Simply, Be Thankful

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-20

1) Be positive.  (Phil. 4:4-9)
Thinking positive means

• Take captive every thought.
• Smile even when you don't feel like it.

 Some people like to wallow in the mud of their own misery.  Need to get a case of the "whatevers." (Verse 8):  Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (RSV)

Smile even when you don't feel like it.  It will be harder to be grumpy.

People who smile appear to be more gentle.

2)  Be content.  (Phil 4:10-12)
Contentment is a learned behavior.  (v.11)

Being content means learning how to

• rejoice in every situation 
• have peace in all circumstances. 

It is true as scripture says that it is more blessed to give than to receive.  It is also more blessed to be able to do without than to have to have. 

Society trains us to be discontented.  Being discontent can make you ugly, ungrateful for what you have.

3)  Be generous (Phil. 4:14-18)
Generosity is proven by

• our obedience in giving of tithes and offerings
• our attitude in sharing our resources.

Generosity  is one of the key components of a life of thanksgiving..
What you have does not belong to you.
"Your level of generosity runs parallel to your level of thanksgiving."

4) Be blessed (Phil. 4:19)
We are a blessed people because

• God is our strength (Phil. 4:13
• God is our provider (Phil. 4:19):

"And our God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Your strength is not your own; it is God's.  He is your provider.  You are only blessed because of God.

You may not be batting 1.000, but what if you improved a bit?

How thankful are you, measured by each of the four points in this message?

Pastor Johnnie Blair

Sunday morning.

 Auditors note:  This is the seventh message based on this passage that I have heard in the past eight years.  I should be "getting it" by now.