God’s Presence Everyday: Growing in Love, Joy, and Peace

​Discover God’s presence every day. Grow in Love Joy and Peace spending time in His presence. How can you experience unknowable love, inexpressible joy, and peace that passes understanding every day? This encouraging message explores how faith, prayer, and trust in God can transform your perspective and strengthen your heart.

Discover practical spiritual insights for living with greater peace, joy, hope, and confidence—even during difficult seasons. If this message encourages you, like the video, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

#UnknowableLove #InexpressibleJoy #PeaceThatPassesUnderstanding

Trevor H Lund helps capable and caring people—who are growing weary in doing good—move from striving and stress to peace and purpose as they rediscover and enjoy the life God created them for. He does this as an encourager, writer, and authorpreneur. He encourages through his blog, podcast, and live casts at https://revtrev.com/, shares his writing at https://trevorlund.com/, and teaches in Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/.

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Summary of God’s Presence Everyday: Growing in Love, Joy, and Peace

​Love, joy, and peace are more than ideas to understand or qualities to manufacture through religious effort. They are fruit produced by the Holy Spirit as believers remain connected to Christ and become aware of God’s presence. This post explains how God commands these qualities while also supplying the strength to live them out. Through love for God and others, obedience to Jesus, trust in God, prayer, gratitude, and surrender, believers can grow in spiritual transformation without reducing faith to a checklist. The practical “BE” tool—be still and know God is God, then embrace His invitation—offers a simple way to turn toward God throughout everyday life and receive His guidance, comfort, and strength.

Read God’s Presence Everyday: Growing in Love, Joy, and Peace

Summary

Many people long for greater love, deeper joy, and lasting peace. We may understand these qualities biblically, yet still struggle to experience them in ordinary life. Love can feel difficult, joy can seem fragile, and peace can disappear when anxiety, disappointment, or uncertainty arrives.

The Bible describes the love of Christ as surpassing knowledge, joy as inexpressible, and God’s peace as transcending understanding. These descriptions show us that Christian transformation is not merely about collecting more information. It is about being changed through relationship with God.

The central question is not simply, “How can I learn more about love, joy, and peace?” It is also, “How can I become more aware of God’s presence everyday?”

Love, joy, and peace are more than information

Love, joy, and peace are part of the fruit of the Spirit. They are qualities the Holy Spirit produces in the lives of believers as He makes us more like Jesus.

Paul writes that Christ’s love is so wide, long, high, and deep that it surpasses knowledge. Peter speaks of an “inexpressible and glorious joy” found in believing in Christ, even though we do not see Him. Paul also teaches that when we bring our concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving, the peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

These truths are not given simply to fill our minds. They are meant to transform our lives.

We can know definitions of love, joy, and peace while remaining anxious, discouraged, or distant from others. The goal is not to create the appearance of spiritual maturity through effort alone. The goal is to remain connected to Christ so that the Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out.

God commands the fruit, but the Spirit produces it

One important biblical tension is that Scripture commands believers to live with qualities that Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit.

We are told to put on love, rejoice in the Lord, and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. We are also instructed to show patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

These commands matter. Christian faith is not passive. Yet the fruit is not merely the result of human willpower. The Holy Spirit produces it in us.

This distinction protects us from turning spiritual growth into a checklist. We do not measure our lives by asking whether we have successfully manufactured enough love, joy, or peace through personal effort. Instead, we remain dependent on God, respond to His direction, and trust Him to work in us.

The biblical pattern includes four realities:

1. God commands these qualities.
2. The Holy Spirit produces them in believers.
3. Believers actively practice them through obedience.
4. Christ supplies the strength to live them out.

Paul expresses this relationship in 1 Corinthians 15:10. He explains that he worked hard, but also recognizes that it was not merely his effort—the grace of God was with him.

There is work for us to do, but we do not do it alone. God’s grace empowers the obedience He calls us to practice.

How love, joy, and peace grow

Love grows as we receive and share God’s love

First John 4:10–12 teaches that love begins with God. We did not love God first; He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Because God has loved us, we are called to love one another.

We can love because He first loved us.

