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An Attitude of Gratitude (110C)
By: John W. Yates, II | 8/30/2006

Being thankful enables us to overcome our problems instead of being overcome by them. ***See outline below.

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An Attitude of Gratitude (110C)

Speaker: John W. Yates, II

Date: 8/30/2006

References: Luke 17:11–17

Introduction:

Illustration: Yates's son noticed that most of the commuters he encountered on the subway looked tired, stressed, and unhappy.
People, in general, are growing less and less happy as they become more and more serious.

The importance of being thankful

Only one of the lepers took the time to thank Jesus for his healing.
-Illustration: A humorous story of a clergyman who assumes the worst when his parishioners don't thank God for answered prayers.
-Illustration: A humorous story of an older man who demonstrates ingratitude at a post office.
"Gratitude" is from the same root word as "grace"; "thanksgiving" is from the same root word as "think."

Three reasons to be thankful

Be thankful for the resources God has given us.
Be thankful for the providence of God.

-Illustration:

Be thankful because God commands us to be thankful.
-1 Thessalonians 5:18

What about discouragement?

Illustration: At a yard sale, the devil identifies discouragement as his most useful tool because no one realizes it belongs to him.
Discouragement is the enemy of love, and must be overcome in order to have a productive life.
-Illustration: Abraham Lincoln failed at most things in his life, but became one of the greatest American presidents.
When confronted with discouragement, we can: give in to the problem, deny the problem, or face the problem with realism and faith.
-Psalm 97

Conclusion

Illustration: A man stranded on a desert island is dismayed when his hut burns down, but the resulting smoke attracts a rescue ship.

Illustration:

Will you choose to be overcome by your problems, or will you choose to thank God and go on?

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