"Rejoice always, pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

As the season changes, the world often feels as though it is in complete turmoil, and so many struggle with day-to-day living, the practice I have been turning to is gratitude! For amongst all these challenges, I know that God is still present. The Holy Spirit is still leading and guiding us with love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. And I am grateful for each blessing placed in my life each day.

As we continue to explore the gospel of Luke, we see great examples of gratitude repeatedly. We heard this past week about the ones who were healed, and especially the one who turned back in gratitude and Jesus told him, “your faith has made you well!”  This faith, even the size of a mustard seed, takes our gratitude and makes it so much more. In the coming weeks we will explore how this gratitude for what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, calls us to a prayerful relationship with him, challenges us to act for justice, leads us to a life of humility, and compels us to generosity. While we think gratitude is our response to God, that it is about lifting up our thanks and praise to the Holy One, it is so much more. A life lived in gratitude leads to a new life of abundance in all things. This gratitude reorients us in love for our creator and one another. Gratitude guides us toward the life that is “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”      

May we all practice gratitude in this season of change and allow that gratitude to lead us closer to life in the Spirit, grounded in Christ Jesus, and steeped in God’s presence!

Blessings,

Pastor Karla

 

 

 

                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings,

 Pastor Karla