This means that growing in love involves both receiving God’s love and extending it to others. Love becomes more visible as we choose to care for the people Christ died to save, including people who may have offended or disappointed us.

That does not mean difficult relationships become easy instantly. It does mean we stop treating love as something we must produce independently. We return to the love God has already shown us, and from that place we learn to love others.

Joy grows as we obey Jesus

In John 15:10–11, Jesus connects obedience with remaining in His love. He says that He has spoken these things so that His joy may be in His disciples and that their joy may be complete.

Joy is not presented as a temporary emotional high. It grows as we remain in Jesus and trust His words enough to follow them.

Obedience is not a way to earn God’s love. Instead, it is a way of remaining in relationship with Him. As we follow Jesus, we learn that His commands are not burdens added to our lives. They guide us into the life He intends for us.

Joy becomes deeper when it is rooted in Christ rather than controlled by circumstances.

Peace grows as we trust God

Romans 15:13 describes God as the God of hope who fills believers with joy and peace as they trust in Him. This peace is connected to confidence in God, not control over every situation.

Anxiety often grows when we attempt to carry responsibilities that belong to God. Trust does not mean pretending that difficulties are unimportant. It means bringing those difficulties to God and believing that He is present in the midst of them.

Philippians 4:6–7 gives a practical direction: do not remain controlled by anxiety, but present requests to God through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. God’s peace then guards the heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Peace is not always the removal of trouble. It is God’s protection and presence while we walk through trouble.

Spiritual growth is relationship, not a religious checklist

It is possible to turn even good biblical teaching into a checklist. We can begin asking, “Do I have enough love? Is my joy strong enough? Why do I still struggle with peace?”

That approach can leave us exhausted. It may cause us to blame ourselves, our circumstances, or even God. But the fruit of the Spirit is not earned by trying harder to appear spiritual.

The Holy Spirit is the One who produces the fruit.

Our responsibility is to remain connected to Christ, yield to the Spirit, obey what God shows us, and continue with Him through ordinary and difficult days. Jesus teaches that a branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.

This is why abiding in Christ matters. The Christian life is not primarily about religious performance. It is a living relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus did not give His life and rise again so that we could merely possess religion. He made the way for us to be reconciled to the Father, and the Holy Spirit is with us always.

God is always with us. The question is whether we will be with Him.

God’s presence everyday changes how we live

The fruit of the Spirit reflects the nature of God. God is love. His presence is the source of true joy, and He is the giver of peace. As we become more like Jesus, the character of God becomes increasingly visible in our lives.

Second Corinthians 3:18 describes believers as being transformed into Christ’s image. Hebrews 1:3 identifies Jesus as the exact representation of the Father. As we remain near to God, worship Him, and respond to Him, we become more like the One we worship.

God’s presence is not limited to a church gathering. When believers gather, they experience His presence together, but He is also with us throughout the rest of the week.

If Sunday is the only time we are aware of God, it is worth asking why. God has not withdrawn. We may simply have become distracted.

We wake up thinking about responsibilities. Throughout the day, we respond to messages, demands, fears, and disappointments. We solve problems and carry burdens without pausing to remember that God is near.

Then we wonder why love feels difficult, joy feels fragile, and peace feels distant.

Practicing God’s presence everyday means turning our attention toward Him in the middle of real life:

• Before speaking, remember that God is present.
• Before reacting, ask what love requires.
• During anxiety, bring the concern to God.
• During success, give thanks.
• During sorrow, seek comfort rather than isolation.
• During temptation, remember that you are not abandoned.
• During uncertainty, trust that God is already present in the future you fear.

Difficult days will still come. Awareness of God’s presence does not promise a life without problems. It gives us someone with whom we can face them.

The BE tool: two steps for becoming aware of God

A simple way to practice God’s presence everyday is the “BE” tool.

B — Be still and know He is God

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Being still means more than becoming physically quiet. It means turning our attention toward God and recognizing that He is God and we are not required to carry everything ourselves.

The noise, hurry, demands, and worries competing for our attention can be set down for a moment. We can pause and remember that God is present.

