Take Time To Say Thanks At Least to the Giver
Luke 17:
Before I start today, I want to give some thanks. I thank the Lord for all He has given me this past year. All the blessings He has seen fit to share, all the joy he has wrapped me with. But also I am thankful for the harder things in life, because I know He has stood with us. I have lost four dear friends this past year, but they have gained the portals of heaven. As much as it hurts, I say, Thank you Lord. Praise your Holy Name. Praise be unto God in the Highest.
John Piper averaged one funeral every three weeks for the first year and a half of his ministry. We faced one for four months straight - it was hard, but God is still here for us
INTRO: we all have so much we can be thankful about in our lives. If we started a list and were truly sincere about it we could amass a lot of pages no doubt. As we look at our scripture today, we are going to see an individual that was truly thankful when Jesus met his need in life. Just as he did so, we need to extend our thanks to the Lord. Let us read…
We can see four principles I want to look at…
Jesus came his way - 11
He knew his failures - All have sinned and come short of the glory of God
He knew his pain - He knows every difficulty we face
He knew his sin - Jesus know our secrets
He knew his need - He knows where we stand
Jesus stood within his reach - 13
Even in his uncertainties - are you uncertain?
Even with his questions - have you questions?
Even with his doubts - have you doubts?
Even with his inability to help himself - are you truly helpless?
[read verse from "Tell it to Jesus"]
Jesus' touch was already there - 14
Go - we must have faith
Show - we will let others see what He has done for us
Know - They were cleansed as they started their journey
Jesus was the object of his praise - 15, 16
He is worthy of all our praise
He knows our efforts
He blesses our gift
Take Time To Say Thanks At Least to the Giver
- page 2I also want to back up in the scripture and read verses 5-10. I want to look at them and talk just a few minutes about what we are thankful in life. I want to look at some things I am thankful for in my life.
We should be thankful…
Not for sins forgiven, but The Forgiver
Not for all the bills paid (finances), but for the "bill we could not pay"
[Song - he paid a debt I could not pay…]
Not for the health we know, but for the Health Giver
Not for the home wherein we abide, but the Home Eternal He has prepared
Not for the car we drive, but for the help it gives us to serve the Lord
Not for the meals we eat, but for the hands that prepare it and the Lord who provides it
Not for the children we bear, but for the souls we are entrusted with to guide and endear to the Lord
Not for the church we share, but for the Saviour's touch we know
Not for today, but for the promise of tomorrow in eternity with the Lord
IT IS ALL WHAT HE DOES FOR US THAT COUNTS
There is a saying, that I have heard almost all my life I want to remind you, it goes like this…
Only one life, 'Twill soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last.
Will you take time to turn back to Christ and say "Thanks!"
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 112104am
Tell It To Jesus
Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that’s well known.
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Chorus 1