Our Blog

Christ’s Path of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a feeling; it’s a way of life, and no one exemplified this better than Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently paused to give thanks. From small daily blessings to miraculous moments, He showed us how to express gratitude in every circumstance. Today we will observe how Jesus' acts of thanksgiving can serve as a guide for us and discover practical ways to make thanksgiving an integral part of our daily lives. 

His Displays of Gratitude

The Feeding of the 5,000 

The Feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most well-known miracles of Jesus, where He took five loaves of bread and two fish, blessed them, and multiplied them to feed a crowd of over 5,000 people. Before performing this miracle, Jesus gave thanks to God, demonstrating gratitude even in a moment of apparent scarcity. His act of thanksgiving was a powerful reminder that, no matter how small our resources may seem, God can multiply them in ways we can’t imagine. 

Raising Lazarus from the Dead 

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is an example of absolute power and heartfelt gratitude. Before performing the miracle, Jesus paused to thank His Father, saying, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me” (John 11:41). Expressing gratitude before the miracle occurred, Jesus demonstrated that gratitude isn’t just a response to what God has done but a declaration of faith in what He will do. He reminds us to approach every situation with a thankful heart, confident that God hears us and works for our good.

The Last Supper

As we all know, during the Last Supper, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples, knowing it would be His final one before facing the cross. In this intimate and somber moment, He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, saying, “This is My body, given for you” (Luke 22:19). Despite the heavy burden of His impending sacrifice, Jesus paused to express gratitude for the moment, for His disciples, and for the fulfillment of God's plan. Communicating gratitude even in the shadow of His death, Jesus illustrates the value of giving thanks no matter the circumstances and helps us to focus on God’s presence and purpose in all things. 

Revealing Truth to the Humble 

Highlighting the importance of humility to receive God’s wisdom, Jesus offered a prayer of thanksgiving, saying, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25).  This display of gratitude demonstrates the significance of expressing gratitude for the revelations that God presents to those who are humble and receptive.  

Lessons from Jesus’ Gratitude

Jesus’ gratitude was a reflection of His heart and relationship with the Father. Through His example, we learn that gratitude is more than saying "thank you"; it’s a powerful expression of faith and worship. This challenges us to adopt an attitude of gratitude that transforms our relationship with God, deepens our faith, and is an example of His love.

• Gratitude as a Habit: Jesus consistently gave thanks in all circumstances, from everyday meals to miraculous moments, reminding us that gratitude should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
• Gratitude as Worship: Every time Jesus gave thanks, He acknowledged God’s sovereignty and provision, glorifying the Father through His words and actions. Gratitude is an act of worship that draws us closer to God and shifts our focus from ourselves to His goodness.
• Gratitude as Trust: Whether in abundance or adversity, Jesus’ thankfulness revealed His unwavering trust in God’s plan. 

Following His Example

Following Jesus’ example of gratitude requires making gratitude a central part of life. 

• Practice Daily Thanksgiving:  Make gratitude a regular part of your day. Whether it’s through prayer, journaling, or simply pausing to reflect, take time to thank God for His blessings, both big and small.
• Give Thanks in All Circumstances: Like Jesus, we can express gratitude during times of abundance and challenge. This doesn’t mean ignoring pain or difficulty but choosing to trust God through it all.
• Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty: When you thank God, remember it’s an act of worship. Take moments to recognize His power, wisdom, and love, praising Him for His hand in your life.
• Encourage Others with Gratitude: Jesus’ public expressions of thanks often inspired and strengthened those around Him. Share your gratitude with others, building their faith and pointing them toward God’s goodness.
• Seek Humility and Dependence on God: Jesus’ gratitude stemmed from His deep trust in the Father. By humbling ourselves and depending on God, we can cultivate a similar heart of thankfulness, open to His revelations and blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving

Jesus showed us that Thanksgiving is more than a seasonal practice—it’s a posture of the heart. His life was a masterclass in gratitude, showing us that gratitude is a powerful expression of trust, faith, and worship. Let’s commit to walking in thankfulness, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but every day, allowing our gratitude to draw us closer to God and shine His light on the world around us.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Autumn: The Exemplar of Renewal

Autumn carries a magical charm, the leaves turn brilliant shades, the air grows crisp, and the world around us begins to quiet. As the world around us slows down, shedding the old to make way for the new, it's an invitation for us to do the same. 

Releasing the Old

The leaves lazily drifting downward from the branches from which they grew is a reminder that autumn is a season of letting go. The trees release their vibrant leaves, shedding what has served its purpose, preparing themselves for the stillness of winter. Through this act of surrender, the natural world sets an example for us to follow. In the same way that the trees release their leaves to make room for new growth in the spring, God calls us to release the sins, burdens, and old habits that weigh us down, keeping us from fully embracing the life He has prepared for us.

