Discover how a deeper understanding of God’s choosing can reshape your everyday gratitude. Pastor Chris Teien shares how God’s love, your identity, and your purpose can be seen through a fresh lens that leads to renewed joy and intentional thanksgiving. If you are looking for encouragement or clarity about what God is doing in your life, this message will speak directly to you. Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18239546Key Points1. Thankful to Be Chosen to Know the Father’s Love
God chose us before creation, adopted us into his family, and pursued us long before we pursued him. His choosing is a work of love, grace, and initiative. Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:1-2, Ephesians 1:4-5, John 15:16.2. Thankful to Be Chosen to Belong to God’s People
We are welcomed into God’s family and placed in a spiritual community where we can grow, serve, and support each other. Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:19, Romans 12:5.3. Thankful to Be Chosen to Live Out God’s Purposes
God calls us to declare his praises, endure hardship with hope, and live out the good works he prepared for us. Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:9b, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 5:10, Ephesians 2:10.4. Thankful to Express My GratITUDE Through Words and Actions
A thankful life shows up in how we pray, speak, worship, serve, encourage, and live each day. Scripture calls us to continual thanksgiving in every circumstance. Scriptures: Colossians 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.Personal Stories from Pastor ChrisPastor Chris shares meaningful stories including his long wait for the frontage road resolution, showing how thankfulness can be momentary or long awaited, and a powerful adoption story that mirrors the Father’s love in choosing us. He also recalls mentoring pastoral interns, serving others, and seeing God use ordinary faithfulness in extraordinary ways.Notable Quotes• Gratitude grows when we remember who we are and whose we are in Christ.
• Salvation begins with God’s initiative long before our decision.
• Gratitude is not silent. It speaks, serves, and becomes a testimony of God’s goodness.Actionable Takeaways• Reflect on how God pursued you and chose you in love.
• Look for someone in your church family to encourage this week.
• Ask God to reveal the good works he has prepared for you.
• Practice intentional thanksgiving through spoken praise and daily choices that honor Christ.Scripture References1 Peter 2:9-10
1 Peter 1:1-2
Ephesians 1:4-5
John 15:16
Ephesians 2:19
Romans 12:5
1 Peter 2:9b
1 Peter 2:21
1 Peter 5:10
Ephesians 2:10
Colossians 3:15-17
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18KeywordsChosen, gratitude, thanksgiving, adoption, identity in Christ, purpose, community, God’s love, spiritual familyChallengeAsk God to help you live as someone intentionally chosen by him, letting gratitude shape your words, actions, and relationships throughout the week.25.1123de The WELL Faith Podcast shares practical, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you worship, encourage, learn, and love in everyday life. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN, and follow and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.
