Season of giving thanks, with being grateful and having gratitude

Harvest Connection

Introduction: The Urgency of Hope
A. The Purpose of Thanksgiving: We pause to celebrate the harvest of our blessings, but the question is: What do we carry forward?
B. The Fundamental Truth: We must start with possession. “In order to give hope we must have hope. How can we give something to others if we don’t have it to give?”
C. Definition of Gratefulness: It is the inner, heartfelt recognition of a blessing, given to us by a loving God.
We have a lot to be grateful for, but we must act now. “Life is short.”
II. Gratefulness as a Daily Application: Recognizing the Source
Gratefulness must be applied in our everyday life, not just on the holiday. It involves recognizing the Source of all gifts: our Heavenly Father.
A. Gratefulness for Our Health: The Gift of the Body
We often take for granted the very engine of our lives—our bodies.
The Application: Be mindful of every functioning part. We have Eyes, Legs, Ears, Arms, Hands, and Organs.
The Lesson: Remember the story of the Ten Lepers. Only one returned to give thanks. We must not be the nine who walk away healed but silent.
The Witness: Be thankful because we still have limbs. Do you know people are in the world praising God without some form of limbs? Our health is a continual call to rejoice and be glad in it.
B. Gratefulness for Our Relationships: No Regrets
“Thankful, delightful, take pride.” This principle is most vital in our relationships, because time is our shortest resource.
The Application: Act now to show love and appreciation. Show family and friends gratitude, be thankful for them.

This is a word of thought. More to come tomorrow. Be ready for the series of being grateful