TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18a
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Listen: 1 Thessalonians 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
It’s November, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Americans often set aside a day or two to be intentionally thankful at the end of November. But for many, feeling grateful this year has been pretty hard. It’s like the last 18 months have given us all a license to whine. But the way of Jesus is different. The life God offers is a life of gratitude no matter the circumstances. The Apostle Paul instructs the believers in Thessalonica to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18a).
Our culture has become a culture of complaint and whining. We often complain, thinking it will make us feel better. We whine about people with different opinions, the government, the service at a restaurant, the price of gas, delayed trips, masks or canceled celebrations. Whining might make us feel better in the moment, but complaint doesn’t provide comfort in the end. It’s only a temporary solution that leaves our hearts in a worse place. It’s time to be honest with ourselves and do something about it. The 26 DAYS OF GRATITUDE is an opportunity to change.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Commit to the 26 DAYS OF GRATITUDE. It works best if you choose a consistent time of day to do it. If you want to do it in the morning, start your day by reflecting on the previous day and choosing three things to be thankful about. If you decide to do it in the evening, spend time reflecting on the day and choose three things to be thankful about. Use the Gratitude Handout you picked up over the weekend, download one at adabible.org/gratitude or start a list using the notes app on your phone.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Hebrews 12.
