And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.
And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Let’s go around the room and everyone say what you are thankful for. It’s a Thanksgiving tradition. Given the holiday’s history, it makes sense that people of our nation would spend time in thanks for our blessings each year. Though, Charles Dickens said that we are somewhat mixed up here in America. Instead of having just one Thanksgiving Day each year, we should have 364. “Use that one day just for complaining and griping,” he said. “Use the other 364 days to thank God each day for the many blessings he has showered upon you.” (sounds like the airing of grievances of Festivus-Seinfeld) Yet, even that one day would still be a day to give thanks. Yes, even though we only have one national holiday day of Thanksgiving, may we thank our God for all he gives and provides every day. Because, as Paul reminds us, GOD MEETS ALL OUR NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. The entire letter from Paul to the Christians living in Philippi is like one big thank you. After greeting the people with regards, Paul’s first words are, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (1:3) As Paul is wrapping up his letter, he thanks the Philippians yet again, being more specific as to how he appreciates their gifts to him. “I rejoice greatly in the Lord now that you have revived your concern for me once again.” (4:10) Paul was writing to the Philippians from prison. Hardly a place most people would thank God to be. Yet Paul continually expresses his joy and thanks in this letter. He finds joy, contentment in every situation. To put it in our terms, whether he spent Thanksgiving warm and well-fed or hungry and helpless, he knew how to find something to thank God for. That might not be too different from the first Thanksgiving. The settlers had survived a long voyage to the New World, an even harsher winter, and between sickness and starvation, many of their number lost
their lives. With help from the natives, the following year they stored up enough food to survive the coming winter. It wasn’t just the plenty that caused them to celebrate, but the lack they had experienced before. What about you? Are you experiencing more than you need this Thanksgiving? Or are you just scraping by? If we would go around the room, what would you say? What are you thankful for? The people in my life (family: spouses, parents, children; friends: those celebrating with us, and those who couldn’t make it; coworkers), the food we are about to stuff ourselves with; the stuff that we have, and the stuff we are going to buy the next day… and the lists go on and on. But how many would give thanks for hardship? We might not thank the LORD as much with a burned turkey, a busted refrigerator, or a power outage. What about when we can’t be with family or friends, do to illness, or loss? Are you, like Paul, still thankful even from prison for all God’s goodness to you? But was Paul really thankful for prison, or was he thankful from prison? After all, what led Paul to give thanks in the text was a gift he received from the Philippians. That’s something we could all give thanks for, isn’t it? But Paul was also thankful for prison. Why? He had learned the secret to being content with whatever he had. He was enduring it all for Christ, who promised to meet all his needs. This is why Paul teaches us how he can be content whether he has plenty or whether he is in need. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) Contentment, satisfaction with what we have in life, comes from God and his strength, not from us, not from our circumstances. God gives you the strength not to worry when you have little. He also gives you the strength to resist trusting in yourself and your abundance of wealth when you have plenty. He strengthens you through his promise as Paul declared, “And my God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)
God gives us our daily bread, the sustenance we need to survive physically, mentally, emotionally each and every day. He gives us the food we eat. He gives us jobs to earn money to buy the food. He gives us the strength to work those jobs and prepare that food. He gives us days of rest, days off of work, days off of school. He gives travel, recreation. He gives us the friends who show concern for us. He gives us the strength to show concern to others, even when it involves their drama. He gives us all these good physical, daily bread items. On Thanksgiving we remember the God who gives far beyond what we have earned our deserved. If you tried to count all your blessings, you wouldn’t be able to get past the blessings God has given you today. Did you wake up in a bed? With a pillow? And a roof over your head? Four walls to protect you from the cold? If you’re like me, an alarm clock woke you up. Another blessing. And the list goes on from there. God has given us tremendous blessings--far more than we deserve. And God’s richness to us doesn’t stop there. The King of Kings stepped down from his throne on high and took on the very nature of a servant as he took on flesh and blood. The Ruler of all humbled himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. His obedience to God’s will was done for us. He substituted his perfect life in place of ours. He sacrificed his life in place of ours. Then God the Father exalted his Son, raising him from the dead and seated him at the position of power at the right hand of God to rule everything for our good and to care for us. Because God became poor for us, he has given us all his riches – the riches of his perfection, the riches of his life paid for ours, the rich inheritance of heaven. God richly meets all our needs. When you think back to times of need, God gave you the strength to get you through. He will continue to meet all your needs because he is our rich God who lavishes us with his riches every day. God has promised to “fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches.” No need is too great for God. Our Heavenly Father knows what our need is, and all His riches are made available to His own. "Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him
up for us all-how will he not also graciously give us all things along with him.” (Rom. 8:32) God, who gave His own beloved Son to redeem us and make us His children, will not refuse to meet our needs. God has underwritten the supply of our every need. He has given His word. You are His personal property, and He desires to give you His everlasting care. This is a day to give our thanks to God who gives us so much. Confident of his promise to provide for you, give back to the God who gives you everything. Make God’s love complete by living the love he has shown you. Use every gift God has given you--your work, your hobbies, your passions, your resources--to live a lifetime of thanksgiving. It’s only right, after all God has given us, to give all we have back to him. He is the one who gave it to us in the first place. Let’s go around the room and say what we are thankful for. It’s a good tradition. But a Christian gives thanks, not just on Thanksgiving, but all the time as God meets all of our needs. God has given us so much. He gives us many things to thank him for. Most of all, he has given us Jesus. May your lives bring thanks and glory to the God who supplies all our needs forever. Amen.