TH151119/Thankful

Harvest messages are brought to you by harvest partners to receive free email daily devotions or to become a harvest partner, please visit us online@harvest.org grab our Bible and turn to two passages of Genesis 6 and first Corinthians 11 Genesis 6 and first Corinthians 11 and the title of my message is simply thankful. I think it's pretty obvious to almost anyone right now that we are living in the last days how many of you would agree with that. I mean come on, it is to be like we would wait for a cycle of news they happened. Maybe weekly or sometimes daily but it seems with this crazy topsy-turvy world wherein it's happening hourly and there's all kinds of things, reminding us that Christ is coming back again. Terrorism seems to be stronger than it's ever been that Islamic terrorism is not going to go away because we have to understand the ideology of those that are committing these acts of terror such as we just saw in Paris, France.

They want to establish a caliphate, a caliphate is basically Islamic rule. We live by their rules that their objective soberly when you get down to this.

This is an ideological war. Effectively, it's two worldviews. One is an Islamic worldview.

The other is what we might describe as a Judeo Christian worldview and effective.

The battle of the gods, not unlike would like to phased up on Mount Carmel, but it's a little different and still the Lord God, but other gods that people are substituting for and you know some will say will be design Islamic terrorists of these jihadists are whatever they want to call them. These acts of workplace violence depending on who's talking on, you know they're doing this because they resent our freedom. They resent the fact that women can vote or drive cars will there's some truth to that bony really get down to it, there is a hatred here for Christianity and there is a hatred for Judaism and this is expressed in a statement from ISS. The group that is really been in the forefront lately and Isis gave this statement after their attack in Paris and I quote in this blessed attack for which Allah facilitated the cause for success. A people group of the soldiers of the caliphate, may Allah dignified to make it victorious launched out targeting the capital of prostitution and insanity referring to Paris.

There, the carrier of the banner of the cross in Europe. Paris so they perceive Paris is the carrier of the cross and they often referred to America in the same way and the other call us. The Crusaders using what is this for between it's very important verbiage that you understand were talking about an ideological battle that goes back a thousand years people you've heard the Crusaders right and you know that the Crusaders came to liberate the city of Jerusalem from Muslims that are taking control of it. That's all far back.

This battle goes, that's where this rhetoric is coming from. So you understand the kind of mentality that were dealing with.

Meanwhile in the Middle East. We see a lot of changes we see as Syria and all the turmoil that there happening having and then of course that's been a hotbed for the development of Isis and despite the fact that we continue to get them with airstrikes.

They continue to spread their tentacles out inexplicably to some and now we have Russia stepping in Russia stepping in and even more interesting. Russia closely aligning yourself with Iran.

Do you know that this is a recent phenomenon that is not been in place until very recently, only carried about thousands of Russian troops potentially pouring into Syria and thousands of Iranian troops we think are somewhat let them clean the mess up. When a second Bible student pay attention. There's a scenario in the book of Ezekiel 3738 and 39 that talks about a massive force from the north of Israel Martin on her and the forces identified as Magog, and most prophecy teachers and experts believe that Magog is modern-day Russia.

Here's where it really gets interesting. One of the allies that marches with Magog is Persia just super Z to read and you'll even meet Iranian people to benefit one person so use the verbiage. It was only fairly recently that Persia became what we now call Iran.

So here we see this alignment in ally of Magog. Magog is Russia and we know that Iran or purges Iran than we hear about the buildup of troops in that part of the area. This is of great interest to the Bible study not to get into this later in another message it's another message for another time villages. Suffice it to say were living in the last days okay so Jesus came to make the disciples of Jesus came to him with this question. What is the sign of your coming and of the end of the age words.

Lord, how will we know that were in the end time. Here's what Jesus said in Matthew 24. As the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

As in the days that were before the father was eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be known giving the statement. Christ was, for starters, confirming the historicity of the story of the great flood that there was a great flood that there actually was unarguably was a guy named Noah and it was filled with the animals. Two of every kind and so he's telling us this is not a fable.

This is not a fairytale. This is not a myth.

This is an actual story that is true but is also encouraging us to look carefully at the weight things were before the flood came, because they would characterize the days before his return as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be when the Son of Man return.

There's a lot of striking parallels between the times of Noah in our times today, in effect, knows what we might describe as a last days believer. He was in the last days.

The planet Earth as it was known then before the great flood as we are last days believers living in that time before the great tribulation.