Gratitude can help us do this. Psalm 100:4 calls us to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Join the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge today https://revtrev.link/thanks and train your brain to give thanks at all times...which is God’s will for you.

Thanksgiving redirects our attention. We can notice a sunrise, the changing light through leaves, or a small blessing and respond by thanking God. Gratitude helps us recognize His goodness in the ordinary details of life.

Ask yourself: Can I be still and know that He is God?

E — Embrace His invitation

After becoming still, notice how God may be inviting you to respond. He may be inviting you to receive His love, release a burden, trust Him, give thanks, forgive, rest, listen, or take one faithful step.

You do not have to force transformation. You can embrace what God is offering and follow where He leads.

For love, ask, “How are You inviting me to receive and share Your love?”

For joy, ask, “What are You inviting me to notice and enjoy?”

For peace, ask, “What are You inviting me to surrender and trust You with?”

Then respond simply. Receive God’s love instead of striving for approval. Give thanks instead of overlooking His goodness. Release anxiety instead of trying to control everything. Offer patience, kindness, or forgiveness to someone. Take the next step God is placing before you.

This is not another spiritual checklist. It is an invitation to remain with God.

Let the Spirit transform your everyday life

Love, joy, and peace are too deep to be reduced to slogans, but they are not beyond God’s work in us. The love of Christ surpasses knowledge, the joy of believing in Him is inexpressible, and His peace transcends understanding.

The way forward is not to depend on willpower or pretend that everything is fine. It is to turn toward God, remain connected to Christ, and embrace the Spirit’s work in everyday life.

Be still and know that He is God. Embrace His invitation. Pray, trust, obey, give thanks, and continue with Him.

God is with you today. As you become more aware of His presence everyday, His love, joy, and peace can become increasingly visible in your life.

​What I’ve Taught on Holy Spirit

Check out my messages and blog posts on Holy Spirit. I’ll keep this updated. Let me know if there is a specific topic you want covered in the comments.

• Holy Spirit Baptism and Filling: Living in God’s Presence Every Day https://revtrev.com/message/holy-spirit-baptism-and-filling-living-in-gods-presence-every-day/
• How to know and experience more of our triune God today https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
• Is Spiritual Growth is on your vision board? https://revtrev.com/living-light/is-spiritual-growth-on-your-vision-board/
• How to be confident you’re being led from Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/living-light/be-confident-led-holy-spirit/
• God is with us will I be with Him? https://revtrev.com/living-light/god-is-always-with-us-will-i-be-with-him/
• ​How to understand and and enjoy the Gifts God has for you Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/
• Buying the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/buying-holy-spirit/
• How to Release the gift of words of wisdom https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-release-the-gift-of-words-of-wisdom/
• 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-light/70-functions-of-the-holy-spirit/
• How can I Receive the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-today/how-can-i-receive-the-holy-spirit/
• 3 ways to know it’s the Holy Spirit Speaking https://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/3-ways-to-know-its-the-spirit-speaking/
• How to let the Fruit of Holy Spirit Transform you https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-let-the-fruit-of-holy-spirit-transform-you/
• 5 things to know about Spiritual Growth https://revtrev.com/livecasts/5-things-to-never-forget-about-spiritual-growth/
• 11 ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to you https://revtrev.com/live-today/11-ways-the-spirit-speaks-to-you/
• Do Spirit-Filled Believers Leak the Spirit? https://revtrev.com/live-today/do-spirit-filled-believers-leak-the-spirit/
• ​How to use God’s Gifts for Another https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-use-gods-gifts-for-one-another/
• I build myself up reflection https://revtrev.com/livecasts/day-42-i-build-myself-up-reflection-livecast/
• 4 Tips I’ve learned To Hear the Spirit Speak https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/4-tips-ive-learned-to-hear-the-spirit-speak/
• As you go – how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday http://revtrev.com/livecasts/as-you-go-how-to-use-the-gifts-of-holy-spirit-in-the-day-to-day-of-everyday/
• What does God with us mean for our everyday ordinary lives? http://revtrev.com/podcast/what-does-god-with-us-mean-for-our-everyday-ordinary-lives/

​As I’ve stated above, this list will keep on growing. If you have a topic about the Holy Spirit you’d like covered, tell me in the comments or contact me.

