Just Three Words - "Thanks So Much"
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Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month following the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions ([email protected]).
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch after the morning service as we celebrate what God has done in and through Grace Church over the past 32 years!
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch after the morning service as we celebrate what God has done in and through Grace Church over the past 32 years!
November 23 - Denny & Kelly Shaver
November 24 - Patrick Zalewski
November 25 - Bob Frophnapfel
November 26 - Bernie Hickey
November 28 - Tom & Bev Oleson
November 24 - Patrick Zalewski
November 25 - Bob Frophnapfel
November 26 - Bernie Hickey
November 28 - Tom & Bev Oleson
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We are in a five week series called "Just three words."
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You - we explored what it means to bless someone and took time to reflect on and recognize the Veterans of our Armed Forces.
Week 3: How's it Going? - asking this question and the answer that typically follows should be approached with a Godly perspective.
Week 4: Thanks So Much
Week 5: Come On In
Week 1: I Love You - saying "I Love You" should reflect the love God shows each of us. We learned that love is an action, not an emotion.
Week 2: God Bless You - we explored what it means to bless someone and took time to reflect on and recognize the Veterans of our Armed Forces.
Week 3: How's it Going? - asking this question and the answer that typically follows should be approached with a Godly perspective.
Week 4: Thanks So Much
Week 5: Come On In
We notice this in the pages of Scripture as well.
Some examples of Jesus using three words:
"It is finished" (John 19:30)
"Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34)
"Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17)
There are three word phrases that convey commands and profound truths:
"Love on another", "Watch and pray", "Do not worry", "Remain in me", "Do not judge", and "Repent and believe"
In the New Testament, two of the greatest truths of the Bible are simply stated:
"God is love" and "He is Risen!"
Three word phrases that are used in the Old Testament:
"In the beginning" (Genesis 1:1)
"Love the Lord" (Deuteronomy 30:16)
"The Lord said" (Psalm 110:1)
"Praise the Lord" (Psalm 113:1)
"Do not fear" (Isaiah 41:10)
"And I will" (God speaking; Ezekiel 34:23)
Some examples of Jesus using three words:
"It is finished" (John 19:30)
"Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34)
"Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17)
There are three word phrases that convey commands and profound truths:
"Love on another", "Watch and pray", "Do not worry", "Remain in me", "Do not judge", and "Repent and believe"
In the New Testament, two of the greatest truths of the Bible are simply stated:
"God is love" and "He is Risen!"
Three word phrases that are used in the Old Testament:
"In the beginning" (Genesis 1:1)
"Love the Lord" (Deuteronomy 30:16)
"The Lord said" (Psalm 110:1)
"Praise the Lord" (Psalm 113:1)
"Do not fear" (Isaiah 41:10)
"And I will" (God speaking; Ezekiel 34:23)
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday that began in 1621.
The early settlers of our nation gathered with members of the local native tribes to have a feast after their first harvest. They gathered as a way of thanking God for His bounty.
It's fitting that our three word phrase for today is "Thanks So Much".
The early settlers of our nation gathered with members of the local native tribes to have a feast after their first harvest. They gathered as a way of thanking God for His bounty.
It's fitting that our three word phrase for today is "Thanks So Much".
Our American culture has slid a long way from our ancestors original intent...thanking God for His blessings upon our lives.
Today we think about football, a big meal, shopping deals, family and friends.
There is nothing terribly wrong with these things but the idea of God's faithfulness, our faith in Him, and our fervency for telling others about the Lord seems to have faded.
Today we think about football, a big meal, shopping deals, family and friends.
There is nothing terribly wrong with these things but the idea of God's faithfulness, our faith in Him, and our fervency for telling others about the Lord seems to have faded.
We've all heard about the Israelite hostages who had been imprisoned by the Hammas terrorists. Their stories are sickening and mind boggling and it's amazing to think of what they were able to endure. A positive mindset of faith and hope helped them rise above their situation as they vowed to live one day at a time until rescue came.
The Apostle Paul is someone who could empathize with these people as he too spent a number of years in jails and prisons.
In fact, he was in a Roman prison when he wrote the letter to the Ephesians along with several other books of the New Testament.
The Apostle Paul is someone who could empathize with these people as he too spent a number of years in jails and prisons.
In fact, he was in a Roman prison when he wrote the letter to the Ephesians along with several other books of the New Testament.
Instead of grumbling, turning his back on God, or having an emotional meltdown, Paul's spirit and words were filled with thanksgiving.
