pausing-to-give-thanks

Click on the above link to download the slideshow  “Pausing To Give Thanks”   (536 KB)

Preview:-

Here is our plan of attack for the day. First we will read Psalms 118. Then a meditation on thanksgiving .  We will then examine the Biblical background of thanksgiving. Finally, will conclude with some categories that we may examine for thanksgiving in our lives.

We ought to be thankful because God has given us everything we have.

The book of Psalms is literal filled with expressions of thanksgiving. Psalms 100, 118, and 136 all address thanksgiving to God. That thanksgiving often takes the form of praise. It would take more time that we have to examine these, but just take note of how prominent that the attitude of thanksgiving is in psalms.

Jesus does not give us a “sound-bite” pronouncement on thanksgiving. He does however leave us a marvelous example of thanksgiving. If you want to be like Jesus, you must be grateful to your heavenly father.

Jesus regularly gave thanks for his food as shown in Mark 6:41 “Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.

When Lazareth was raised from the dead, “Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”

In other words, thanksgiving was a regular practice of Christ, totally integrated into his personality.

Last, but of course, not least, is the blessing of salvation. More important than all the others, the blessing of salvation should inspire us to continual praise and thanksgiving before God. Paul lets his thanksgiving ring out in 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you do not count salvation among your blessings, accept God’s plan today and live faithfully for him. Then everyday you will possess the greatest of blessings, the forgiveness of sins.

are-you-self-motivated-spiritually

Click on the above link to download the slideshow  “Are You Self Motivated Spiritually”   (419 KB)

Preview:-

Needed:  Spiritual “Rudys” —- Job Description :   Must be able to work independently.
Must be able to work well with others.

Our Desire Only Works Through God’s Power.

Signs of the Spiritually Self-Motivated Individual:-

1.Interest in spiritual matters
2.Seeks out or readily accepts chances for growth.
3.Volunteers to teach so that he or she might learn rather than waiting to be asked.
4.Reads and Studies
5.Attends and Participates
6.Desires Development and Growth
7.Willing to Devote Resources (time-energy–money) to Spiritual Things.

Suggestions:-
We can cultivate desire!
Don’t wait for others to motivate you-accept responsibility yourself.
Desire to be like God and Christ.

avoiding-the-quick-fix

Click on the above link to download the slideshow  “Avoiding The Quick Fix”   (1.17 MB)

Preview:-

A “Quick Fix” is an activity, even if it is legitimate, that seeks to avoid a real solution to a problem or discomfort.

Eg:- Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, Food, pornography, shopping/credit cards…

Solutions:-

1.Deferred Gratification
2.Recognize the Deception
3.Practice Self-Control
4.Be At Peace
5.Trust God rather than the “Quick Fix”