Comes the planet Earth, in the judgment of God and so forth. So here's what we see straightaway. Here's a man that was living in the shadow of an impending judgment.

But here is a man despite the wickedness of the culture who managed to live a godly life in an on godly world and know this.

Things were super wicked at this particular time. Historically, that brings us to Genesis 6 which is a description of the days in which Noah lived to look at look at diversity five of then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every intent of the thoughts of his heart were only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry he made man on the earth, and he was grieved in his heart, so the Lord said I will destroy man whom I've created from the face of the earth. Both man and beast, creeping thing, and creeping things and birds of the air. I'm sorry I made them.

It's interesting that it says every intent of the thoughts of his heart was evil continually. This was bad actually a better translation of verse five. God says there wickedness is great to better be translated there wickedness is reached a high degree or the highest cash. It was full of the brand. Think of an overflowing trash can. Worse yet think of an overflowing septic tank.

That's what earth was looking like at this time. It was as though earth was stinking to high heaven. God took notice of it. Sometimes when wickedness is rampant. We wonder why God doesn't stop it would look around in our world today, and we would say why would God allow those terrorists to do what they did. Why would God allow this injustice over here. Why does God permit these things to happen. Melissa God's fully aware of what is happening at first he reveals his grace before he brings his judgment as a number of things that strike us about God's assessment of the problem. Things are gone dramatically downhill and remember that Genesis. Of course begins with the story of the Garden of Eden where everything was just perfect. I mean, it was fantastic. Here's Adam. Here's Eve I here's this beautiful garden with these incredible things that God made to look at in the animal kingdom. And best of all, the Lord himself showed up as the sun was setting in and was able to take up personal walk with God each and every day. You know the story. The serpent enters the scene, he deceives the Adam disobeys sin enters the world and meant things go downhill so rapidly now as we get to Genesis 6 God is saying in verse six he sorry he made man, or a better translation God was grieved in his heart was in you only green for those who love you know someone dies that you deeply love you grieved deeply for someone dies you say all really whatever what's for lunch. Clearly, then love that person. Much of it someone you care about than you grieved and God is grieving. He takes no pleasure in this understand that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Ezekiel 3311 says so is it will then why does God send judgment because God is just.

Abraham rightly said shell not the just of the judge of the earth do right over. In Genesis 1825 Pleasant if men can flagrantly and continually break the laws of God and murder and pervert everything. The artist may prevent everything that is writing could.

Is it appropriate for the Lord to turn a blind eye.

Isn't it appropriate that God is just to take action, but you might say but that's not very loving man okay well: now let's just say that your sweet little toddler child was playing in your backyard and suddenly you saw a wolf climb over the fence and it was rapidly moving toward your job and what are you going to do. I'm going to talk with the wolf and treadmill your neck in a talk with well maybe if I hug Kim know that won't work either. Maybe if you shoot him or should him or something that will kill him. That would be the solution.

Listen why do you do that because you love your children, and if you love something you're also going to hate something he just part of life see if I love someone I hate anything that would harm that person that I love and if there is a threat to someone I love.

I will step in with a hatred say don't you dare try to hurt this person.

So God loves his creation. God loves mankind, but this scene is coming into God's as you know what manages the point where my spirit is not always going to strive with man and I wonder if the Lord is reached that point right now is he he knows about every act of wickedness and perversion and terrorism. He knows step you and I don't even know in this day of instant information in social media and everything else here, everything practically in real time, and I think that's one of the reasons were so stressed out because you know you don't wait till tomorrow to pick up the morning newspaper you know you get it on your twitter fee or any info probably vibrates old what was going on. I know you're getting all this information in real time as its unfolding. You can click and watch the live video feed see it as it's actually unfolding. That's the world were living in today. So God says okay that's it. In the days of Noah on them to bring judgment.

But here's what's interesting I get this very dark background was a man who walked with God. Noah was that man in Genesis 6668 says. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, you know sometimes when a jeweler want to display a beautiful ring or piece of jewelry they went to the bike the put it on black velvet were against a black background have a special like double check that beautiful item up so you can appreciate it. Sometimes we can better appreciate someone who lives up your life when they're put against the backdrop of a very impure world and against this very dark spiritual backdrop shines. Noah, a rare jewel, indeed in Genesis 6, eight, says Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, what is Emmy is that mean that God does that mean that God had grace on Noah because he had a right to live a righteous life. It's actually the opposite.

