November 29 – December 5, 2008

“Choose to Give Thanks”

In this lesson you will learn the biblical guidelines for developing an attitude of gratitude as well as the benefits of being a grateful, “thanks living” person.

I. Psalm 100:1-5 – Instructions for giving praise to the Lord for His faithfulness.

A. Verse 1 – “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!”

B. Verse 2 – “Serve the Lord with gladness. . . .”

C. Verse 3 – “Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves. . . .”

D. Verse 4 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

II. Psalm 100:5 - Why we bless the Lord.

A. The Lord is good.

B. His mercy is everlasting.

C. His truth endures to all generations.

III. Seven-year secular research study commissioned by John Templeton Foundation on “Dimension and Perspectives of Gratitude” reveals findings in agreement with biblical truths, such as:

A. “Regular practice of grateful thinking can increase happiness levels by over 25 percent.”

B. “Feeling grateful toward God lessens the harmful effects on health in later life.”

C. “Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions; i.e., satisfaction, vitality, and optimism.”

D. “Grateful people believe that all of life is a gift.”

IV. Luke 17:15-19 – Only one of ten lepers who were healed returned to Jesus to thank Him. This leper was made “complete” in spirit, soul, and body.

V. Psalm 103:1-5 – God’s benefits.

A. Forgives all your sins.

B. Heals all your diseases.

C. Redeems your life from destruction.

D. Crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

E. Satisfies your mouth with good things.

F. Renews your youth like the eagle.

VI. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

A. Give thanks in all situations, but not for the situations which are not of God.

Discussion Questions

· Have you made a choice to be a grateful person rather than a complaining, critical, negative person?

· Share some of the benefits you have received from having an attitude of gratitude.

· Do you need prayer to make an attitude adjustment?

Be a Doer of the Word

Begin to journal the daily goodness and faithfulness of God in your life for which you are grateful.

Scripture Memory Verse: Psalm 100:5 – “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.”