Keep the Change Part 1 “Grateful for the Good Things” THRIVE Service Livestream

There’s something missing in this story. We know a lot of details. We know for instance that Jesus gets invited to the house of a Pharisee named Simon. They have a conversation; they share a meal. We know that.

But there’s a lot we don’t know. A woman shows up uninvited and interrupts everything. We don’t know her name. We don’t know where she came from.

She comes to express her deep gratitude for what Jesus has done for her. She gets on her knees and anoints His feet with her tears, drying them off with her hair. It’s deeply moving and deeply personal.

And yet we don’t know exactly what she’s so grateful for. Luke offers no explanation. We don’t know exactly what Jesus said to her or did for her.

But we do know this. Whatever it was, it freed her. Moved her. It changed her life. And she came back to say thank you to the One who loved her and saved her.

Heads up. There will be a test this Sunday.

You’ll be given a card.

On the front it will say: “I am grateful for…”

On the back will be space to answer the question.

Gratitude is the response to what God has done for us. What are you grateful for? What has God done in your life? How has God blessed you, saved you, forgiven you?

Here’s a few questions to consider before Sunday:

Who is someone that has made a difference in your life for the better?

How have you grown this past year?

Who gave you a second chance?

When did you receive undeserved grace?

What’s one way God has shown up for you in a difficult season?

Name a place that has significance for you and a favorite memory from that place.

Choose a characteristic of God and praise Him for it today.

When was the last time you laughed and why?

What beautiful thing did you notice today?

Who encouraged you this week?

What is something that you are looking forward to?

Choose a favorite Bible verse and write it out.

What is something that God has helped you overcome?

Describe a time when the Holy Spirit spoke in your life.

Which circumstance in your life proved that you are more capable than you thought you were?

What is something we have today you wouldn’t have had twenty years ago? How does it help you?

Know this:

I am grateful to you and thank God for your faithfulness as a church.