Key Ideas
Faith Fact
We celebrate together.
Faith Verse
Matthew 18:20 (NLT)
“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
Question of the Day: What is something you can thank God for this week?
Read about It
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Have you ever had a really, really bad day, when nothing went right and everything went wrong? Did you know that even on a bad day you can still have joy?
When we know that we belong to God, we can find strength and hope even in tough times. Even when we may not feel like rejoicing or giving thanks, there is always something to be thankful for.
What is something you can be thankful for today? No matter how big or small it might seem, give thanks for it! What is something you can rejoice over today? What is something you can pray about today?
Verse 17 is a great reminder that God is always with us, and we can always turn to Him for help with anything that concerns us. Paul advised the Philippians that instead of worrying, they should pray about everything, telling God what they need and thanking Him for His actions on their behalf (Philippians 4:6). “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Talk about It
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Question 1. How should our circumstances affect our thankfulness? Answer 1. Our circumstances shouldn’t keep us from being thankful. We should be thankful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
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| Question 2. When should we be joyful and when should we pray?
Answer 2. Always (1 Thessalonians 5:16–17)
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Question 3. What happens when you tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done? Answer 3. You will experience peace which exceeds your ability to understand.
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| Question 4. How can you use Paul’s instructions on prayer?
Answer 4. Answers may vary.
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| Question 5. How might being at peace in a stressful situation help those around you?
Answer 5. Answers may vary. |
Pray about It
Dear God, thank You for being with me even in difficult circumstances. Thank You for all You have done in my life and all that You continue to do. Help me to be thankful and help me to pray all the time about everything. Guard my heart and mind, and help me to always live for You. Amen.