Letting go is not always easy. It can feel vulnerable to surrender control or to face the discomfort of change. Yet, autumn shows us that through the process of regeneration, there is beauty and strength in release. When we release our sins and lay down our burdens before God, we open ourselves up to His healing and renewal. So, as you witness the beauty of leaves falling, take a moment to consider what God may be asking you to release- let autumn inspire you to let go of the old so that the new can take root and flourish in your life.

Preparing for the New

As autumn fades and winter approaches, the Earth discreetly prepares for what lies ahead. Beneath the fallen leaves and frost-touched ground, the earth is at work, storing energy, enriching the soil, and preparing to burst forth with new life in the spring. This season of preparation is essential; without it, the ground would not be ready to sustain the fresh growth that will follow.

Much in the same way, we need periods of downtime from our busy lives to look inward to refocus on the behind-the-scenes groundwork for our future endeavors. Autumn invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare ourselves for what God wants to do in our lives. Preparing for renewal means aligning our minds and spirits with God’s will so we are ready to blossom anew when the time is right. Take this time to take stock of your spiritual well-being and any areas where it may have become hardened or complacent. This might look like dedicating time to prayer, immersing ourselves in Scripture, or simply embracing moments of stillness to hear God’s voice. When we set aside distractions and refocus on Him, we are earnestly readying ourselves for spiritual growth.

Purposeful Reminiscing 

Harmoniously, as the year draws closer to an end, the vivid hues of autumn dwindle into softer tones. Deep within the soil, trees tuck away precious nutrients in their roots, a quiet reservoir of strength that whispers life through the long, silent winter. Likewise, this hushed lull provides an opportunity for us to look back over the past year, taking note of and drawing strength from God’s thorough commitment and loving presence in our lives. 

Make time to decompress and recollect the abundance of blessings that have made an appearance over the last eleven months. Consider the highs and the lows- the unexpected provisions, answered prayers, trials, and the courage to endure; seek to recognize all of the hidden ways that He carried you through challenges, provided for your needs, and renewed your spirit. Celebrate His love that has seen you through another year and take comfort in knowing that the same God who was faithful yesterday will continue to be faithful in the days to come.

Laying the Groundwork for the Future

A testament to the belief that the efforts of today will yield blessings in the future, farmers use this time to plant seeds that will lie dormant throughout the winter, awaiting the enticing warmth of spring to trigger their growth. In this regard, Autumn encourages us to focus on the long game. Like the farmer who trusts that buried seeds will one day bring forth life, we must trust that God is at work beneath the surface, preparing something beautiful to bloom. 

Now is the time to invest in the unseen— Every small act of faith, every moment spent in God’s presence, and every seed of love we plant will eventually bear fruit.

Accepting Autumn’s Call

From its colorful and bright colors to its gentle descent into winter, Autumn offers us a precious opportunity to mirror the natural world by letting go of the old to prepare for what lies ahead. When we answer this call, we can enter the coming months rejuvenated and ready to experience the fullness of God’s love and the new beginnings He has in store for us.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

A Veterans Day Tribute Through Scripture

On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. While words alone can never fully express our gratitude, Scripture provides powerful reminders of the courage, strength, and dedication that these heroes embody. In honor of their service, we’ll share a collection of Bible verses that uplift, inspire, and honor those who have given so much to others.

Honor Those Who Serve

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:7

Veterans embody the spirit of selfless service, often putting the needs of others before their own. God calls us to openly express the same gratitude we have for His protection to the men and women who protect our nation and its people. 

Verses that Encourage and Uplift

Christlike Sacrifice

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

God’s Protection and Comfort

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Endurance, Strength, Discipline, and Commitment

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13  

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

Hope and Renewal

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;   they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Share the Word

Thoughtfully sharing God’s Word can remind veterans that their sacrifices are seen, appreciated, and valued- by us and by God. Here are some ideas for using these verses to show your gratitude:

• Write personalized notes or cards: Include Bible verses like John 15:13 and Isaiah 41:10 to encourage veterans. A simple, heartfelt message with Scripture can brighten their day and remind them of God's love.
• Create care packages for veterans: Include a small booklet of printed Bible verses or devotionals focused on hope, strength, and God's faithfulness. Add a personal touch by handwriting a favorite verse.
• Post Scripture on social media: Share a verse like 2 Timothy 2:3-4 on your social media platforms, accompanied by a message of gratitude for veterans. 
• Create a Scripture-themed art project with children: Have kids draw or color artwork inspired by verses like Hebrews 12:1-2 to present to veterans, bringing smiles and heartfelt appreciation.

Thank You, Vets!

The Bible is filled with promises of strength, peace, and encouragement for those who endure trials, whether on the battlefield or in everyday life. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans, be mindful of their courage and selflessness that mirror the qualities that God calls us to embody. Continue to pray for their well-being and express gratitude for their bravery and protection. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