Paul viewed his circumstances as divine opportunities to honor God and to encourage others going through tough times.
While in prison he wrote to the Ephesian church to focus them on the promises of God, and not the problems that he and they faced.
Ephesians 5:19-20
Paul viewed his circumstances as divine opportunities to honor God and to encourage others going through tough times.
While in prison he wrote to the Ephesian church to focus them on the promises of God, and not the problems that he and they faced.
Ephesians 5:19-20
Ephesians 5:19-20
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19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Thanksgiving, for the Apostle Paul, was not a once-a-year celebration, but a daily reality that changed his life and kept him focused on God in every situation.
Past - Thank God for Who He is and What He has done.
Present - Thank God that His character and abilities never change or diminish.
Future – Thank God that He is using everything to shape us to be like His Son and to prepare us for Heaven.
When our focus leaves the person of God, it settles on our problems.
Past - Thank God for Who He is and What He has done.
Present - Thank God that His character and abilities never change or diminish.
Future – Thank God that He is using everything to shape us to be like His Son and to prepare us for Heaven.
When our focus leaves the person of God, it settles on our problems.
Being thankful is nothing more than an "attitude of gratitude" that is practiced regularly. It's learning to say to God "Thanks So Much" for who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing in your life.
The following are seven areas, along with Bible verses, that will take your family into God's Word and learn to be more thankful.
Try it this week and watch the changes that happen in your life and the lives of those we cross paths with.
The following are seven areas, along with Bible verses, that will take your family into God's Word and learn to be more thankful.
Try it this week and watch the changes that happen in your life and the lives of those we cross paths with.
1. Thank God for His PRESENCE.
Psalm 46:1; Psalm 100; Psalm 118:29; Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 46:1; Psalm 100; Psalm 118:29; Isaiah 41:10
Psalms 46:1
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1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
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Psalms 100:1-5
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1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.
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Psalms 118:29
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29 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
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Isaiah 41:10
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10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
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2. Thank God for the POWER of His Spirit.
Romans 8:26; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 3:16
Romans 8:26; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 3:16
Romans 8:26
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26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.
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Acts 1:8
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8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
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1 Corinthians 3:16
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16 Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
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Galatians 5:16
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16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
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Ephesians 3:16
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16 I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,
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3. Thank God for His PROMISES.
Numbers 23:19; Joshua 23:14; Psalm 56:10-12 [NLT]; Ephesians 3:20-21
Numbers 23:19; Joshua 23:14; Psalm 56:10-12 [NLT]; Ephesians 3:20-21
Numbers 23:19
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19 God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
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Joshua 23:14
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14 Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.
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Psalms 56:10-12
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10 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise,
11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
12 Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to You.
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Ephesians 3:20-21
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20 Now to Him who is able to do so much more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,
21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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4. Thank God for the PERSON of His Son Jesus.
John 13:12-17; Romans 5:6-11; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 4:10
John 13:12-17; Romans 5:6-11; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 4:10
John 13:12-17
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12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on His outer garments, He reclined with them again and asked, “Do you know what I have done for you?
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am.
14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
15 I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.
16 Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
17 If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am.
14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.
15 I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.
16 Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
17 If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
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Romans 5:6-11
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6 For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
8 But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!
10 For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!
11 Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
8 But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!
10 For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!
11 Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
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Hebrews 7:25
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25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them.
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1 John 4:10
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10 And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
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5. Thank God for the PEOPLE He has placed in your life.
Romans 1:8-10; Colossians 1:3-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Romans 1:8-10; Colossians 1:3-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Romans 1:8-10
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8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world.
9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
10 in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you.
9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
10 in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you.
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Colossians 1:3-6
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3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
4 because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints—
5 the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel
6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.
4 because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints—
5 the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel
6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.
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1 Thessalonians 2:13
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13 And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God—the word which is now at work in you who believe.
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6. Thank God for His PROVISIONS.
Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Chronicles 29:12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Chronicles 29:12; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Deuteronomy 8:18
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18 But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day.
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1 Chronicles 29:12
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12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.
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2 Corinthians 9:6-12
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6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.
12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.
11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.
12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
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7. Thank God for the PROBLEMS He uses to shape your life.
2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 1:2-5
2 Corinthians 1:3-11; Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 1:2-5
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
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3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
7 And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.
8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
9 Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.
10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
7 And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.
8 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
9 Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.
10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
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Philippians 4:4-9
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4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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16 Rejoice at all times.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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James 1:2-5
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2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4 Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
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