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All and Everything

From the series: Three Choices That Will Change Your Life

Jen DeWeerdt

June 14, 2026

Pastor Jen talks about how some of the biggest changes in our lives don’t come from one huge moment, but from small daily choices—and one of the most powerful is choosing gratitude. Even when life feels hard, stressful, or far from perfect, gratitude helps us shift our focus from what’s wrong and, instead, reminds us of His faithfulness.

Notes 📓✏️:

“Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.”
Proverbs 4:26 (ESV)

The direction of your life is determined by your daily decisions.

Gratitude

It’s Time To Return To Gratitude

“For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools…they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”
Romans 1:21-25 (parts, ESV)

  1. They did not honor God.
  2. They did not give thanks to Him.
  • Better mental health
  • Higher life satisfaction
  • Reduced anxiety and depression symptoms
  • More positive emotions overall
  • Fewer physical problems and symptoms

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

“…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
Philippians 2:14,15 (NLT)

Living a life of gratitude doesn’t mean you live in ignorant bliss.

Lament.

“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.”
Psalm 69:1-3 (ESV)

“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 69:30 (ESV)

I will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

  1. We see God more clearly.
  2. Our problems look smaller.
  3. We see people differently.
  4. We see ourselves more accurately.
  5. We help people see God more clearly.
  6. Our faith grows.

Discussion Questions 📝❓:

  1. Pastor Jen mentioned that we live in an ‘Amazon mindset’ where we expect instant results, but real change happens through small daily choices. What’s the difference between wanting instant change and being willing to work toward gradual transformation?
  2. In Romans 1, Paul lists two things that led to humanity’s downfall: not honoring God and not giving thanks to Him. Why do you think Paul included ‘not giving thanks’ alongside ‘not honoring God’ as a major spiritual problem?
  3. Pastor Jen explained the difference between complaining to everyone versus lamenting to God, using Psalm 69 as an example. What makes it okay to be honest with God about our struggles while avoiding constant complaining to others?
  4. The sermon taught that gratitude acts like a ‘magnifying glass’ that helps us see God more clearly and makes our problems look smaller. How does focusing on what we’re thankful for change what we notice about our situations?