Feeling Gratitude for Simple Things

​Feeling gratitude for simple things can change the way you experience each day. In this message, discover how appreciating small blessings—such as a quiet moment, a kind word, time with loved ones, or a beautiful view—can support greater joy, peace, and contentment.

Links included

Psalms of Lament https://revtrev.com/psalms
Download the Our Father Prayer Rhythm https://revtrev.link/pray
Learn more about the Live Light 70-day Gratitude Challenge https://revtrev.link/thanks

#gratitude, #gratitudepractice, #simplethingsinlife

Practice gratitude by noticing the good around you and making appreciation part of your daily routine. Small moments often have the power to create a more positive mindset and a meaningful life.

Trevor H Lund helps capable and caring people—who are growing weary in doing good—move from striving and stress to peace and purpose as they rediscover and enjoy the life God created them for. He does this as an encourager, writer, and authorpreneur. He encourages through his blog, podcast, and live casts at https://revtrev.com/, shares his writing at https://trevorlund.com/, and teaches in Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/.

Listen to Feeling Gratitude for Simple Things

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Summary of Feeling Gratitude for Simple Things

Gratitude for simple things can become a steady spiritual practice, even when life includes fear, illness, grief, or uncertainty. This post explores how ordinary blessings often become invisible when familiarity turns gifts into expectations. Drawing on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, it connects joy, prayer, and thankfulness while emphasizing that gratitude does not require denying pain. A personal medical experience illustrates how honest prayer and trust can make room for peace during a frightening complication. The post also presents a practical framework for developing gratitude: decide to notice, feel appreciation for a specific gift, and express that appreciation through action. Finally, it explains how a consistent 70-day practice can help gratitude become more automatic.

Read Feeling Gratitude for Simple Things Can Transform Difficult Days

A nurse once told me I had far too much joy for someone in my situation. She was right: I was lying in a pool of my own blood after a medical complication.

Yet I was not pretending everything was fine. I had already poured out my fear and complaint to God in prayer with thanksgiving. That honest prayer made room for something I did not expect: peace, appreciation, and joy in the middle of a frightening moment.

The Bible connects joy, prayer, and thankfulness in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Always be joyful, never stop praying, be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

This does not mean every situation feels easy. It means gratitude for simple things can become a way of noticing God’s care, even when life feels anything but simple.

Why Everyday Blessings Become Invisible

When life gets busy, gratitude is often one of the first things to disappear.

You wake up and the day immediately begins making demands. There is a meal on the table, a safe place to sleep, a message from a friend, a warm drink, strength for the day, a quiet moment, meaningful work, someone willing to listen, or another opportunity to begin again.

These gifts may seem small because they are familiar. But familiar gifts still deserve thanks.

The problem begins when daily blessings stop feeling like gifts and start feeling like rights. You may move from “Thank you, God,” to “Of course I have this,” without noticing the change.

Consider what you might now treat as an entitlement even though you once recognized it as a blessing:

• A spouse or friend who helps with ordinary responsibilities
• A vehicle that starts each morning
• A body that continues to carry you through the day
• A home where you can rest
• Food that is available when you are hungry
• Someone who listens when you need to speak
• The opportunity to begin again after a difficult day

When gratitude disappears, entitlement can quietly take its place. Entitlement steals joy before you realize it is gone.

Gratitude for Simple Things Begins With Attention

In the ancient Hebrew understanding, the heart is more than the center of emotion. It is also connected with decisions and actions.

That gives “wholehearted gratitude” a deeper meaning. Gratitude involves three connected movements:

1. You decide to notice.
2. You feel thankful for what you notice.
3. You express appreciation through action, worship, or service.

Many people stop at the first step, if they reach it at all. They may notice a blessing briefly but never pause to feel gratitude or respond meaningfully.

A thankful heart therefore requires attention. You deliberately look at what is in front of you and recognize it as a gift rather than assuming it is owed to you.

This practice may begin with something very ordinary. You might notice the food you nearly rushed past, the safe journey home, the person who checked on you, or the breath you just took.

