Just Sayin', Part 3: Words of Thanksgiving

    (Proverbs 18:21) (NLT) “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”    Title of message:  Words of Thanksgiving    (1 John 3:18) “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”    How to live out my words of thanksgiving: 1.    Follow the example of Jesus   (Mark 15:31) (MSG) “The high priests, along with the religion scholars, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: "He saved others—but he can't save himself! Messiah, is he? King of Israel? Then let him climb down from that cross. We'll all become believers then!"”    (Ephesians 4:29) “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”   2.    Find a person to serve    (Luke 10:30) (NLT) “Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.”  (Luke 10:31-32) (NLT) “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.  A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.”   (Luke 10:33-35) (NLT) “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’” How to serve? A. See and feel the need.  B. Don’t be callous. C. Express your compassion. D. Be willing to sacrifice. (Luke 10:35-37) (NLT) “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.  The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”  Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (2 Corinthians 9:13) “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”   3.    Focus on life change not life issues   (Philippians 2:14-18) (NLT) “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18) (NIV) “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:10) (MSG) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”