The word grace means God's unmerited favor see God had grace on Noah or God extended grace toward Noah and Noah responded to that grace. That is how we all come to know God's justice is getting what I deserve. Mercy is not getting what I deserve.

Grace is getting what I don't deserve. So don't ever say to God, I want justice to my life Lord really got and say pardon while you want me to show you know why just say that you want.

Just as I would be just okay. I want mercy, just as that's getting what you deserve mercy, not getting what you deserve getting what you don't deserve God extended grace toward Noah and it's by grace that we are saved through faith in fees and says not of works lest any man should boast.

See, God did not love Noah because he lived a godly life.

Noah lived a godly life because he understood how much God loved it's different in the Bible says we love him because he first loved us. To me, why did God choose you. Why did God choose me. No one really knows.

But maybe the answer is, why God chose Israel in Deuteronomy 7 we read the Lord did not set aside a part upon Israel and the Jewish people and choose them because they were more numerous than other nations, for they were the smallest of all nations know it was simply that the Lord loves you. Why did God choose me. I'm not really sure what the answer is, but I know this much, it's because he loves so just embrace that.

Be thankful for a case of knowledge. Look at Noah. He did things that the last days believer ought to do things we ought to be doing in the times in which were living. Number one Noah walked with God verse nine he walked with God you get a great-grandfather eating it also walk with God.

The Bible says even walk with God and was not for God took it really interesting story so apparently unit was this guy that had his close relationship of the Lord wonder they went out for a walk and I guess the Lord said at the end ever closer to my place than yours.

Want to come home with me.

He is what they have. It's almost as though unit was like a prototype of the Rockford believer because it says he walked with God it was not for God took him are literally God translated him.

He did not die a natural death as most people do you just taken a heaven as a generation of people we could be the generation will be going about their business and suddenly in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the trumpet of God. They will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. What we often call the rapture of the church.

But Noah walked with God. What is it me to walk with God, the prophet Amos gives us a clue. He says can two walk together unless they have agreed Kent to walk together unless they have agreed for another way to translated can two walk together, unless they have made an appointment with so you want to go to lunch or something he wanted to lunch you Texan yes okay what you want to go do things. Go back and forth few places. Okay, let's go to In-N-Out Burger. I'll see you there at 11 these and back smiling emoji. Okay, so you're good right maybe a couple hamburger emoji's whatever. So you set a time and you show up you have an appointment well to walk with God means that we keep our appointment. I've a friend named Bob Shakey is a civil thing. It goes along these lines. He says early is on time on time is late and late is never acceptable is pretty good estimate.

Girls did to his uncle because it one more time. Early is on time on time is late and latex. It's never acceptable. Well, you want to be late for your appointment with God. So when you take a walk with someone you you keep in step with the seven says let's take a walk together. What that means. Let's let's talk you.

My wife sometimes will meet some of her friends at church from church were girls. They want to go take a walk because they wanted to just say what it really is you're going to go take a talk it's a talk. It's a talk when you move okay but because he's wants last three hours I could take a three hour walk. Girls do, and they're talking right that's good so that it actually conveys what it means to walk with God, you're walking with God, you're talking with God hears hearing from God.

The objective in taking a walk is to keep pace with the person you're with your walking with your wife or your girlfriend.

You take her hand. You walk with her. You don't read ahead of her. You don't lag behind her.

You don't drag her down. You don't drag her forward. You know when I take a walk with my grandchildren. I have to pace myself a farm with Mike and son Christopher age 3.this hi I think his little hand and I have to walk a little bit slower than my other grandkids they want to show me they can beat me in a race so it becomes a race somewhere, sometimes away with God. But here's a wonderful thing about God, God will just bring you along Hill to wait for you to Sharpen and so this is the can II did being conveyed in walk with God that brings us to point number two is not getting it in the know as well.

Noah worked for God number two Noah worked for God. Verse 14 we read God told Noah to build an ark may not be that big of a deal to you yet understand something God told Noah to build a boat and there was no water.

You understand that there were no bodies of water as we know them today. It had never rained before the whole earth wasn't under sortable water canopy and creating a greenhouse effect.

One of the greatest acts of faith in all of human history. Noah cut down their first tree to build this art was so dramatic that is memorialized in what we call the hall of faith Hebrews 11 seven says, by faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen move with godly fear, he prepared an ark to the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith he was divinely warned.

