1. Giving Thanks as a Way of Life Pine Cove Fall Women’s Conference Sue Bohlin www.suebohlin.com

2. Giving Thanks as a Way of Life My prayer: "God, help me deal with my discovery of that my heart is filled with anger, bitterness and resentment that You let me have polio, and for some reason You refuse to heal me this side of eternity."

3. Giving Thanks as a Way of Life God’s answer: 1. A loving God is in control of everything that touches our lives (sovereignty) 2. His will is that we give thanks for everything (Eph. 5:20)

4. Giving Thanks as a Way of Life Getting in the habit of giving thanks for the small things prepared me for the big thing. Getting in the habit of giving thanks for the small things prepared me for the big thing.

5. The Importance of Giving Thanks Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18

6. The Importance of Giving Thanks Understand what the Lord’s will is... always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father Eph 5:17-20 Understand what the Lord’s will is... always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father Eph 5:17-20 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Col 3:15

7. But Why? The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

8. But Why? For although they knew God, they never glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Rom 1:18-23

9. But Why? Refusing to give thanks to God = refusal to embrace His sovereignty Refusing to give thanks to God = refusal to embrace His sovereignty “The Lord may not have planned that this should overtake me, but He has most certainly permitted it. Therefore, though it were an attack of an enemy, by the time it reaches me, it has the Lord's permission, and therefore all is well. He will make it work together with all life's experiences for good.” Romans 8:28 paraphrase “The Lord may not have planned that this should overtake me, but He has most certainly permitted it. Therefore, though it were an attack of an enemy, by the time it reaches me, it has the Lord's permission, and therefore all is well. He will make it work together with all life's experiences for good.” Romans 8:28 paraphrase

10. The Junk Room

11. Learning to Give Thanks Giving thanks does not mean what you’re thanking God for is good. Giving thanks does not mean what you’re thanking God for is good. Act of will, not feelings Act of will, not feelings “Be thankful” does not mean “Feel grateful.” “Be thankful” does not mean “Feel grateful.”

12. Learning to Give Thanks Hypocrisy: feelings or values? Hypocrisy: feelings or values? A matter of obedience A matter of obedience Do you want your joy back? Do you want your joy back? – Grieving: face what happened, expose the wounds to Jesus – Forgiving those who hurt you

13. Praying Thanksgiving Prayers “Thank You, Lord, for...”