Attitude of Gratitude XI

 The Thanksgiving holiday is nearly upon us. So, for today I thought I would share a Thanksgiving guide that was sent out by Promise Keepers...

This year, rather than celebrating Thanksgiving for just one day, we encourage you to have a season of Thanksgiving. With family and friends gathered around, select one or more of the family activities to be shared with all. Work with your loved ones to make Thanksgiving a lifestyle, not a day.

Read the selected Scriptures together and allow everyone of all ages to participate.

Thanksgiving Lifestyle — Worship

The foundation of a building is the support structure that keeps everything together. At its foundation, worship is giving thanks. In Scripture, Daniel gave thanks to God even though his circumstances were not to his liking. Spend time this Thanksgiving showing your family how to give thanks during this difficult time in our nation.

Family Activities
- Thank God for being our protector. (Ps 91:1-2)
- Thank God for giving us beauty while looking up at the night sky. (Ps 19:1-6)
- Thank God we are never without Him. (Duet. 31:6)
- Discuss how giving thanks is a choice. (Col. 3:17)

Thanksgiving Lifestyle — Public Faith

A truly thankful person cannot keep their thankfulness a secret. Daniel’s public act of thanksgiving didn’t start with the day his enemies tried to kill him. It was the way he conducted life every day, and everyone around him knew it. Spend time with your family this Thanksgiving season demonstrating that you give God the praise for every part of your lives. Just as Daniel’s enemies were offended, you will offend some. Remember, however, what was an offense to some inspired a king to worship God. Imagine the difference it would make in the lives of those around us if they saw us truly thanking God during these times.

Family Activities
- Thank God for absolutely everything. (James 1:17)
- Let every family member, regardless of age, have an opportunity to thank God in praise. (Ps 145:1-5)
- Share with your family how you intend to lead in Thanksgiving. (Joshua 24:15)\
- Share your Thanksgiving with someone who is alone. All that is required of us is to make the invitation. (Matt 25:34-40)

Thanksgiving Lifestyle — Leadership

Take note that the King Darius knew it was God who had delivered Daniel. It’s clear that Daniel’s lifestyle was intended to honor God, not himself. The greatest act of leadership is leading others to Jesus. Those around us will recognize that it’s not human to give thanks during a pandemic. It’s divine. It comes from God. They will know God is working in our lives. Seeing the joy in us many will want to follow us to Jesus. That’s what being a Promise Keeper is all about.

Family Activities
- Thank God for the opportunity to lead the next generation. (Ps. 71:17-18)
- Assure your friends and family you are following Jesus as you lead them. (1 Kings 3:9-10)
|- Demonstrate to your family thankfulness at all times. (Phil. 4:11-13)
- Bring everyone into the Lord’s presence with thanksgiving. (Ps. 100)

Fun Family Discussion Questions
- What is one thing you want to do before the year ends?
- If you could only eat one kind of dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- If you were given $1 million to give to charity, which one would you choose?
- Is there a food your dish that you disliked when you were younger, but you like now?
- What is something new you learned this week?