God said: Noah obey number three, Noah was a witness for God. Noah walked with God. Noah worked for God Noah was a witness for God.

He's identified in second Peter 25 is a preacher of righteousness we often don't think of Noah as a preacher, but according to Hebrews urges the second Peter he was anything fully. What about that task as well. But did you know that though Noah lived 120 years.

He never had a single convert someone convert after 120 years of preaching of that would get pretty discouraging. Noah stands as an example for all those people seed source out there who can always measure their success in their sharing of the gospel at least outwardly read the story about a missionary, whose name was George Smith. He was called Africa his ministry was short-lived and he felt he was a failure. It only been there a short time when he was driven from the country, leaving behind one single convert up or woman.

This missionary died not long after that on his knees while praying for Africa. So if you look in his pockets and when I was a waste of life. What did you accomplish where your conference so years later, a group of men stumbled into the place where missionary George Smith had prayed they found a copy of the Scriptures you left behind in Africa and then they tracked down the one convert.

They came as a result of his ministry. And then they look at other people were impacted by the one convert and once the research was completed, it was determined that over the next 100 years.

13,000 people emerge from that one convert as followers of Christ. 13,000 so you say you know I'm a failure. Man, I share the gospel and I asked people if they want to accept Jesus and they say no other blow me off and hang up or whatever are you failure to here's what God requires of you, God requires faithfulness, not success, because sometimes that success may come much later, and may come after you left this earth, and it may come from a person that you reach out reach another person not reach another person there reach hundreds and that person reach thousands who knows, it's not over till it's over, or as they say it's not over till the fat lady sing.

I don't know who this fat lady is in which he singing about. Don't get offended. It's an expression oh okay so what are we doing well were supposed to preach the gospel to people respond or not preach the gospel of people respond or not until the going all the world and preach the gospel. The conversion is up to God.

It's not up to me. First Corinthians 3, Paul says I planted Apollo's water. God gave the increase, so neither he who plants is anything or he who waters what God gives the increase. So the one who plants in the one who waters are one in each one will receive his reward. So God said to Noah build that boat and he built it is about 450 feet long, 70 feet wide and 45 feet high. I just saw story in the news word some museum. I think the creation Museum is actually trying to re-create the ark again. There is massive weighing in at about 13,960 times that would place the art well within the category of large metal oceangoing vessels today. By the way, not until the 1800s was a ship that exceeded the capacity of Noah's Ark bill know that the ark was no Titanic in beauty, but it was definitely more seaworthy. It was just a big floating see old box that bobbed around on the waters after it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. And no, and all those critters spinning here at C Menem is the skunk in there.

After a while, in a and then finally they reached land and they were able to get out of the ark again notes an interesting thing because we read that after the ark was built there, we can really believe Noah left the front door open for seven days so it's little different than the story was on the film about Noah were Russell Crowe/gladiator/Noah was killing people who were trying to get on the ark with a sword member that identity to saw the Noah film event that didn't happen. The door was open, you're welcome, known to to remind us of the times in which reliving the doors open doors open for people to believe the doors open for people to be forgiven of their sins, and it will be open throughout the last days but these people were so wicked and twisted. They had no interest in it at all until it started raining but then it was too late. Notice also. God said to Noah and his family come into the ark didn't say going to the ark, he said coming to the ark. What is an implied God was in the come on into this ark now with me join me here. Just as Jesus and come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Okay, so here's Noah, Bob, and around out of the sea for a year.

The finally come to land in the open that door and here's what we read, God remembered Noah God remembered Noah.

I bet you know is wondered if the Lord is paying attention never felt as though the Lord is forgotten about you baby has not acted in your life and what is perhaps a long time, but this is a reminder that he will act again.

God always finishes what he begins. Philippians 16 being confident of this very thing, that he was begun a good work and you will completed under the day of Jesus Christ for a better translation would be carried to completion, so your job is to faithfully obey the Lord just do what he told you to do last to be faithful and that they be God's call to the ministry. We haven't seen a lot of spiritual fruit may be in your marriage. It's pretty hard and you wonder if it's ever going to get better.

Just hang in there.

God remembered Noah and God will remember you as well. So the spirit of God blows across the land. The clouds begin to dissipate the sun appears in the grass and the plants in the trees come back to life and you know when you and no one knew where I was a new and no you know when you are no poet knowing you. He knew he must give thanks and this I love this verse to go forward a few pages. Genesis 820 Noah built an altar to the Lord. Hello goodbye been stuck on a boat free here and I finally reached land on the door of the boat open I would probably run around for about two months just happy to be on terra firma.