Attention forms part of worship because it redirects your focus. Instead of seeing only what is missing, you begin to recognize what has already been given.

A Medical Crisis That Revealed Unexpected Joy

Before traveling to New Zealand for our son’s graduation and wedding, I was waiting for cardiac ablation surgery. My heart would sometimes beat irregularly, my watch repeatedly alerted me, and I had visited the emergency room several times for ECGs.

I was also taking special blood thinners so medical staff could use paddles if the irregular rhythm happened again.

The surgery was scheduled for the week before our trip. I asked the nurse arranging it whether travelling to the other side of the world the following week could create a problem. She explained that the medical team would not want me to experience complications out of province and said she would try to reschedule the procedure for after I returned.

The word “complications” stayed with me.

I had already experienced too many health complications, and I did not want another one. After thinking about it for several days, I finally brought the fear to God. I poured out my complaint honestly.

God does not need us to hide what is on our hearts. He knows us more deeply than we know ourselves. As I prayed, I remembered previous health complications and the ways I had experienced God’s presence and help through them. I sensed the question: Would I trust Him with any complication this time?

I chose to trust Him, and I experienced peace. Through prayer, I exchanged my problems for His peace.

The surgery itself went well, although there was a complication. I had to remain lying on my back without sitting up. Nurses found a hematoma beginning to form and worked to resolve it. At one point, I nearly passed out and felt sick, but they gave me a drip and orange juice, and I began to recover.

Later, as two nurses changed the dressings on each side, the nurse working on the left noticed that the right side had started bleeding. He called the other nurse back while pressure was applied. She pressed harder, and I began to feel as though I might become sick or lose consciousness again.

Once more, I received medical support and orange juice. Gradually, I felt better.

Throughout the process, I appreciated the nurse who was working overtime to help me get home as soon as possible. I thanked her and told her I was grateful.

She replied, “You have far too much joy for the situation you’re in right now.”

She was right. I was lying in a pool of my own blood. But my laughter was not denial or delusion. I was at peace. I believed God was with me and would use the experience for good.

I was grateful that the complication happened in the hospital, where trained people could help me, rather than at home.

Joy, Prayer, and Thankfulness Belong Together

Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians connect three practices: joy, prayer, and gratitude.

They work together like a three-strand cord.

Prayer helps you notice what you often overlook. When you slow down before God, you become more aware of the meal on the table, the person beside you, and the strength that carried you through the day.

Prayer moves your attention from demand to relationship. Instead of approaching God only with requests, you become aware of His presence and care.

This does not mean Christians must force themselves to feel cheerful. Biblical joy is not the same as pretending that circumstances are pleasant. It is possible to experience joy because of God’s presence while still feeling fear, grief, disappointment, or physical pain.

Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

That verse does not promise that every day will feel easy. It points to a different truth: every day belongs to God. You receive the present day as a gift rather than treating it as something guaranteed or owed to you.

Gratitude Does Not Cancel Grief

“Give thanks in all circumstances” is sometimes misunderstood as an instruction to smile through every painful event. But gratitude does not require you to call suffering good or pretend that loss does not hurt.

You may feel grief and gratitude at the same time.

You may face pressure and still thank God for His presence. You may lack an answer and still trust His care. You may feel afraid while recognizing that you are not alone.

Gratitude does not deny hardship. It gives hardship its proper place.

A difficult day may contain real difficulty, but difficulty does not have to become the whole story. God remains present, mercy continues, and gifts may still surround you even when you cannot yet see how the situation will resolve.

When life feels heavy, begin with honest prayer. A psalm of lament can help you express what you truly feel before trying to give thanks. You can pour out your complaint first and then make room for gratitude.

That order matters. Honest prayer is not the opposite of faith. It can prepare your attention to recognize God’s care.

How to Practice Gratitude for Simple Things Every Day

Gratitude becomes stronger when it moves beyond a general statement such as “I am thankful for my family.” Specific appreciation helps you notice the details of how care reaches you.

Instead, write something like:

“I am thankful that my sister called and listened when I felt stressed.”

The specific detail matters. It identifies what happened, how it affected you, and why it was meaningful.

