Chosen by God: The Secret to a Thankful Heart

Discover how a deeper understanding of God’s choosing can ignite true thankfulness in your everyday life. Pastor Chris Teien shares how God’s love, your identity, and your purpose take on new meaning when you see yourself as chosen by God. This message will encourage anyone seeking a stronger foundation for gratitude, deeper joy, and clarity about what God is doing in their life. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18239546

Key Points

1. Thankful to Be Chosen to Know the Father’s Love
 God chose us before creation, adopted us into his family, and pursued us long before we pursued him. His choosing is a work of love, grace, and initiative. Scriptures in this point: 1 Peter 1:1-2, Ephesians 1:4-5, John 15:16.

2. Thankful to Be Chosen to Belong to God’s People
 God welcomes us into his family and places us in a spiritual community where we can grow, serve, encourage, and be supported. Scriptures in this point: 1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:19, Romans 12:5.

3. Thankful to Be Chosen to Live Out God’s Purposes
 We are called to declare God’s praises, endure hardship with hope, and walk in the good works he prepared for us. Scriptures in this point: 1 Peter 2:9b, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 5:10, Ephesians 2:10.

4. Thankful to Express My Gratitude Through Words and Actions
 A thankful life is seen in how we pray, speak, worship, serve, and encourage. Scripture calls us to live gratefully in all circumstances. Scriptures in this point: Colossians 3:15-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris

Pastor Chris shares his long process resolving the frontage road situation and how thankfulness can be both momentary and hard earned. He tells the story of adopting a child and how it mirrors the Father’s loving choice to adopt us. He also reflects on mentoring pastoral interns, helping people in need, and seeing God use simple faithfulness to make a lasting impact. 

Notable Quotes

• Gratitude grows when we remember who we are and whose we are in Christ.
 • Salvation begins with God’s initiative long before our decision.
 • Gratitude is not silent. It speaks, serves, and becomes a testimony of God’s goodness.

Actionable Takeaways

• Reflect on how God pursued you and chose you in love.
 • Look for someone in your church family to encourage this week.
 • Ask God to reveal the good works he has prepared for you.
 • Practice intentional thanksgiving through spoken praise and daily choices that honor Christ.

Keywords

Chosen, gratitude, thanksgiving, adoption, identity in Christ, purpose, community, God’s love, spiritual family

Challenge

Ask God to help you live as someone intentionally chosen by him, letting gratitude shape your words, actions, and relationships throughout the week.

25.1123de

The WELL Faith Podcast shares practical, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien to help you worship, encourage, learn, and love in everyday life. A new message is released every Sunday. Episodes marked with an asterisk (*) are replay episodes from previous years. Find resources at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN, and follow and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.