"Give Thanks" - Pastor Antonio Nasser - November 29th 2009

Text: Psalm 116:1-19 Read through this text together as a group.

Is there suffering in our lives as Christians?
If we trust in the Lord, we will have no problems?
What does the Lord teach us about suffering?

Hope: “The Lord hears MY voice. “

• The Lord is gracious, merciful, righteous. (v.1,2)
• The Lord gives what we do not earn – grace.
• The Lord has the solution, He saves. (v.6,7,8)
Lamentations 3: 21-25: Keeping this one thing in mind: “The Lord's Mercy”

Gratitude

I will place the Word of the Lord in my mind and in my mouth. I will find hope through giving gratitude to the Lord for His benefits (v.12). What will I render to the Lord? Call upon His name.

Celebrate your salvation

• Lift up the cup of your salvation.
• Confess who you are in Jesus.
• Walk before the Lord (v.9). Have true commitment to the Lord, the church, and missions.
• Do not always be “too busy” for the Lord's work.

Have intimacy with God through prayer, the scripture, and relationship with Him.
• The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him and He will show them His covenant.

Offer sacrifice of thanksgiving
• It's not always easy to give thanks. Some days are difficult, but we are instructed to give thanks.
• Thanksgiving is the road to victory.
• If you want to win the battle in your life, family, ministry, give thanks to the Lord.


Ministry Time

Are there some who are suffering amongst you? Is there pain, disappointment, trouble?
Pray for one another. Lift up the cup of salvation together. Give thanks to the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. He will see you through.