A note from our Pastor’s desk:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

As we contemplate the richness of our faith, it is essential that we examine the very posture of our hearts before God. This short, powerful command from the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians provides us with the clearest definition of true Christ-centered gratitude. It is not merely a polite acknowledgment of blessings received; it is the fundamental and abiding spiritual disposition of an awakened soul.

The Heart That Abounds

To have a heart for giving thanks, according to scripture, means more than feeling thankful when life is comfortable. It is the deep, settled work of the Spirit that enables us to:

1. Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty in All Things

We are commanded to “give thanks in every thing,” not just for every good thing. This requires an act of faith. It is the recognition that our sovereign God is working out His ultimate, good purpose in the events of our lives—the easy and the arduous, the pleasant and the painful. A thankful heart is one that trusts the wisdom of the Divine Hand that dispenses our portion, believing that the path we walk is the one most glorifying to Him and sanctifying to us.

2. Elevate Gratitude to an Act of Worship

Thanksgiving is, in essence, our acceptable worship. When we couple our petitions and prayers with a heart of thanks (Philippians 4:6), we are not simply asking for things; we are presenting a “sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). This spiritual interaction is an outward demonstration that we are rooted and built up in Christ (Colossians 2:7), regardless of external circumstances. Our gratitude shifts the focus from our temporal want to His eternal grace.

3. Proclaim His Indescribable Gift

The most profound thanks rendered by the New Testament believers is in response to the great work of redemption. The Apostle Paul exclaims, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). This gift is Jesus Christ Himself. Every other blessing—spiritual or material—flows from this singular, wondrous act. A heart for giving thanks is one that has been forever changed by the cross and cannot help but celebrate the victory Christ has given us (1 Corinthians 15:57).

On this Thanksgiving Day, let us not confuse the holiday filled with gluttony and excess for a mind focused on Christ and a heart centered on giving thanks to God.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah