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Published: Dec. 1, 2010, 2:59 a.m.

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\n(Proverbs 18:21)\xa0(NLT) \u201cThe tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.\u201d\xa0\n

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Title of message:\xa0 Words of Thanksgiving

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\n(1 John 3:18)\xa0\u201cDear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.\u201d\xa0\n

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How to live out my words of thanksgiving:

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1.\xa0\xa0\xa0 Follow the example of Jesus

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\n(Mark 15:31)\xa0(MSG) \u201cThe 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\u2014but 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!"\u201d\xa0\n

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(Ephesians 4:29) \u201cDo 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.\u201d

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2.\xa0\xa0\xa0 Find a person to serve

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\n(Luke 10:30)\xa0(NLT) \u201cJesus replied with a story: \u201cA 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.\u201d\xa0\n

(Luke 10:31-32)\xa0(NLT)\xa0\u201cBy 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. \xa0A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.\u201d\xa0

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\xa0(Luke 10:33-35)\xa0(NLT) \u201cThen 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, \u2018Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I\u2019ll pay you the next time I\u2019m here.\u2019\u201d

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How to serve?

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A. See and feel the need.\xa0

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B. Don\u2019t be callous.

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C. Express your compassion.

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D. Be willing to sacrifice.

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(Luke 10:35-37)\xa0(NLT) \u201cNow which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?\u201d Jesus asked.\xa0 The man replied, \u201cThe one who showed him mercy.\u201d\xa0 Then Jesus said, \u201cYes, now go and do the same.\u201d

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(2 Corinthians 9:13) \u201cBecause 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.\u201d

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3.\xa0\xa0\xa0 Focus on life change not life issues

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\n(Philippians 2:14-18)\xa0(NLT) \u201cDo 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.\u201d\n

(1 Thessalonians 5:15-18) (NIV) \u201cMake 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\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus.\u201d

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(Philippians 4:10) (MSG) \u201cI'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess\u2026I'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\u2026\u201d