Every minute a boat for a prolonged period of time and if you get off you still can a moving back and forth a little bit you know your and so I would've been so happy to be on the sly ground that the first thing that know what is does is see built an altar to the Lord that brings me to write fourth and final point and really the main point but I want to say before we come to the communion table a number one Noah walked with God number two Noah work for God number three, Noah was a witness for God and now number four Noah worship God. He built an altar any worship the Lord. He was 11/7. As Noah moved with godly fear and by the way, the word fear means a wholesome dread of this pleasing him. He walked and talked with God, and he listened as well.

He worship God any remembered God is see God remembered Noah and no one remembered God is unimportant because you know what sometimes we forget all over were very aware of God when were in trouble and we have the crisis and we have the problem and we pray and we pray the Lord comes through and then we say things can't see next crisis, the story of the 10 lepers. This dreaded deadly fatal disease and Jesus healed up healed all of one came back and gave thanks Jesus said, I thought I healed Genworth. The other nine and oh God wants us to give things such as common courtesy when someone does something for you.

Always remember to say thank you and we should do the same with God of the Lord does something for you.

Remember to give thanks to him for that. Noah had his priorities straight. Noah was thankful and there are many ways we can show our thankfulness to God.

Just some simple ways you can do it on a regular basis. Number one. The simple act of seeing Grace over meal is a great way to get. I love that when people pray for me hello when I'm in a restaurant tonight. I see a family just pause and they'll bow their heads and in the pray look at the family over there Springs McCreight and get a good witness.

By the way, if you're going to pray before a meal, you know, don't pray too long. Okay it's it's just giving thanks.

It's not intercessory prayer for planet Earth.

Okay, so you know can get to that later but the food warm and eat the food. Why it's so hot you know get to it in your prayer. Don't pray too long and don't do it in an ostentatious way, you know, in a way to draw unnecessary attention to yourself and please if you pray publicly in a restaurant.

Don't be a cheapskate. Leavitt said that's a bad witnesses and yes we should pray, and here's something you may not know Jesus gave thanks that you know that Jesus would begin prayer give thanks to the father. He did so on the feeding of the 4000, not the 5000, 4000. We read in Matthew 1530 550 came out of the multitude to sit down on the ground. It took seven loaves and the fish wasn't gave thanks and broke them and gave them to his disciples and his disciples came to the mold.

I find that amazing that Jesus Christ gave thanks to the father before they had their meal. From this I think we learned that Jesus was giving thanks for the necessities of life like food and if Jesus didn't. Should we not do the same. What did Jesus teach us to pray in the Lord's prayer.

He said after this manner therefore pray our father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven give us this day while our daily. No one why pray that one frame give me this day my daily bread. I'm acknowledging that everything I have comes to me from God when I say daily bread. It means my food is M1 an Atkins diet been all protein. Okay, whatever. Give me this day my daily me and she's or bacon or whatever works now but the ideas give me my daily necessities.

Give me the food that I need each each and every day we should pray for them understand that Scott may be as blessed.

Some of you, and you have great wealth.

Maybe you've made some amazing investments are you work really hard and been very creative and you've created a successful business. Okay. Great. Fantastic. But just remember one thing God did that for you will true I can work really hard and you know I and I really have an amazing mind.

Okay you know that may even be true to some degree God gave you that mind God gave you the health to do the job God gave you the strength and God gave you everything that you have understand that everything Deuteronomy 818 says remember the Lord your God. He's the one who gives you the ability to produce well.

So when you think you me this day my daily bread I just say Lord I acknowledge everything I have. It's come from and I want to thank you for that.

Thank you Lord for food on my table.

Thank you Lord for close on my back. Thank you Lord for transportation. Thank you Lord for my health. Thank you Lord for those things I often take for granted in life.

Give thanks for those things.

Thank you Lord that were safe right now.

Thank you Lord for those things. Another time that Jesus gave thanks was before he raised Lazarus from the dead he was there in the city of Bethany and Lazarus. His friend had died. Not only had he died, but he actually was in the process of decomposition and Jesus said to Mary and Martha the sisters of Lazarus. Your brother will live again and they didn't seem to get better understand that fact. Martha protested and said, Lord, by now he stink at suction King James a Lovett translation bye-bye now he's think, which is a really nice way to tell someone they smell bad in a biblical way, you know, bro, you stink it shower would be in order. Yeah Lord is decomposing. Forget about it. Forget about it. No way, Lord. And then Jesus responds and says didn't I tell you, you would see God's glory. If you believe, so they rolled the stone aside and Jesus looked up to Kevin and said father I thank you that you care me again thanks father, thank you that you hear me that's another thing to give thanks for give thanks that your prayers are heard by God.