A simple daily framework includes three steps:

1. Decide to give thanks

Make a deliberate choice to look for one gift, even when your emotions are unsettled. This is not pretending. It is directing your attention.

2. Feel gratitude for a specific gift

Name the particular person, moment, provision, or strength that you recognize. Avoid vague language when possible.

3. Show appreciation

Respond through prayer, a message, a kind word, practical help, or an act of worship. Gratitude becomes more lasting when it takes visible form.

This framework can be practiced privately or in community. In a small group, one person’s expression of thanks may remind another person of a forgotten gift. A story about daily provision may strengthen someone facing fear.

Shared gratitude does not remove problems, but it gives people a faithful way to respond together.

Building a Thankful Mind Through Repetition

A lasting practice usually requires consistency.

The 70-day gratitude approach is designed to provide enough time for repeated practice. Researcher Philippa Lally at University College London found that new habits took an average of 66 days to become automatic. A 70-day period covers that average timeframe with a small additional margin.

The practice can also include repeated 21-day periods. Happiness researcher Shawn Achor reported that gratitude journaling for 21 days increases optimism and happiness. A 70-day period allows for three such cycles, with additional days continuing the practice.

The central framework remains simple:

• Decide to give thanks.
• Feel gratitude for something specific.
• Show appreciation through action.

Consistency matters because habit formation involves repeated patterns. UCLA Health published information in 2025 describing how forming new habits involves creating new neural pathways through consistent repetition over time.

The goal is not to manufacture positive feelings on demand. It is to retrain your attention so that ordinary gifts become visible again.

Begin With One Overlooked Blessing

You do not need to begin with a long list or a dramatic spiritual experience.

Start with one blessing you nearly missed today.

It might be:

• A meal you ate quickly
• A safe drive home
• A warm drink
• A friend’s message
• The ability to rest
• Strength for one more task
• A quiet moment
• The chance to begin again

Then move through the three parts of wholehearted gratitude. Decide to notice it, allow yourself to feel thankful, and express appreciation in some way.

Gratitude for simple things is not denial. It is a decision to notice God’s care in ordinary moments. You can grieve and give thanks. You can face uncertainty and still pray. You can acknowledge hardship while recognizing that hardship does not contain the entire story.

Your heart can be retrained. Begin by noticing the gift that is already in front of you.

Learn more about the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge - Start today https://revtrev.link/thanks

How to FIND Out What Pleases the Lord

​Discover practical steps to understand what pleases the Lord. Learn how to align your life with God’s will for deeper spiritual growth and fulfillment.

​Are you searching for ways to discover what truly pleases the Lord? In this message, we’ll explore biblical principles and practical steps to help you align your life with God’s will. Whether you’re new in faith or seeking deeper spiritual growth, you’ll find helpful insights and encouragement. Listen now to learn how to walk more closely with God and live a life that honours Him!

Trevor Lund is an encourager, writer, and authorpreneur dedicated to helping people discover peace, joy, and hope in all circumstances. He encourages others through his blog, podcast, and live casts at revtrev.com, shares his writing at trevorlund.com, and teaches in Live LIGHT Academy at livelight.ca.

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Read How to FIND Our What Pleases the Lord

​Today I thought it would be good for us to see what Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. I think it’s the most important thing to understand if we are to align with the Kingdom.

You see there have both historical misunderstandings about the Kingdom and practical misunderstandings of the Kingdom that can still easily crop up today when we don’t have a clear understanding of the Kingdom.

How are we supposed to Align with the Kingdom if we don’t understand what the Kingdom is?

Don’t worry, there is so much Jesus taught about the Kingdom—and I’ll try to touch on it today. I will distill it to a single statement so you know what the Kingdom is and give you a tool to align with the Kingdom of God in the day to day of your everyday.

Let’s start with a portion of scripture that tells you everything I want to tell you today.

Colossians 1:9-14 (NLT) So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Before we go further, can I pray?

I’m going to start with a story. I wrote this story 26 years ago—at the beginning of this millennium—that is to say—some of the jokes haven’t aged well.

But I wrote story because I was studying about what Jesus taught on the Kingdom and noticed that Jesus mainly taught on the Kingdom through parables and practice. And I thought the best way to explain every parable would have to be in a story. I did up this video about 15 years later.

