The Power of a Grateful Heart

Image
  Image by Freepik Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Reflection: Gratitude is a powerful attitude that can transform our lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages us to "give thanks in all circumstances." This doesn't mean we are thankful for every situation, especially the difficult ones, but it means finding reasons to be grateful even amidst our trials. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It helps us see God's hand in our lives and recognize His blessings, no matter how small. When we cultivate a grateful heart, we start to notice the everyday miracles and the ways God provides for us. Consider the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. While imprisoned, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Despite their dire circumstances, they found reasons to be grateful and praise God. Their gratitude not only sustained them but also led to a mira...
Post a Comment

What New Believers Need



And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
—Acts 9:17




After Saul's conversion, there was great doubt among the first-century believers as to whether he had really become a Christian. They thought it was some kind of a trick to infiltrate their ranks. It is hard for us to understand how notorious Saul of Tarsus was. He was the Christian killer. He hunted down followers of Jesus, tortured them, and even put some to death.

It would be like hearing that one of the most renowned atheists of our day had put his or her faith in Christ. It wouldn't make sense. Is it possible? Sure it is. With God, all things are possible. So when Christians heard that Saul was a believer, many of them were essentially saying, "We are not buying this, okay? It's a trick."
But God led a man named Ananias to go to Saul, pray for him, and help him in that very critical, transitional moment after his commitment to Christ. And then later, God brought a man named Barnabas to introduce Saul around to other believers and help him get on his feet. This all resulted in Saul's changing his name and becoming the beloved apostle Paul.

New believers need fellowship. You see, some things are taught, and some things are caught. There is only so much I or any other pastor can do from a pulpit. New believers need to see a living example of what a Christian is. What do Christians do in their free time? How do Christians treat each another? New believers need to be out there in the real world with you, seeing how this all plays out.

A lot of us would like to be a Paul, but are we willing to be an Ananias? Or a Barnabas? Are you willing to be a friend to a new believer?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gods Prophecy upon the nation of Papua New Guinea

God is raising a standard in all Christians in Papua New Guinea. There is a great awakening in the Spirit in the hearts and minds of all Christians in Papua New Guinea. God is beginning to take action. in fact, He has already taken action. It's time the righteous must take there stand. The people have suffered enough. It is time that the righteous must take authority. Psalms 91:15 says; He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him. God is delivering His people. Watch this video where Dr. Jonathan David gives a prophecy upon the nation of Papua New Guinea:  http://www.lionofjudahmin.com/Lion_of_Judah_Ministries/Prophetic_Words/Entries/2011/6/10_Prophetic_Word_over_Papua_New_Guinea_-_Dr._Jonathan_David.html God Bless.
Read more

The Power of a Grateful Heart

Image
  Image by Freepik Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Reflection: Gratitude is a powerful attitude that can transform our lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages us to "give thanks in all circumstances." This doesn't mean we are thankful for every situation, especially the difficult ones, but it means finding reasons to be grateful even amidst our trials. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It helps us see God's hand in our lives and recognize His blessings, no matter how small. When we cultivate a grateful heart, we start to notice the everyday miracles and the ways God provides for us. Consider the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. While imprisoned, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Despite their dire circumstances, they found reasons to be grateful and praise God. Their gratitude not only sustained them but also led to a mira...
Read more

Embracing Change with Faith

Scripture: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Reflection: Change is a constant part of life. Sometimes it brings joy and new opportunities, while at other times, it brings challenges and uncertainties. Regardless of its nature, change is an inevitable aspect of our journey. However, as followers of Christ, we can take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all circumstances, and He has a purpose for every season of our lives. In times of change, it's natural to feel anxious or apprehensive about the unknown. Yet, God assures us in Jeremiah 29:11 that His plans for us are good. Even when we can't see the bigger picture, we can trust that God is working all things together for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Instead of resisting change out of fear or doubt, let us approach it with faith and surrender. Embracing change with f...
Read more