Sermon Notes  11-22-09

Count Your Blessings

A Thanksgiving Message From A Grateful Congregation 

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Scripture Reading: Eph. 1:3-11   All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Sermon Text: Deut. 30:19   Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 

Count-1   Children -- Grove & Honduras 

Count-2  Youth 

Count-3  Adults 

Count-4  A View of our Year & Beyond 

Thoughts for this day:

Life is about choices, and making those choices work.

Gratitude is attitude expressed.

A life of gratitude is focused away from self.

A spirit of pride cannot be grateful.

Are you mostly looking forward, or looking back?

Vision is all about grateful trust in God’s future.  

Questions for Reflection:

What would you add to the “count” of blessings today? 

How will you express them to God? To others? 

Is your life more a response of gratitude, or of grumpiness?

How do you affirm others with your words? With you deeds?

How is your gratitude a statement of trust in God for your future?

Study Guide