Date Posted: 2024-11-25 02:05:53 | Video Duration: 00:26:16
Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church is known for its heartfelt sermons that resonate with the congregation and inspire action in daily life. In a recent sermon, the focus was on the theme of thankfulness, emphasizing how gratitude can transform our lives and bring us closer to God.
The sermon began with a prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to move among the congregation so that they might hear God’s word and respond with boldness. The pastor introduced the theme of thankfulness by referencing Psalm 16 and the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting the importance of recognizing God as our chosen portion. Psalm 16 reassures us of God’s presence and provision, stating, “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure” (Psalm 16:5-6). This passage reminds us that God has set our boundary lines in pleasant places, even when life feels anything but pleasant.
Turning to the New Testament, the pastor read from Matthew 6:25-33, where Jesus instructs us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear. Jesus points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of God’s provision, reminding us that worrying does not add a single hour to our lives. Instead, we are encouraged to “strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), trusting that all else will be provided.
The pastor shared a personal anecdote about childhood worries over portion sizes, illustrating how worry is often fruitless and distracts us from recognizing God’s provision. This story reminded the congregation that worry takes energy away from more productive pursuits, such as acceptance and gratitude. The pastor emphasized that God’s ways are beyond our understanding, and it is not for us to know why God does what God does. Instead, we should focus on living in faith and thankfulness.
In practical terms, the sermon encouraged the congregation to adopt gratitude practices. November, a month often associated with thankfulness, serves as a reminder to list things we are grateful for. The pastor quoted Jen Hatmaker, urging the congregation to give themselves credit for their efforts and acknowledge that it’s okay to feel tired or overwhelmed. For those struggling to find gratitude, the pastor suggested recalling past moments of happiness to reconnect with a sense of thankfulness.
The sermon also included a touching story about Ernie and Cheryl Johnson, who found fulfillment and gratitude through the adoption of their son Michael. Despite his challenges, Michael brought joy to their lives, and even after his passing, his collection of key fobs brought joy to another child, illustrating how acts of giving and gratitude can transcend personal loss.
As a practical application, the congregation was introduced to Gratitude Journals, encouraging them to record God’s faithfulness and the things they are thankful for. The pastor highlighted the importance of recognizing the grace of God in everyday life, whether through nature, interactions with strangers, or moments of unexpected joy.
To conclude, the pastor encouraged the congregation to walk the way of thankfulness by not worrying, serving others, and being gentle with themselves. By taking time to reflect on how God is at work in their lives, they can experience the fullness of life that God intends for them. The sermon ended with a musical offering of “Thanksgiving” by George Winston, inviting the congregation to reflect on God’s goodness.
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