The Light

Pastor Chuck Swindoll turns to Mark 3:1–6, contrasting Jesus’ warm compassion with the Pharisees’ cold indifference and underscoring the call to show mercy to the “least of these,” those who cannot care for themselves.

From the Series: Jesus: The Servant at Work, Volume One, A Study of Mark 1:1–6:13

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Gratitude is more than thanking God for your blessings—it also means thanking the people He uses to bring love, encouragement, and support into your life. When someone offers kindness, helps you through a difficult season, or inspires you to grow, their actions can reflect God’s love at work. Yet it’s easy to appreciate people silently without ever telling them how much they mean to us. Philippians 1:3 offers a powerful example of putting gratitude into words, reminding us to thank God for the people who have made a difference in our lives and to express that appreciation directly to them.

Highlights

• Recognize God as the source of love: Learn to see the kindness of others as one way God’s love reaches into your life.

• Thank the people God uses to bless you: Discover why gratitude should extend beyond prayer to the people who encourage, support, and help you.

• Learn from Paul’s example in Philippians 1:3: See how Paul expressed thankfulness for others even while facing loneliness and hardship in prison.

• Understand the power of appreciation: A sincere thank-you can encourage someone who feels overlooked, tired, or unsure whether their efforts matter.

• Build stronger relationships through gratitude: Expressing appreciation can deepen trust, strengthen friendships, and help relationships grow.

• Notice God’s goodness in everyday life: Practicing gratitude can redirect your attention from stress and problems toward the blessings around you.

• Put biblical gratitude into action: Find simple ways to thank family members, friends, coworkers, and others who have made a positive difference in your life.

Click to Listen to Signs of Life: UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

Join us this Fall for Season One of "Signs of Life," an original podcast from UM News. The journey begins in Atlanta, hearing how a book from an icon of the Civil Rights movement is bringing relationship and understanding to two congregations seeking to bridge divides. Then to Belfast, learning about the Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Methodist connection that was—and is—an essential part of healing and peacemaking. Finally, at the Global Young Peoples Convocation in Dublin, explore the world of translation and interpretation through diversity, language and culture.

UM News Podcast Season One | UMNews.org

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Full Transcript Below:

Thank God and People Too

By: Whitney Hopler

Bible Reading:
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3, NIV

I visited my high school journalism teacher, Margo Tyree, years after high school – when I was working as

Dr. Stanley examines Ephesians 6 to teach about the full armor of God.

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Paul’s personal testimony demonstrates the power of the gospel to transform lives. It also demonstrates that his gospel comes from God—and so is the true and authentic gospel that must be accepted and believed.

What does "do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth" mean? If a Muslim man saved Christians from physical death, does that mean he's going to be in Heaven for it? Does this message of God's grace mean we're soft on sin? Is it easy believism? Why did you write this new book on the Sermon on the Mount?

Even the strongest believers can grow weary. In this powerful message from How God Works, Dr. Michael Youssef examines the life of Elijah, who went from a great victory on Mount Carmel to running in fear from Queen Jezebel.

Overwhelmed and exhausted, Elijah wanted to give up. But God did not abandon him. Instead, the Lord provided rest, nourishment, and the reassurance of His presence.

Dr. Youssef reminds us that seasons of discouragement do not have to lead to defeat. God can restore our strength, renew our faith, and prepare us for continued service.

This episode calls believers to:

• Trust God through fear and exhaustion,
• Reject self-pity and Satan's accusations,
• Listen for God's voice in difficult seasons,
• Find renewed strength through prayer and surrender,
• Keep serving Christ with faith and obedience.

When you feel like giving up, remember that God is not finished with you. The same Lord who restored Elijah can strengthen you to keep walking in faith.

Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 19

If today’s teaching stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

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