“HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL?”
PASTOR MARK JOHNSON
NOVEMBER 27, 2011



INTRO: Is your cup half empty or half full? Do you generally give thanks for the half-full cup or complain about the half-empty cup?

I. GIVE THANKS TO OBEY GOD.

A. We can “will” to give God thanks (Ps. 18:49).

B. We’re to give God thanks forever (Ps. 30:12b).

C. Giving God thanks is a good thing (Ps. 92:1).

D. It brings us into God’s presence (Ps. 95:2; 100:4).

E. We’re commanded to give thanks to the Lord (Ps. 105:1).

F. Give God thanks for His goodness & mercy (Ps. 106:1).

G. We’re to give God thanks for His works (Ps. 107:8).

H. Two large thanksgiving choirs appointed (Neh. 12:31a)!

I. Thanksgiving leads to more of God’s peace (Phil. 4:6-7).

J. Give God thanks in everything (1Thess. 5:18).

II. GIVE THANKS BECAUSE YOU TEND TO GET MORE OF WHAT YOU FOCUS ON.

A. You are what you think (Prov. 23:7a).

B. You get more of what you already possess (Mat. 13:12).

C. The measure you use is measured back to you (Lk. 6:38b).

D. You become like that which you behold (2Cor. 3:18).

III. GIVE THANKS EVEN DURING TIMES OF ADVERSITY.

A. “In everything” includes adversity (1Thess. 5:18).

B. The first pilgrims gave thanks in the midst of adversity.

C. The Israelites complained rather than gave thanks (1Cor. 10:6a, 10-11; Num. 11:1; chap. 13; 14:2-4, 11, 26-30).

CONCLUSION: What about you? Is your cup half empty or half full? Which has been more prevalent coming out of your mouth lately – thanksgiving or complaining?

HOW ABOUT TAKING THE 21-DAY CHALLENGE – DON’T COMPLAIN FOR THE NEXT 21 DAYS (Phil. 2:14-15)!

“Do all things without complaining and disputing”