Sunday, November 22nd at 4:30 in the ERBC parking lot. We spent some extra time this weekend in conversation with representatives from our county to make sure that we can hold this gathering and that we can hold it safely. So, we’re asking all of you who will be joining us to wear Face-coverings throughout our time together, and to practice social-distancing, so as to keep everyone safe. Hope to see you this Sunday at 4:30.
Recorded in Los Angeles, CA.
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