A girl who became a Christian

because she needed someone to thank

for al the things she enjoyed.

When you enjoy so much what  do you do if you have no one to thank

powerful argument in favour of a God who deserves our thanks?

It’s good to say thanks, otherwise you turn in on yourself

We who say we believe

do we undermine by the opposite of thanksgiving

which is anxiety  Philippians 4.4

We need oil for a rusty bike and cod liver oil for dry joints:

thanksgiving is the oil of our lives

Without it we lose confidence in the presence of God

that he can provide that he does care

(the Lord is at hand)

worry is SENSELESS it doesn’t change a thing v27

worry is NEEDLESS our father provides  

v 30

worry is FAITHLESS practical atheism  

v32-33

you might as well be an unbeliever if you worry

a worried Christian is  a more telling argument against God

than any clever philosopher’s theory

but a thankful trusting Christian

is a strong demonstration of his presence and his power

Apply in the world today  how will it all turn out?

Apply in the church today whose church is it?

Apply in your own life, who is in control

Gifts for which we are thankful brought by members of the congregation

sketches of birds done for Junior cert.

a photograph of the countryside

a riding hat and a football – sports

music books

a banner depicting fruits of the spirit;

the point was made that not everyone has gifts of equal status
but everyone can display these fruits
of love, joy, peace, patience kindness, gentleness, self control

a tape extract of a Welsh male voice choir
singing about peace through the blood of Christ

Have no anxiety about anything

but in everything by prayer with thanksgiving

let your requests be know n to God

And the peace of God which passes all understanding
shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus