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Counting Our Blessings" Lesson Objective: To encourage each of us to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude by reflecting on the many blessings God has given throughout the year and responding with thanksgiving and praise. Primary Scripture: Psalm 103:1-5 "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." ________________________________________ Introduction: 1. Opening Illustration: Discuss the age old question “Is the glass half full or half empty?”. 2. The other age old question is “ Do you see challenges or opportunities?” 3. The Importance of Gratitude: o Gratitude is not just an attitude but an act of worship. o Introduce the theme: recognizing God’s blessings as an essential practice for believers. ________________________________________ Main Points: 1. God’s Provision Throughout the Year o What has God provided?  Financial stability, health, relationships, opportunities, or daily bread. o Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:25-34  Jesus reminds us not to worry because God faithfully provides for our needs. o Encourage reflection on specific instances of provision in our lives this past year. s. 2. God’s Protection in Difficult Times o How has God protected us?  Acknowledge challenges faced this year—loss, illness, or fear—and how God carried His people through them. o Scripture Reference: Psalm 91:1-4  God is described as our refuge and fortress. o Share testimonies of God’s protection (anonymously if needed) to inspire faith. 3. God’s Presence as the Greatest Blessing o Beyond material and physical blessings, God’s abiding presence is the most valuable gift. o Scripture Reference: Hebrews 13:5-6  God’s promise: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." o Reflect on moments when the congregation felt God’s closeness during joys and trials. 4. Blessings in Disguise o How can challenges be blessings?  Discuss how difficulties may lead to spiritual growth, character building, and deeper faith. o Scripture Reference: Romans 8:28  All things work together for the good of those who love God. o Encourage the congregation to reframe hardships as opportunities for growth. ________________________________________ Application: 1. Take Inventory of Your Blessings: o Invite the congregation to list 5-10 specific blessings from this year, large or small. o Encourage reflection on areas where God’s hand was evident. 2. Turn Blessings into Praise: o Use the list of blessings as a prayer of thanksgiving. o Share testimonies in small groups or as part of a worship service. 3. Live a Grateful Life: o Make gratitude a daily habit through journaling or prayer. o Challenge the congregation to focus on what they have, not on what they lack. ________________________________________ Conclusion: • Summarize the year’s blessings and emphasize the power of gratitude in transforming lives. • Close with a prayer of thanksgiving, encouraging everyone to enter the new year with hearts full of praise.

More Messages from Joe Summers

From Series: "Sunday Service"

These are the regularly scheduled Sunday lessons