If you pray right now God will hear your prayer symbol and nobody hears my prayers because he never answers them. Or maybe just like the answer. God answers prayer.

Three ways yes no and winked sometimes, and God says wait are not always in God didn't answer my prayer. No answer. He said no you just like the answer he answers your precious Noah remembered the Lord.

Another way we can remember the Lord is in the faithful giving of our finances and the people giving our finances. Proverbs 39 says honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of your crops and then your barns will be filled to overflowing your vats will brim over with new wine. See when you take a percentage of your income. We call it a Thai Tiedeman's attempt. When you take that percentage of your income is got is what you would say this isn't even my Lord, I give this to you automatically.

God promises that we will be faithful in that area that he will open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that we will not have room enough to receive but this is often one of the last areas that some Christians will surrender to God to give everything else to God except their checkbook or except their credit card or accept their money go see this is my money now gave the ability to make wealth to give you the ability to succeed. God gave that to use you bring back that offering to him. But here's what you're missing. There's a joy in giving and only is there a joy in giving, but it will result in thanksgiving to God. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth, the perspectives line says remember this, a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop want to plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your own heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a cheerful giver. Then he goes on to say, and you will be enriched in every way and you'll always be generous.

And you can take those caps that God is giving you and others will think God see this is the idea God will bless you as you Gibson will God loves a cheerful giver. I can give this cheerfully so I shouldn't give it all really, no, you should change your heart and learn the joy of giving because it is more blessed to give than to receive. Right after Jesus said how when your kids.

It's more blessed to get them to give kids fight over toys and I was by no later than my kids find my grandkids. I should say find the hiding places. I think I'm so clever there really know what they're getting it out for Christmas and they look forward to that. But you know I actually really enjoyed getting a gift for someone giving something to someone.

There's a joy in all of it that's a way to give thanks to God. Here's another way we should remember the Lord each day and take time for prayer and Bible study table great and really busy really you're busy doing what why I worked I worked two jobs okay you can make time for Bibles and can make time really get time for TV. Give time for social media. You have time for Facebook you have time for others will jive driver that will wait and you have time for the Bible and you have time for prayer and tech were told in Psalm 53 in the morning Lord you hear my voice in the morning I leave my request before you and I wait expectantly. I think it's just a great discipline when you get up in the morning to open up the word of God and read this and pray and commit your dates of the Lord even before your feet hit the ground say Lord today.

Just fill me with the Holy Spirit and give me wisdom and lead me and guide me. I want to be in the center of your will. That's how you remember the Lord you make time to do it. Appreciate you guys over here just a little more enthusiastic. Maybe it's because I give you the book but he kinda getting you respond and then they respond and they come around one minute later. Two minutes later and now it's too late but if it's spontaneous all accepted okay with. I know spontaneous clapping and I know okay so appreciate anything actually, there's another one.

This one might surprise you were almost done.

We should also remember to give things when things are hard Regulus. I understand giving thanks for his provision. I understand giving thanks with my resources. I understand making time to remember the Lord getting in the word but give things when things are hard. That doesn't make sense action makes perfect sense. The book of Daniel. Read the story of the law being passed and no one could pray anymore. Can you imagine such a loving pass today new law you can no longer pray.

What would you do well we know what Daniel did read this Daniel 610 genuinely learn the log and sign when home knelt down as usual in his upstairs room with his windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day as he always had done. But this is the part I don't want to mess, and he gave thanks to God. Now, I would've read he opened up his windows and prayed God, why did you let this happen. I would've understood that when you know you give thanks to God because he was in the habit of giving thanks to the Lord and that's a good habit to be. Do you think you got Loretta know what's going on in a while you've allowed this but hey, I'm giving thanks to you because you're still on the throne. We cannot only give thanks when themes things seem to be good. We must give thanks because the Lord is good because he's working all things together for good memory, Pete, that we should not only give thanks when things seem to be good. We should also give thanks because the Lord is good and he is working all things together for good, right. Like that expression. It's all good men in a broad sense and actually I don't mean every little thing that's happening is good to spend things happen, inexplicable things happen. Hardships and tragedies happen on that singles are good things. What I'm saying it's all good in the sense that God is good and God will work things together. Ultimately, for his good and for his glory and for our good as well. That's why Paul says in everything give thanks in everything by prayer with thanksgiving let your requests be made known in the God and the peace of God that passes all human understanding, will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus want to share one more time.

