Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP) tells us to "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in every situation." These simple commands are keys to knowing God's will and can bring us peace and joy in every season of life.
A pastor once said:
Key for Mental health: Give thanks in every situation.
Key for Emotional health: Rejoice always.
Key for Heart health: Pray without ceasing.
Research backs this up: gratitude can increase happiness by 25%, reduce depression by 23%, improve physical health by 16%, and strengthen relationships. Grateful people also sleep better and have 23% lower stress levels!
When Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to remain thankful, he was facing opposition, and the church was under persecution. Yet, he emphasized gratitude because of the hope of Christ's return. As Jesus said in Luke 10:20, "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven." This is the greatest reason to give thanks!
May we all hold fast to this hope and be grateful that our names are in the Lamb’s Book of Life because of Jesus!
Love in Christ,
Joseph and Team
