Many of us pause once a year to be grateful-but what if Thanksgiving was more than a holiday? What if it became a lifestyle of worship, joy, and everyday gratitude rooted in who God is? This message explores how Psalm 100 invites us into a deeper, daily rhythm of thanksgiving no matter what season we're walking through.

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Living a Thanksgiving Lifestyle: Beyond the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving isn't just a day on the calendar-it can become a way of life. As we enter Thanksgiving week, it's natural to focus on gratitude and expressing thanks. But what if this attitude of thankfulness didn't have to end when the holiday season is over? What if you could live with a Thanksgiving mindset all year long, no matter what you're facing?

In this message, we'll look at what the Bible says about worship, gratitude, and serving others-and how those practices can shape a lifestyle of thanksgiving every single day.

Why Gratitude Doesn't Come Naturally

Let's be honest-we're naturally selfish. You don't have to teach children to be selfish; they come out that way, constantly saying "mine, mine, mine." As adults, we're just more creative about covering it up. We're naturally focused on ourselves, which makes gratitude something we have to be intentional about developing.

During the holiday season, parents constantly remind their children to "say thank you"-whether it's for pajamas or green bean casserole. But as adults, we need those same reminders. If we want to have a Thanksgiving lifestyle rather than just a Thanksgiving day, we must be intentional about it.

What Jesus Says About Loving Others

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus responded: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. And the second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:30-31).

We're incredibly good at being intentional about loving ourselves-we dress ourselves, feed ourselves, and buy things we enjoy. Jesus challenges us to love our neighbors with that same intentionality.

How Worship Produces Gratitude

Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God-and when we see God clearly, gratitude rises naturally.

Make a Joyful Noise: Your Victory Cry

Psalm 100:1 says, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth." The Hebrew word here, ruah, is a war cry-a shout of victory. As believers, we wake up every day declaring victory because we serve a God who has defeated death and sin.

Serve the Lord with Gladness

Psalm 100:2 calls us to "serve the Lord with gladness." We don't serve to feel good about ourselves-we serve because that's God's heart.

Come Into His Presence with Singing

We have full access to our heavenly Father. He invites us to come into His presence with singing-not shame.

How Can We Know God Better?

Psalm 100:3 reminds us that God made us, knows us, and invites us to know Him.

We can attend church, groups, and studies-but if we miss Jesus at the center, we miss everything.

Why Worship Together Matters

Psalm 100:4 tells us to "enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise."

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us that gathering strengthens us and protects us from isolation.

How to Express Gratitude Practically

Here's a challenge: each week until the end of the year, write down 3-5 things you're thankful for.

• Use a journal or notes app
• Review them weekly
• Thank God for each one

Why Live a Life of Thanksgiving?

Psalm 100:5 declares God's goodness, love, and faithfulness in every generation.

Even when life is difficult, Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is working all things for good.

Reflection Questions

• Where am I trying to stay in control instead of trusting God?
• How can I be intentional about serving others this week?
• What 3 things can I thank God for today?
• How can I make worship and Bible reading part of my weekly rhythm?

Want to take a next step? Join us this Sunday in Sugar Land or Richmond - or connect with us online.