Pastor Dale Benson
Philippians 1:3-11
We have decided that for the month of November, we would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to you, and that as a church we would turn our hearts and minds toward thanking the wonderful community in which we live.
The passage that we will be starting with during this month is found at the beginning of Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi.
Philippians 1:3-11 (NLT)
- Paul writes these words to a church in Philippi while he is in a prison. Does that change your perspective on when thanks can be given?
- “When I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”
- Have you ever considered that your life could be the cause of someone thanking God?
- Your life can be lived in such gratitude that your life becomes the cause of gratitude in the lives of others. Have you ever realized that there are health benefits that gratitude can have on your own life. When you are thankful, it can be beneficial to your health.
Health Benefits of Being Thankful:
- Reduce depression
- Lessen anxiety
- Support heart health
- Relieve stress
- Improve sleep
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And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Many people think of gratitude as a trait. But if you practice it, focusing on the positive things in life can become a habit and eventually come naturally to you.
Tips for Practicing Gratitude:
- Writing it down: Take time either at night or in the morning to write down something that went well. Dedicate a notebook or journal to gratitude so you can reflect and remind yourself of those moments.
- Hitting pause: Many of us reflexively say “thanks” often. Next time you hear yourself say it, stop and pinpoint precisely what you are thankful for.
- Redirecting your thoughts: You may feel negative or frustrated during the day. When that happens, step back and shift your focus to a positive aspect of the situation.
- Sharing your gratitude: Send a quick note telling someone why you are thankful for them or encourage your family to share something they’re grateful for each night at dinner.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT)