The Mystery of the Kingdom

See the Book

I began by saying there have been both historical misunderstandings about the Kingdom and practical misunderstandings of the Kingdom that can still easily crop up today when we don’t have a clear understanding of the Kingdom. Let’s look at the historical misunderstandings first.

Historical Misunderstandings

1. Historically Misunderstood - Political/Military Expectations

Ancient Jews: Many expected the Messiah to establish a political kingdom, overthrowing Roman rule and restoring Israel’s national glory.

Result: When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom, some disciples imagined earthly power and conquest (see Acts 1:6).

Acts 1:3-8 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Kingdom of God is not politically or militarily established.

2. Historically Misunderstood - Geographic/Physical Location

Early Christians & Later Movements: Some believed the Kingdom of God was a specific place on earth, such as Jerusalem, or would be established through physical territory.

But Jesus specifically said, “You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already within you.” Luke 17:21

The Kingdom of God is not a physical or geographical location.

3. Historically Misunderstood - Institutional Church as the Kingdom

- Medieval Christianity: The Catholic Church, especially during the Middle Ages, sometimes equated itself directly with the Kingdom of God, implying membership in the institution = citizenship in the Kingdom.

But Jesus said, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18

This is a poor translation. Gates are not something that come against us. Gates are what we come against and tear down. The gates of hell cannot stand against the church advancing the kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is not the church. The church is not the Kingdom.

4. Historically Misunderstood - End Times Only

Apocalyptic Movements: Some groups have taught that the Kingdom is entirely future—something that arrives only with the Second Coming, ignoring its present reality.

Jesus sent out his twelve and told them “As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

The Kingdom of God is not only for the future. It’s for the here and now.

And it’s not just historical misunderstandings. There are practical misunderstandings of the kingdom today…

Practical Misunderstandings Today

1. Practical Misunderstandings The Kingdom = Moral or Social Program

Many view the Kingdom of God as simply living a good life, helping others, or supporting social justice causes—reducing it to ethical behaviour, not divine reign.

Is the Kingdom just doing good works?

No. We do good works so that people will see those good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

2. Practical Misunderstandings The Kingdom = Personal Success/Prosperity

Some interpret the Kingdom as personal blessing or prosperity—assuming that following God guarantees material wealth or health.

Does the Kingdom assure personal success or prosperity?

No! Jesus has promised that in this world you will have trouble. But take heart because He’s overcome the world. Name that and claim that.

3. Practical Misunderstandings The Kingdom = Church Activities

People often think attending church or participating in religious rituals equates to advancing or entering the Kingdom.

Aren’t church activities automatically kingdom activities?

No! The church and its activities is NOT the Kingdom…the church should extend the Kingdom of God, but never replace the Kingdom of God.

4. Practical Misunderstandings The Kingdom = Private Spiritual Experience

Others see it only as an inward, private spiritual feeling rather than something with public, communal, and transformative aspects.

Is the Kingdom my personal experience?

No! Your personal experience should be part of the Kingdom, but please don’t think the kingdom is the sum of your experience.

What Does Scripture Actually Teach?

The Kingdom is God’s active reign—present wherever God’s will is done (Luke 17:21).

You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already within you. Luke 17:21

The Kingdom is wherever the King’s will is done.

Isn’t God’s will always done?

IF God’s will is always done, why did Jesus teach us to pray your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10?

In Heaven His will is done perfectly. On Earth He works through His people, empowered by His Spirit.

The Kingdom is wherever the King’s will is done.

What to know how I know The Kingdom is NOT the Church…The Kingdom is wherever the King’s will is done.

Look at how Jesus sums up the Sermon on the mount…

Matthew 7:21-23 21 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” 23 Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

We need to know his will and do his will to align with His Kingdom. The Kingdom is wherever the King’s will is done.

What is His will?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.

I’ve found three places in the new testament that tell us explicitly what God’s will is for us.

1. God’s will is for you to be Holy…

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 “Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor— not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. Never harm or cheat a fellow believer in this matter by violating his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.”

