Trinity Fellowship Assembly of God

Always Give Thanks!

Daniel 6:1-28                                                                                                    Pastor Tom Squashic

                                                                                                           Community Thanksgiving Service

MAIN THOUGHT: Every believer can be encouraged to give thanks by copying the actions of Daniel.

 Daniel 6:10 NKJ “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home.  And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”

Daniel had regular times of prayer and thanksgiving daily.

Daniel 6:10 “…as was his custom since early days.”

Daniel prayed and gave thanks even though he knew the consequences.

Daniel 6:7 “thrown into the lions’ den”

What happens to me if I don’t give thanks?

 Daniel’s prayers & giving of thanks were done “in faith.”

Daniel 6:10  “before his God”  Jesus – John 11:41-43

Much more of our praying should be thanking.

Who & what God is;  His promises;  Who I am in Christ

Levels of Thanksgiving

(More faith is needed to progress down the list.)

Mark with an X at every level where you are.

 ____  I thank God when I receive a blessing.  Luke 17:11-16

____  I give thanks for some circumstances in my life.

____  I give thanks for good situations & people.  James 1:17

____  Whether or not I receive a blessing, I give thanks.   Habakkuk 3:17-18

____  I give thanks for circumstances when I can see how God is using them for good.   Romans 8:28

____  I thank God for the good that will come out of all circumstances.   Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:20

____  I thank God that He is sovereign & in control in all situations.   Psalm 24:1; 103:19; 145:13

____  I give thanks to God always, at all times.  Psalm 34:1; Ephesians 5:20;  Philippians 4:4

____  In all circumstances (in everything), I give thanks.   1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6; Hebrews 13:15

____  I am thankful that no matter what I go through, the Lord is with me.  Psalm 23:4; Hebrews 13:5

____  In every situation, I am thankful for God’s goodness  love, gentleness and kindness.  Psalm 92:1-2; 107:1

____  I thank God for victory over the devil in every situation.   Romans 8:37; Luke 10:19; 2 Corinthians 2:11, 14

____  I give thanks to God the Father for everything, good or bad, because I know He is in control.    Eph. 5:20; Job 1:21; 2:10; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Phil. 1:12-18

Daniel was not ashamed to let others see his devotion to God.

– upper room

– with his windows open toward Jerusalem

– He knelt down on his knees three times that day.

– He prayed and gave thanks.  Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; Philemon 1:4

Daniel received deliverance from death!

Daniel 6:19-22, 26-27

Give Thanks – WHY?

Ps 107:1  God is good.  His love (mercy) endures forever. 106:1 Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31  God’s unfailing love

Psalm 105:1  what He has done

Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31  His wonderful deeds for men

Psalm 75:1  God’s Name is near.

Psalm 119:62  for God’s righteous laws

Psalm 136:2, 3, 26  because He is the God of gods, Lord of lords

Acts 27:35  for food and drink  Mt. 14:19; 1 Cor. 10:30; 1 Tim. 4:3-4

Mark 14:22-23  for the bread & cup of Communion

Acts 28:1-5  for other believers  1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2:13; 3:9

2 Corinthians 2:14  for our triumph in Christ

2 Corinthians 9:15  for God’s indescribable gift!

Colossians 1:12  We are qualified to share in the inheritance.

Col 2:7  We are rooted, built up in Him, strengthened in faith

Col. 3:15  peace of Christ rules in our hearts; members of body

2 Thessalonians 1:3  because believers’ faith is growing

2 Thessalonians 1:3  believers’ love for each other is increasing

2 Thessalonians 2:13  God chose you to be saved.

1 Timothy 1:12  for strength

Heb. 12:28  We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.

Rev. 4:9  God sits on the throne and lives forever and ever.

Give Thanks – HOW?

Psalm 116:17  “…and call on the name of the Lord.”

Psalm 119:62  “At midnight I rise to give You thanks…”

Daniel 6:10  When things go badly

John 11:41  Thank God in faith before circumstances change.

Isaiah 12:4  Make known among the nations what He has done.

Isaiah 12:4  Proclaim that His name is exalted.

Philippians 4:6  Present your needs to God with thanksgiving.

Colossians 3:17  Whatever you do or say, give thanks.

Colossians 4:2  Be devoted to prayer, be watchful and thankful.

1 Thess. 5:18  Give thanks in all circumstances; It’s God’s will.

Ephesians 5:20  always giving thanks to God for everything

 My Thankful List – 2011

Philippians 4:6 NKJ “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;”

1 Timothy 2:1 NKJ “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be    made for all men,”

Philemon 1:4 NIV “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,”