Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano, Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt… THANK YOU for being with us – In person and online! We are thankful for you… we do not take you for granted.

We’re launching a brand-new 5-week journey called “Thanks in Advance.”

It’s not a Thanksgiving series – it’s a transformation series.

Every Sunday this month, we’re learning that gratitude isn’t just something you feel – it’s something you fight with – a God-given cheat code that unlocks peace, favor, and breakthrough.

Series Outline:

Don’t miss a single week – each message builds on the last, and by the end of this month you won’t just talk about gratitude… you’ll live it.

Let’s practice LIVING thankfulness in advance… Here is what that might look like.

He said, “My name is Alex, and I want to give God thanks in advance for…”

That’s faith talking.
That’s the sound of someone who’s decided gratitude will go first.

You’ll have a chance to make your own REELthanks video this month.
Just say:

“My name is ____, and I want to give God thanks in advance for ____.”

We’ll feature some of your stories as reminders that faith is alive in this house.

I used to think peace came from having fewer problems.
Now I know it comes from having a stronger perspective.

And that perspective is gratitude.
Gratitude doesn’t ignore reality – it interprets it through faith.
It’s not weakness; it’s wisdom.
It’s not emotion; it’s a decision.

When you live grateful, you don’t shrink your problems – you magnify what’s good.

You start to see opportunities instead of obstacles.
You notice what’s working instead of what’s broken.
Gratitude doesn’t make life perfect, but it pulls your focus toward progress.

We are living in one of the most blessed nations on the planet.
Even on our worst days, we have advantages that most of the world can only imagine.
Blessed but un-thankful?

We have it good.
We have choices, comforts, and conveniences that kings in the ancient world couldn’t dream of.

And yet… we still struggle with gratitude.

So now let’s make it personal:
In this very room, how often are we thankful?
And how often are we ungrateful – even upset about our place in the world – when we’re actually landing near the top?

That’s why we need this series.
Because gratitude doesn’t come naturally; it comes intentionally.
It’s not automatic – it’s chosen.
And when you learn to choose it, it changes everything.

That’s the difference between how we live and how Jesus lived.
Where we complain, Jesus gave thanks.
Where we worry, Jesus worshiped.

Let’s look at how Jesus turned gratitude into a weapon in the middle of impossible moments.

Secret Weapon 

1. Jesus gave thanks before the miracle.

When thousands of people were hungry, the disciples panicked.
They saw lack – Jesus saw opportunity.

John 6:11

He didn’t wait until after the bread multiplied.
He gave thanks before the miracle!
That’s gratitude in advance.

When you thank God before you see the result, you’re declaring that His supply is greater than your shortage.

Jesus gave thanks BEFORE the miracle.

2. Jesus gave thanks before the resurrection.

At Lazarus’s tomb, the crowd saw death.
But Jesus lifted His eyes and said,

John 11:41

Before Lazarus ever walked out of the grave, Jesus thanked His Father as if it was already done.
Gratitude declared victory before it appeared.

That’s faith in motion – not waiting on the outcome to worship.

Jesus gave thanks BEFORE the resurrection.

3. Jesus gave thanks before His suffering.

At the Last Supper, just hours before His arrest and crucifixion… the worst moments in the life of Jeus…

Luke 22:19

Before the cross – He gave thanks.
That’s not normal.
That’s supernatural.

Three times. Three battles.
And in each one, Jesus led with gratitude.

Why? Here is why! 

Thanksgiving shifts the focus from what is uncertain to Who is certain.

It’s not positive thinking – it’s power thinking.
It’s faith in motion… action.

Paul, a follower of Jesus who went through many troubles and persecutions said it like this… 

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

This is one thing we get wrong. We make our needs known to God… with out thanksgiving.  We think we will thank him afterward… Sometimes we even forget to give thanks afterward…

Instead, Paul says to GIVE THANKS as you pray about your need.  He is giving thanks in advance.

Notice this: Gratitude replaces anxiety. Gratitude doesn’t come after peace – it comes before peace.
Gratitude builds peace.

It guards your heart and mind like armor.

That’s why gratitude isn’t weak – it’s warfare.

-When you say thank You in the middle of the storm, hell gets confused.
-When you praise before you see the answer, the enemy loses his grip.
-When you thank God in advance, you’re saying, “I trust Your plan even when I can’t see the proof.”

So how do you use it this week?

1. Thank God before you see it.

Every prayer starts with:

“God, I thank You in advance for …”
That statement flips fear into faith.

2. Use gratitude to unlock people and promotion.

Maybe you feel taken for granted – by a boss, a spouse, or your kids.
Instead of sulking, take charge.

Thank the ungrateful boss.
Thank the distracted family.
Thank the person who doesn’t notice what you do.

Gratitude flips the script.
It softens hearts, changes the atmosphere, and shifts power back into your hands.

Do you want to stand out on the job, in school, or community?  Being thankful will make you unforgettable!

Operating in thankfulness sets you apart.
It’s how you rise above the drama, influence the room, and lead instead of react.
When you live thankful, you stop being a victim of your situation and start being a catalyst for change.

3. Give thanks together. (Eucharist)

We’re ending today with communion – the Eucharist.
That word means Thanksgiving.
As you hold the bread and cup, remember: Jesus gave thanks before the cross so we could live after it.
We give thanks not just for what He’s done – but for what He’s still doing.

We live in one of the most blessed lands in the most blessed time in history.
We have freedom, opportunity, and abundance – and yet, gratitude doesn’t come naturally.
It’s not automatic. It’s a decision.

That’s why Jesus is our model.

So what if we were like Jesus and were thankful in advance?

-What if we – as a church – decided that gratitude will go first?
-What if our homes were marked by thankfulness instead of tension?
-What if our workplaces saw believers who lead with gratitude instead of complaint?

That’s how we can change the world.
That’s how light pushes back the dark.
And that’s how we stand out as the people of God – thankful in advance.

CALL TO ACTION THREE WAYS TO FIGHT WITH GRATITUDE

COMMUNION MOMENT

(Luke 22:19)

Take the bread: “Lord, thank You for Your body broken so we could be healed.”
Take the cup: “Thank You for Your blood that forgives and makes us new.”

Our worship team is going to lead us in song. 

Take a step towards this prayer space… receive prayer and pray for others… worship God with gratitude.