AfterThoughts: November 20, 2022
AfterThoughts
November 20, 2022
A Thankful Heart
This week, Pastor David concluded the sermon series from 1 Thessalonians with a look at Paul’s words about gratitude. We were reminded that:
- God’s Will Is Your Joy In The Midst Of Life’s Circumstances, v. 16
-
God’s Will Is Your Intimacy With Him Through All Of Life’s Circumstances, v. 17
-
What does this tell us about prayer?
- A certain posture for prayer is not essential
- A certain time and place for prayer is not essential
-
What does this tell us about God?
- God is always available to you
- Hebrews 4:15–16
- Colossians 4:2
- Philippians 4:6
-
What does this tell us about prayer?
- God's Will Is Your Gratitude In All Of Life's Circumstances, v.18
GOING DEEPER:
- Have you ever been confused or uncertain about God’s will for you? Joy is not the same as happiness; joy is not based on the situation in which we find ourselves. When have you experienced the truth that God’s will is your joy in the midst of any life circumstance?
- All of life can be lived with an intimate fellowship with God through prayer. How are you both encouraged and challenged by the fact that God is all-knowing and ever-present to you any time you call on His name?
- Pastor David pointed out that v. 18 tells us to “give thanks in everything” and not for everything. This verse is more about our perspective toward life than about our attitude toward our circumstance. How have you experienced this truth in your life?
- When do you stop and focus on specific things that you are grateful for? How does that posture of gratitude help you experience God more intimately as you trust that He is in control of everything? Explain.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all of the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”
~ Rick Warren
May the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. ~ Numbers 6:24–26
STAY IN TOUCH WITH DAWSON:
WEBSITE: dawsonchurch.org
EMAIL: connect@dawsonchurch.org
TEXT: Text CONNECT to 205-997-3717