When was the last time you said “thank you”? To someone? For something? Toward your family, friends, co-workers—or even God?
This week, as we concluded The Domino Effect: Decisions That Make a Difference, we focused on the decision to thank. From dreaming to attending church to serving, each decision shapes us, and thanking is no exception.
Thankfully (pun-intended), there’s a lot we’ve all come to know about thankfulness, thanksgiving, and gratitude.
Gratitude isn’t just beneficial—it’s transformative. Research shows that regularly expressing thanks improves mental and physical health, builds resilience, and deepens relationships.
But beyond science, the Bible calls us to thankfulness in all circumstances, not just when life is good.
Thanksgiving is a spiritual discipline that reshapes our hearts and draws us closer to God.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing… In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
And what are we to be thankful for?
Even in challenges, as Christians, we can always thank God for the miracle of salvation through Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection, who secured our freedom and wholeness on the cross, freeing us from the bondage of sin.
We can also be grateful for a loving, unchanging Father who calls us His children and for His Spirit, who guides and comforts us.
As Hebrews 12:28 reminds us: “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful…”
Thanksgiving shifts our focus from what’s missing to what we have in Christ:
- peace & joy with God
- peace & joy within our soul
- peace & joy with others.
This week, consider these questions:
- What if you made giving thanks a daily habit?
- What if you expressed gratitude to your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors?
- What if you remembered what God has done and who He is, and expressed your gratitude to Him?
As highlighted in Sunday’s message, gratitude isn’t denial of hardship. It’s choosing to trust God amidst it. As Lysa Terkeurst writes, “Choosing gratitude right in the middle of what’s hard isn’t denial. But it is choosing to do only what can be done today.”
So, you’re invited to join us today at 12 on Zoom as we thank God in praying for the following:
🙏 Who He Is: The Lord is great and worthy to be praised. His steadfast love toward us never ceases, and His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness toward us. The Lord is our portion, so we will hope in Him.
🙏 What He Has Done: The Lord created us with purpose, sent His Son to die for our sins, restoring our relationship with Him, and gave us His Spirit to comfort and guide us.
🙏 What We Have: The Lord has given us breath in our lungs. For most, we have a place to lay our heads and food on the table. We have access to the Father, who allows us to confidently approach the very throne of grace.
🙏 Who We Have: The Lord has blessed us with family, friends, co-workers and/or neighbors. Think of the people God has strategically and purposely placed in your life.
As many Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, let’s decide to give thanks beyond a one-day holiday. Let’s make gratitude a daily practice—offering thanks and praise to God and others.
And as we do, He will transform our hearts and perspectives, allowing us to experience His heart for thankfulness.
See you at 12 pm!
God Bless,
Bria Lacour
Bria@mosaicfortworth.com
Additionally, we will make space to pray for God to extend His reach beyond the limits of our city and into the world, seeking His wisdom, unity, safety, and provision for the following people and initiatives:
Let’s pray for Campus Missionary Matthew Schumann, who serves at The University of Texas in Austin, Texas at Mosaic Church Austin. Let’s pray for him to grow in his Spanish-speaking abilities rapidly, as he continues to do mission work in Latin America, alongside UT students. He is also believing for more spiritual rest in his life, enabling him to focus, have the grace to make more disciples and enjoy God and others.
Let’s pray for Matt and Devony Hines as they lead Fresh Encounter Church, reaching the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County community in North Carolina. They’re believing for salvations and seeking God’s wisdom in engaging with their partners and community. As more families join their church, they’re also praying for guidance in developing a children’s ministry strategy. Lastly, they’re trusting God for a permanent home for their church to support growth and better serve their congregation and community.
General Prayer Requests & Updates
For evangelism to flourish so communities and campuses in the greater Fort Worth area will be reached, and the lost will see and experience the love of Christ and be drawn to his kingdom.
For signs and wonders to follow the preaching of His Word.
For team unity and laborers to help carry the load.
For finances and provisions.
For fully funded campus missionaries (2 per campus) to help reach the next generation — Texas Christian University (TCU), Tarrant County College (TCC), Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) and Tarleton State University – Fort Worth (TSU), University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and Dallas Baptist University (DBU).
Bria Lacour, a Houston native and University of Texas at Austin alum, has dedicated nearly a decade to Mosaic Church and six years to Every Nation Campus, holding multiple leadership positions. Her fervor lies in mentoring students, especially young women, to unearth their worth and identity in Christ through discipleship. Witnessing her family’s conversion, Bria embodies our mission to impact students and their families with the Gospel’s transformative power.