When Jesus gave thanks.

It was at an event that we often call the last supper that brings us to our text first Corinthians 11 first Corinthians 11 go over there with me if you would know this is Paul speaking but is telling us what happened in the last supper and he writes in verse 23.

Pride passed on to you that which I received from the Lord himself on the night in which he was betrayed Jesus took some bread and keep things God.

Any broken pieces and said this is my body which is broken for you this to to remember me in the same way he took the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new covenant between God and his people and agreement confirmed with my blood. Jesus gave thanks for was this in the upper room was going on in the upper room while he was about to identify his betrayer Judas Iscariot once he was identify Jesus and whatever you do to quickly. He also identified his denier Simon Peter saying to Simon before the rooster escrow twice, you will delight three times that you know Jesus was now taking the bread and breaking it and drinking from the cup because it symbolized is body that would soon be broken in his blood that would soon be shed Jesus who was God knew all things he knew what was about to happen. He knew he was going to be beaten beyond human recognition. He knew they were gonna rip the beard out of this space. He knew that he was going to be scarred with the Roman web. Probably the cat of nine tails.

He knew he was going to be nailed to a cross and he knew he was gonna take the sin of the world upon himself but we read he gave thanks to give thanks at a time like that became things because he knew despite the horrific things that were about to happen. The greatest good in all of the universe was about to take place. The greatest good being the salvation of all people who would put their faith in him that he would purchase by his blood on the cross he gave thanks in Hebrews 12 we read, for the joy that was set before them. Christ endured the cross, despising the shame, and now he is set down on the right hand of God. He thinks because he knew what it would accomplish so we have a lot to give thanks for knowing, let let's see what you guys came up with here what you gave thanks for let's put it up on the screen. Some of the things you're thankful for and thankful for God's mercy, grace, and the privilege to be called husband and father. Amen Jeremy thankful for God's merciful read that one thing thankful for my kids. Loretta, I'm thankful for the many volunteers in my camera can okay Ken is the guy actually working this screen right now and he's one of the camera guys and so good.

I'm thankful for God giving me a chance. So true. I'm thankful for my parents. I'm the air in my lungs, but mostly for Jesus saving me. I'm thankful for my salvation, my Sage and Luke my church today. Paula, I'm thankful for being able to be a disciple lately. I'm thankful for the father in heaven and the loving husband he blessed me with that. Thankful for salvation, and that my advanced cancer did not take my life as doctors that thought it would. Thankful God promises to never leave me all that's true. We should all be thankful for that I'm thankful for salvation away read that one and think of God I read that to I'm thankful for my children for all the wonderful blessings, my Lord is given me my Lord is never left me in this protected me.

Rebecca, that's outstanding.

I'm thankful for God's blessings upon his children have so many brothers and sisters in Christ at harvest OCs do that's right amen thoughts. Craig you guys. I'm thankful for this church. I'm thankful for you.

I'm thankful for the work God is done and were all thankful for our salvation, and it was all purchased for Christ by Christ at the cross.

So let me close with this thought.

When Jesus was going to the cross understand he was thinking of you say will Greg I don't really know if that's technically correct. The Bible says God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son I'm just one face billions. I doubt he was thinking of me will listen God he can think a lot of people and we can think of an individual because of the Bible say the very hairs of your head are numbered. Now my case that's not a big thing is it eight or nine. My wife said 1 billion but he knows of every bird.

The falls of the ground. God knows details, but here's what I know he was thinking of you thinking of me. The apostle Paul said he loved me and he gave himself for me seeing it was personal. He died for you.

People lead for you.

He suffered for you because he loves you. So how can we remember them.

Jesus said this do in remembrance of me. God remembered Noah. Noah remembered God, and we will remember the Lord tonight as we come to the communion table see what communion table.

I don't see it. It's a special one that only those with great faith can see see it, who sees it. Her delusional thoughts in the back in the back and will bring the elements up and that will serve them so we can all do it.

Jesus asked to do this in remembrance of him.

