Thanks Challenge

Background: We had a Celebration Sunday at Central celebrating how God has provided for us and celebrating that we are a church family. Let’s continue celebrating through giving thanks this week. Many years ago, I was feeling convicted about a complaining too much and praising too little. Both in my relationships with others and with God. I realized that I came to God with my list of what I thought I wanted or needed and that was the majority of my prayer time. God led me to a month long practice of only thanking in my prayer time. And what a practice it was! It set me on a path that over many years has changed my heart and my mind to look for the good and look for God more often and more naturally. It jump-started a lifelong transformation. That means I’m by no means perfect yet, but I’ve improved a whole lot! My challenge for you this week is to take a week long THANKS challenge. I’ll give you prompts for each day, but would you consider taking a week and just thanking God? Don’t ask him for anything. Just thank him for what you have already received.

Day 1: Thank God for basic needs that have been provided. Food, shelter, clothing, etc.

Day 2: Thank God for family. This is harder for some than for others, but ask God to show you what you can thank Him for.

Day 3: Thank God for friendships -- now and in the past. Thank Him for how friends have encouraged, challenged, influenced, loved you.

Day 4: Thank God for your challenges. Ask God to show you ways to give thanks for the hard things you are encountering right now. Has He given you strength? Has He showed you one step? Has He given you a new friend? Has He miraculously provided a resource?

Day 5: Thank God for all the world He has created. Take a walk or sit by a window where you can see all the varieties and details. Ask God for new eyes to see the created world and thank Him for each one.

Listen to and download the full sermon here:​

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