Finding Strength and Gratitude in Life's Trials

Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound truth that our relationship with God does not exempt us from life's storms and trials. Instead, it assures us of His presence and guidance through them. We recalibrated our hearts and minds to focus solely on God, acknowledging that our foundation is Christ alone. This foundation is unshakeable, regardless of the challenges we face. We were reminded that God's promises remain steadfast, and His faithfulness is unwavering. Our vision as a church is to lead people to acknowledge, trust, and lean on God daily, recognizing that fellowship with Him does not mean the absence of difficulties but the assurance of His companionship through them.

We also celebrated the power of gratitude, not just as a seasonal sentiment but as a daily practice that transforms our lives. Scientific studies have shown that gratitude can reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, while improving heart health and sleep quality. More importantly, gratitude aligns with God's will for our lives, as it fosters a closer relationship with Him. We explored the biblical narrative of the ten lepers, where only one returned to thank Jesus, illustrating how gratitude can lead to a deeper connection with God.

Our recent outreach efforts with Hope for Kids highlighted the importance of community and the impact of collective action in building God's kingdom. We witnessed firsthand the miracles and blessings that come from serving others, reinforcing the idea that our mission transcends individual churches and focuses on the broader body of Christ.

As we move forward, we are challenged to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, recognizing it as a characteristic of the new man in Christ. This involves daily expressions of thankfulness, even in the midst of trials, and finding something to be grateful for in every situation. By doing so, we open ourselves to the fullness of God's favor and draw closer to Him.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Presence in Trials: Our relationship with God does not eliminate life's challenges but assures us of His presence and guidance through them. This understanding helps us to recalibrate our focus on God, trusting in His promises and faithfulness. [27:57]

- The Power of Gratitude: Gratitude is not just a seasonal sentiment but a daily practice that can transform our lives. It reduces depression, anxiety, and stress, while improving heart health and sleep quality. More importantly, it aligns with God's will for our lives. [50:30]

- Community and Kingdom Building: Our outreach efforts with Hope for Kids demonstrated the power of collective action in building God's kingdom. By serving others, we witness miracles and blessings, reinforcing the idea that our mission transcends individual churches. [48:59]

- Gratitude as a Characteristic of the New Man: As believers, we are called to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, recognizing it as a characteristic of the new man in Christ. This involves daily expressions of thankfulness, even in the midst of trials. [01:00:13]

- Closeness with God Through Gratitude: The story of the ten lepers illustrates how gratitude can lead to a deeper connection with God. By being grateful for everything God has given us, we draw closer to Him and open ourselves to His favor. [01:15:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:57] - God's Unfailing Presence
[39:39] - Trusting in God's Faithfulness
[41:26] - Fellowship with God
[42:09] - Choosing to Trust God
[43:50] - Community Outreach and Impact
[46:25] - A Miracle Story
[48:59] - Building God's Kingdom
[50:30] - The Health Benefits of Gratitude
[52:34] - Gratitude Relieves Stress
[53:50] - The Importance of Gratitude
[55:28] - Gratitude as a Daily Attitude
[58:22] - Characteristics of the New Man
[01:02:06] - Gratitude as a Standard for Living
[01:05:31] - Gratitude in God's Will
[01:11:35] - Finding Gratitude in Everything
[01:12:32] - Gratitude and Closeness with God
[01:15:03] - The Story of the Ten Lepers
[01:16:59] - Returning to God's Feet
[01:18:16] - Trusting in God's Provision
[01:19:23] - Repentance and Gratitude
[01:20:31] - Closing and Gratitude Challenge

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 4:8-9
2. Colossians 3:12-17
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what does our relationship with God guarantee us during trials? ([41:26])

2. How did the outreach efforts with Hope for Kids demonstrate the power of community and collective action? ([43:50])

3. What are some of the scientifically proven benefits of gratitude mentioned in the sermon? ([50:30])

4. In the story of the ten lepers, what was the response of the one leper who returned to Jesus, and what did Jesus say to him? ([01:15:03])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the assurance of God's presence in trials help believers recalibrate their focus on God? ([41:26])

2. In what ways can gratitude be seen as a characteristic of the "new man" in Christ, according to Colossians 3:12-17?

3. How does the story of the ten lepers illustrate the connection between gratitude and a deeper relationship with God? ([01:15:03])

4. What might be the significance of gratitude being part of God's will for our lives, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18?

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did you experience God's presence and guidance during that time? How might you recalibrate your focus on God in future challenges? ([41:26])

2. Consider your daily routine. What are some practical ways you can incorporate gratitude into your life to experience its benefits, both spiritually and physically? ([50:30])

3. Think about a time when you participated in a community outreach or service project. How did it impact your understanding of building God's kingdom? How can you be more involved in such efforts? ([43:50])

4. Identify a situation in your life where you struggle to find gratitude. What steps can you take to shift your perspective and find something to be thankful for in that situation? ([01:11:35])

5. How can you cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your relationships, especially with those who may test your patience or kindness? ([01:00:13])

6. Reflect on the story of the ten lepers. How can you be more intentional about returning to Jesus with gratitude for the blessings in your life? ([01:15:03])

7. What specific actions can you take this week to express gratitude to God and others, even in the midst of trials or challenges? ([01:16:59])

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: God's Presence Amidst Life's Storms
Our relationship with God does not shield us from the trials and storms of life. Instead, it assures us of His unwavering presence and guidance through them. This understanding helps us recalibrate our focus on God, trusting in His promises and faithfulness. By acknowledging that our foundation is Christ alone, we find an unshakeable anchor in the midst of life's challenges. This assurance allows us to face difficulties with a renewed perspective, knowing that God walks with us every step of the way. [27:57]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: What is one storm or trial you are currently facing, and how can you invite God's presence into that situation today?

