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

Established by Jesus


"On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
—Matthew 16:18


I have noticed that it has become popular of late to critique the church. I read about one church that did a 2011 Easter campaign in which they put up signs all over town that read, "Church sucks." Supposedly the idea was to attract would-be churchgoers to their website. But I was actually offended by it. How dare anyone say that church sucks? Who are they to say that about the church?
Do I think the church is perfect? No. Do I think the church has flaws? Yes, because people like me are in it. But I also know the Bible says that Jesus loves the church (see Ephesians 5:25). So I would never speak critically of that which Jesus loves.

Some are disillusioned by the church today. They are bitter with the church and complain about the hypocrites who are in the church. But there is no such thing as a church without hypocrites, so we need to stop looking for it. Instead, we need to realize that Jesus established the church, and as followers of Christ, we are to be a part of it.
 The church is the only organization that Jesus ever started. He said of the church, "On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). Every believer needs to be an active part of the church, because it is in the church that we learn about God together. It is in the church that we worship together. It is in the church that we find accountability to one another. It is in the church that we discover and use our spiritual gifts.

You simply cannot be the Christian that God has called you to be without being a part of the church.

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