Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. PSALM 100:4–5

Thorn, Joe. Note to Self (Foreword by Sam Storms) (p. 43). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

Reflections:

1. How does Joe’s following definition of thankfulness contrast with typical everyday “thankfulness“ (being polite or sending an obligatory thank note for example)?  “Thankfulness is the joyful and humble response of a heart that has been transformed by grace.“

2. Disappointments are great opportunities for faith. Most of us struggle with thankfulness when we are disappointed. Specifically, what role does “recalling the gospel“ play in creating a grateful heart?

3. Let us put this into play right now by praying. Bow your head and thank the Lord for aspects of the gospel that impact you. So often we thank the lord for our house or car or cat, which is fine, but God’s greatest gift to us is Jesus. For example, thank him for personally dying for you, for forgiving your sins, for loving you when you are unlovable, for chasing you down when you wander from him… you get the idea. Enjoy!

Please write a brief encouraging comment below. Doing so create community and dialog with the Emmanuel Family and Friends. Thank you. Pastor John