You know what is an interesting twist on that that phrase do this in remembrance of me. Jesus speaking could be better translated to this and affectionate remembrance of me. Not just ritually doing it, or legalistic league doing it affectionately doing all Lord, thank you and offering your praise will listen this thing that were about to do receive these elements, the broken bread and the cup that symbolized his body and his blood.

This is for Christians only know a non-Christian should not receive the elements of communion affect the apostle Paul said, if you receive these elements while not believing in them when they represent, you can actually eat and drink judgment to yourself. That's scary to the idea being, it would almost be like mocking God to take of the bread and drink of the cup and not believe in the one they represent.

So this is only for Christians only for believer you're not a believer, you should not receive the elements of communion symbol. What if I want to become a lever within. You should, and then you can join us. So how do I join you, will you become a Christian. So how do I become a Christian through prayer when you say that Jesus, I'm sorry for my sin and I want you to forgive me. I want you to come in to my life. So some of these folks that I don't ever have to be alone in life all know that you're always there with me Lord, I want you and I want to know that when I die I will go to heaven that's something we should really be thankful for that.

Those of us who have trusted in Christ were going to heaven. That's the big one next to salvation is really a big one. You know you're going to heaven, you know that your sin is forgiven is Christ living inside of you. Are you sure, if not would you like to become in your life right now working to close in prayer and I meant to extend an invitation to anyone here that wants to believe in Jesus Christ.

Anyone here that wants to be forgiven of their sin, and if you will pray this prayer and really put your faith in him. He will come and live inside of you, and you can have the hope also that you will go to heaven when you die let's all bow our heads right now. Pray father, thank you for loving us so much.

You sent Jesus, Jesus, thank you for coming to this earth and dying in our place and then rising again from the dead. Now we pray for any here that do not yet know you, Lord, help them to come to you. We pray for someone who know you but have been prodigal sons and daughters. We pray the come back to you tonight. AA has about their eyes are closed and work praying together. How many of you would say pray pray for me.

I want Jesus Christ to come in the my life. I want him to forgive me of my sin.

I want to know that when I die I will go to heaven. I want my sin forgiven. Pray for me. I want Jesus that your desire. If you want Jesus Christ to come in your life and you want him to forgive you of your sin if you want to go to heaven when you die you raise your hand up wherever you are limited. Pray for you, but you got to shoot anybody else with her in the back to bless you.

Raise your hand up, I reckon see it please God bless you and God bless you as well.

Anybody else raise your hand up a prayer for you accomplish publishers there in the aisle, slipped her hand. God bless you anybody else. If you ever lifted her hand yet right now. You want Christ in your life. Let me pray for you accomplish this you where heads are still about maybe some of you would say not been prodigal son. I've been prodigal daughter I know it's right and I have them in Lebanon.

I've been living in two worlds, and I want to get right with God. I want to come back to him again. I need to recommit my life to Christ, pray for me affect your desire would you raise your hand up right now. We pray for you accomplish bless you.

You need to make a recommitment. Raise your hand, she served as socio-anybody else blasts all right now when I ask every one of you if you would please. That is, raise your hand if you raise your hand.

I want you to stand your feet, lead you in a prayer of commitment to Christ is stand up all of you that raise your hand to stand up to pray together even if you did not raise her hand but you want to make this commitment a recommitment to Christ in your feet, collegial prayer, stand up publishers that are standing by the way, if you stand, you will be alone. Others already standing you want to get right with God.

You want your sin forgiven you want to go to heaven when you die you want to recommit your life to Christ. Stand your feet right now, lead you in this prayer anybody else stand and let me pray with you, bless you might be a few more God speaking to your heart right now. The Bible says harden not your heart if you can hear his voice. Anybody else stand now, let me pray with you, bless you. I went one more moment anybody else stand you will not regret this. God bless you and God bless you and God bless you.

Anybody else got bless you to yes men. Anybody else stand now pray together one more moment number pray. What else all right got bless you contestant on the way one more moment right okay I'm in a pray this prayer and I want you to pray it out loud after me right where you stand, as I pray pray this out loud after me. This is a prayer of asking God to forgive you of your sin, pray this out loud now, Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner but I know that you are the Savior who died on the cross for my seven and rose again from the dead. Jesus come into my life be my Lord be my God my Savior be my friend. I choose to follow you, Jesus. From this moment forward. Thank you for calling me and accepting me in Jesus name I pray. Amen. God bless you guys