Expressing Gratitude to the Lord
by Andrew Moroz, Teaching Pastor
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gospel Community,
What is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus? A significant part of God’s will is for all of us to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks in everything. Christians are joyful people, prayerful people, and grateful people because we have a wonderful Savior and a good God. This does not mean that our lives are free from suffering and pain, as we discussed in a previous post, but it does mean that our pain and suffering is not meaningless.
There are many things that should prompt our gratitude and joy, but the greatest thing that leads us to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks is the presence of God and the good news of the gospel. We are not isolated from God; we are recipients of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ and God is always present with us! All who receive Jesus as Lord are filled with the Holy Spirit and belong to a new redeemed family.
A lot can be said about gratitude but, instead of more talking (writing) on my part, I want to encourage you to take some time to personally, and specifically, express gratitude to the Lord. Think about your past, your present, and your future. How has God been present and how is his grace evident in your life? Write as as many things as you can think of and commit them to the Lord.
I’ll give you a few examples from my list:
Past
I’m grateful to have grown up in a family where I was pointed to Jesus.
I’m grateful for my wife and kids; specifically for ways they help me to grow as a husband, father, friend, and pastor.
Present
I’m grateful for the staff and members of Gospel Community; our pastors and staff truly care about each other and our church is passionate about pursuing God.
I’m grateful for my community group and recent, answered prayers.
Future
I’m grateful that my immediate and ultimate future is secure.
I’m grateful for the promise of renewed bodies and lasting peace.
Those are just a few things from my list. Take some time to work through your list and give it to the Lord as an offering of praise.
Happy Thanksgiving from our elders, pastors, and staff!
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gospel Community,
What is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus? A significant part of God’s will is for all of us to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks in everything. Christians are joyful people, prayerful people, and grateful people because we have a wonderful Savior and a good God. This does not mean that our lives are free from suffering and pain, as we discussed in a previous post, but it does mean that our pain and suffering is not meaningless.
There are many things that should prompt our gratitude and joy, but the greatest thing that leads us to rejoice, to pray, and to give thanks is the presence of God and the good news of the gospel. We are not isolated from God; we are recipients of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ and God is always present with us! All who receive Jesus as Lord are filled with the Holy Spirit and belong to a new redeemed family.
A lot can be said about gratitude but, instead of more talking (writing) on my part, I want to encourage you to take some time to personally, and specifically, express gratitude to the Lord. Think about your past, your present, and your future. How has God been present and how is his grace evident in your life? Write as as many things as you can think of and commit them to the Lord.
I’ll give you a few examples from my list:
Past
I’m grateful to have grown up in a family where I was pointed to Jesus.
I’m grateful for my wife and kids; specifically for ways they help me to grow as a husband, father, friend, and pastor.
Present
I’m grateful for the staff and members of Gospel Community; our pastors and staff truly care about each other and our church is passionate about pursuing God.
I’m grateful for my community group and recent, answered prayers.
Future
I’m grateful that my immediate and ultimate future is secure.
I’m grateful for the promise of renewed bodies and lasting peace.
Those are just a few things from my list. Take some time to work through your list and give it to the Lord as an offering of praise.
Happy Thanksgiving from our elders, pastors, and staff!
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