Thankfulness: Training the Heart to Treasure Jesus
Episode 18 — Thankfulness: Training the Heart to Treasure Jesus (Holiday Series, Pt. 1)
In the pour-over we set an anchor for the soul: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances.” Though Canadian Thanksgiving is in October, this U.S. Thanksgiving weekend is a good reminder that gratitude isn’t seasonal—it’s a means God uses to grow our affections for Jesus. 1 Peter 1:6–7 says trials refine our faith. Quick Coffee Advent update: Brian visited a local roasting co-op and picked three coffees to rotate through Advent—listeners, share your DIY Coffee Advent ideas and be on mission at your local café or roaster.
Sip Size Q&A:
This is usually where I answer one of your questions in about three minutes—the perfect sip while the coffee’s still hot. So shoot me your curiosities about biblical counseling, Scripture, or even your favorite coffee brew method. You can leave a voice message at the link below or email below.
This week’s question:
“I can’t see God’s blessings right now. What should I do?”
Romans 8:32 says the cross is the down-payment of every mercy. Pray Psalm 119:18 says, “Open my eyes…,” then scan for three “small mercies” in the last 24 hours (ordinary care, Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds…”). If you’re still stuck, ask a trusted friend or counselor to help you “borrow” their eyes for a week.
Exhortation: Don’t lose hope. Lamentations 3:21–23 says, “This I call to mind… the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases… His mercies are new every morning.” Take the next right step with that promise in view.
You can email your questions here: coffeecounselingblc@gmail.com
If you prefer, you can also leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/CoffeeandCounseling
Counselor’s Corner :
Why gratitude matters & how to practice it:
Gratitude retrains the gaze from gifts to the Giver. Philippians 4:6–7 says thanksgiving accompanies prayer and God’s peace guards our hearts; Colossians 2:6–7 says we grow by abounding in thanksgiving.
Name the Gift → Name the Giver: “Father, from Your hand I receive ____.” (John 1:3 says all things were made through Jesus.)
Thankful amid the trial: “Father, even in what I wouldn’t choose, use this to refine my faith and make me like Jesus.” 1 Peter 1:7 says tested faith is refined.
Renewed-Mind Thanksgiving (Romans 12:2): Ask the Spirit to challenge reflex labels (“plan B,” “bad for me,” “punishment”) and thank God for one clear mercy and one not-yet-understood mercy, trusting His wise care.
Turn thanks into mission: Colossians 3:17 says do everything in Jesus’ name with thanks—text someone specific thanks and a short prayer today.
Advent season is a time of reflection, repentance and gratitude as we prepare our heart in anticipation of the coming of our savior, Jesus, “Emannuel, God with us.”
Book recommendations:
Here are some recommended advent devotionals that can foster gratitude for what Jesus has done for you and hoe that gives way to a living hope in him:
The Naughty List: Family Advent Devotional by Dwight Bernier
Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional by Paul Tripp
Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals by Leland Ryken
Don’t forget, at the Biblical Living Center, our team stand ready to serve you should you discern your need for a biblical counselor.
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Next Week we will end this podcast season with the second instalment of our series with Coffee and Counseling EP19: Hope — Anchoring the Heart to Jesus (Holiday Series, Pt. 2)