Day 2: Gratitude as a Daily Practice
Gratitude is not merely a seasonal sentiment but a transformative daily practice. It has the power to reduce depression, anxiety, and stress, while improving heart health and sleep quality. More importantly, gratitude aligns with God's will for our lives, fostering a closer relationship with Him. By cultivating an attitude of gratitude, we open ourselves to the fullness of God's favor and draw nearer to Him. The biblical narrative of the ten lepers serves as a poignant reminder of how gratitude can lead to a deeper connection with God. [50:30]

Colossians 3:15-16 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: Identify three things you are grateful for today, and spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for each one.

Day 3: Community and Kingdom Building
Our recent outreach efforts with Hope for Kids highlighted the importance of community and the impact of collective action in building God's kingdom. By serving others, we witness miracles and blessings, reinforcing the idea that our mission transcends individual churches and focuses on the broader body of Christ. This collective effort not only strengthens our community but also brings us closer to fulfilling God's purpose for His people. [48:59]

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."

Reflection: How can you contribute to your community or church this week in a way that builds up the body of Christ?

Day 4: Gratitude as a Characteristic of the New Man
As believers, we are called to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, recognizing it as a characteristic of the new man in Christ. This involves daily expressions of thankfulness, even in the midst of trials. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His transformative work. Gratitude becomes a standard for living, shaping our interactions and perspectives in a way that reflects Christ's love and grace. [01:00:13]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to express gratitude, and how can you begin to change that today?

Day 5: Closeness with God Through Gratitude
The story of the ten lepers illustrates how gratitude can lead to a deeper connection with God. By being grateful for everything God has given us, we draw closer to Him and open ourselves to His favor. This closeness with God is not just about receiving blessings but about cultivating a heart that recognizes His presence and goodness in every aspect of life. Gratitude becomes a pathway to experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace. [01:15:03]

Psalm 100:4-5 (ESV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when expressing gratitude deepened your relationship with God. How can you make gratitude a more integral part of your spiritual journey?

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Quotes

Father, this morning we thank you God, I thank you this morning Because I understand and I know that coming to you Does not mean we won't go through storms God, I understand that coming to you Doesn't mean that we don't face trials But Father, what it means is that you see us Through each and every one of them And God, this morning we thank you For in the midst of whatever trials We may be facing We know that your promises are still yes and amen [00:26:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Fellowship with God doesn't mean that trials and tribulations don't come our way. What it guarantees us is that we don't have to face them alone. [00:41:53] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And yes, stuff happens. I look across the sanctuary and there's stuff that there's people in this room that you're going through. We're going through it right now. God is still faithful. God is still faithful. God is still God. And God is still sitting on the throne. And it's a choice. It's a decision that we make that no matter what, I'm going to follow you, God. [00:42:42] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Gratitude is proven to have health benefits. Here's one of the first things that they put out there. It says that gratitude reduces depression or the dealing with depression. It was very interesting. This specific, they had compiled 70 studies with over 26,000 individuals, which they had given them the instruction to keep a journal or do different things that dealt with gratitude. And what they found was that their level of depression began to go down as they were intentional in being grateful for what they had. Medically proven. [00:50:58] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Gratitude is an attitude we should express daily. We need to daily be grateful for the things that we have. It's not just a Thanksgiving thing. I know that on Thursday, whether you cook Turkey, pork, a ham, or whatever you decide to eat on Thanksgiving day, all across this country, people are going to sit there and they're going to say things they're thankful for. [00:57:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body, and be thankful. This is characteristics. This is characteristics of the new man in Christ. Why? Because we are not naturally just kind. We're not naturally just patient with everybody. We're not naturally full of longsuffering. We're not naturally full of love all the time, and kindness, and meekness, and we're not naturally humble. [01:00:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Gratitude is a standard for living. If you go to 1 Thessalonians chapter number 5, 1 Thessalonians chapter number 5, verses 16 through 18, it says this. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything, give thanks. [01:02:06] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Gratitude is part of God's will for our lives. Write this down. In everything, we should find something to be grateful for. In everything, we should find something to be grateful for. I mentioned our vision. And aside from our vision as a church, we stand on seven core values. And one of those values is celebrate. We say we honor the moment. We celebrate. [01:11:31] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Gratitude makes room for closeness with God. Let me tell you a story You can find this in luke chapter 17 to write this down. I'm not going to read it, but i'm going to tell you the story luke chapter 17 It says that there's 10 guys that had leprosy And they go to jesus and the verse specifically says that from afar off from far away they said jesus Have mercy on me have mercy on us Jesus told them this Go show yourself to the priests [01:12:32] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And when you and I begin to truly walk in gratitude, being grateful for everything that God has given us, it brings a closeness to God. And I don't know about you, but in my humanity, the person who's grateful gets a whole lot more from me, don't they? [01:15:44] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Let's aim to be the one that's changing, that's going back. I'm going to go back. I'm going to be grateful. No matter what's going on, I'm going to go thank God for what I do have. No matter what I'm missing, I'm going to thank God for what's before me, because if I only focus on what's missing, I miss out on what I have. [01:16:36] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?