Pastor’s Column 11/15/2026

PASTOR’S COLUMN

¹⁸ “In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT

“Living our Gratitude!”

When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, early in the prayer the second petition was to pray for God’s will in our lives. The Greek word often used is thelema which although translated “will” means “a settled intent.” One way to understand praying for God’s will is to ask for His divine purpose to become known in our lives. What God intends for us is the purpose for which we have come into relationship with Him. Jesus instructed the disciples, and we who follow Christ in faith, to seek the will of God each day. One of the primary ways we come to learn God’s will is to give serious attention to the Scriptures. We should look within the context of what the Scriptures say and ask the Spirit of God for discernment to understand what God is asking us to do. When the Apostle Paul addressed the early Christians in the ancient city of Thessalonica, they were experiencing difficult times. There was social upheaval; persecution of believers; and an economy that created vast pockets of poverty. Also, some Christians had bent to the urge of the times and decided they would not work even when jobs were available. Those persons became a burden and menace to their families. Sometimes in the most desolate moments, we are told to do something that at first glance we might not be willing to do. The Apostle Paul told the people regardless of the difficult times they were living in, “In all tings give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul was saying that brought times should not tear us apart. When we show gratitude to God in difficult and better times, we express the character of the Christ who brought us into relationship with God; and who is leading us into the fulfillment of life and purpose. Gratitude is more than an action; it is an attitude that reflects the very attitude of Christ. Even in the worst of times, when we look to Jesus there will always be a glimmer of hope. The settled intent, will of God, is for us to remain grateful through it all!