Forty Days of Gratitude
Think for a moment about a group of balloons. One group is filled with carbon dioxide and cannot rise. The other group’s balloons are filled with helium and immediately go up. So too, if our hearts are filled with doubts and fears, we will not be able to rise in faith to accomplish God’s purpose for each one of us.
During the forty days from October 14 through November 25, we will be looking at our hearts and lives and what is filling them up. Are we filled with doubts, fears, anxiety over each day’s challenges or are we filled with gratitude and thanks for God’s blessings and provision for us?
The twelve spies who were sent out by Moses scouted the land of Canaan for forty days. When they returned, all but Joshua and Caleb gave this pessimistic report: "We were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight" (Numbers 13:33).
These faithless ones saw only difficulties and defeat. Yes, the giants were great, but wasn't their God greater? How could they so easily forget the way God led them through the wilderness?
The ten spies who were filled with doubt died in the wilderness. We know that Joshua led the people into the Promised Land. But what about Caleb? God blessed him and brought him into the land too because he had a different spirit and followed Him wholeheartedly (14:24).
We need more Calebs – willing to follow the leading of the Lord because they are filled with His Holy Spirit. Are you a Caleb of faith, or are you among the doubters who always see the giants of difficulty?
During the Forty Days of Gratitude message series (October 14 – November 25), Pastor Chris will bring us God’s Word as together we examine biblical examples of lives led in thankfulness and appreciation to God which will lead us all to living our daily lives in the fullness of God’s grace. Get ready to rise in faith … and accomplish God’s purpose for New Life and you!
Fear sees the obstacle;
faith sees the opportunity.
Week 1 |
2 Kings 4:8-17; 28-37 |
“Grateful for the Common and the Amazing!” |
Week 2 |
1 Timothy 1:12-17 |
“Grateful for the Greatest Gift of All!” |
Week 3 |
Matthew 11:25-30 |
“Jesus Thanks the Father for Revealing Life to the Childlike!” |
Week 4 |
Ephesians 5:1-20 |
“Grateful for the Transformed Life!” |
Week 5 |
Colossians 2:6-20 |
“Overflowing Gratitude!” |
Week 6 |
1 Thessalonians 5:12-19 |
“ALWAYS Give Thanks!” |
Week 6 |
Philippians 1:3-11 |
“Grateful for a Family of Faith!” |
Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God!
He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name. For the LORD is good.
His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100