Your role: Be holy. 1 Thessalonians 4:3

God’s role: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13

2. God’s will is for you to live honourable lives…

1 Peter 2:13-17 “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honour those who do right. It is God’s will that your honourable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.”

Your role: Live honourable lives

God’s role: His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

3. God’s will is for you to always be joyful, never stop praying and be thankful in all circumstances….

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Your role: always be joyful, never stop praying and always be thankful

God’s role: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

How do you trust in God? You never stop praying. You never stop thanking.

Now. These are big picture keys to how we live our lives in the will of God.

Be Holy.
Live Honourable.
Always be joyful, never stop praying and always be thankful.

When we do these things we are in the will of God.

Remember the Kingdom is wherever God’s will is done.

He helps us live in His will. He empowers us to live in His Kingdom.

But you were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. You were designed for intimate relationship with Him. It’s not that you have this list of things to check off that allows you to live in His Kingdom. It’s the result of you being the Kingdom that allows you to live this way.

We can find out what pleases the Lord.

Ephesians 5:8-10 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

FIND Out What Pleases the Lord Tool

F - Follow Holy Spirit’s Leading

I - Imitate what Jesus did

N - Never forget to walk in wisdom

D - Don’t assume you’ve fully grasped the Kingdom

F- Follow Holy Spirt’s Leading

It seemed good to us and Holy Spirit Acts 15:28

I’ve given you the three places in Scripture we’re explicitly told what God’s will is. The rest you need Holy Spirit’s leading. This verse in Acts is from a letter the Elders of the Church in Jerusalem wrote to gentile converts. And it’s significant that James wrote “to us and Holy Spirit” and not “me and Holy Spirit”. We need to get back to communal discernment of what Holy Spirit is saying to us.

Remember: The Kingdom is within you.

Luke 17:20-21 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

Does it seem good to us and Holy Spirit?

I - Imitate What Jesus Did

Jesus only said what He heard the Father say (John 12:49-50; John 14:10). Jesus only did what He saw the Father do (John 5:19).

Do you have that intimacy with the Father?

The Father’s purpose is to make you more and more like the Son. Romans 8:29

Remember: The Kingdom is not a matter of talk but of power.

1 Corinthians 4:20 — For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Do I want that intimate relationship with the Father?

N - Never Forget to walk in wisdom

What wisdom looks like….

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.

Remember: The Kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17 — “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Am I walking in wisdom as God defines it?

D - Don’t assume you’ve fully grasped the Kingdom

Every Kingdom Practice is counterintutive to this life.

What do I mean?

In this life, I eat and get filled. Makes sense right?

In the Kingdom more I eat this word, the more hungry I become for his word. The more I pray, the easier it is to always pray. The more I get encouraged by others, the more I can encourage others. The more I feel joy, the more joyful I become. The more I obey, the more I want to obey.

But the reverse is also true.

The less I practice the Kingdom, the less I feel like practicing the Kingdom. The less I read my Bible, the less I want to read my Bible. The less I pray, the harder it is to pray. The less I time I spent in real relationship, the less I want to work on real relationship. The less real joy I feel, the less I naturally feel happy. The less I obey, the less I want to obey.

If you think you’ve fully grasped the Kingdom you need to know you’ve missed it.

Remember: The Kingdom is like a mustard seed that grows a large tree or a little yeast that permeates the entire dough. (Matthew 13:31-33)

Am I am growing more hungry for God or less hungry for Him?

FIND out what pleases the Lord.

F - Follow Holy Spirit’s Leading

I - Imitate what Jesus did

N - Never forget to walk in wisdom

D - Don’t assume you’ve fully grasped the Kingdom

Conclusion

Jesus told another parable about entering His Kingdom.

Matthew 25:34-46 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

We’re part of the Kingdom when we obey the king.

You know God’s will by doing God’s will. The Kingdom is wherever God’s will is done.

I want you leave you with a blessing, with my most recent “most favourite new vere”

Closing prayer…

Colossians 1:9-14 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask

{May} God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Gratitude Challenge Day 42 - Practicing Thanks

​Boost your happiness by joining Day 42 of the Gratitude Challenge! Practice daily thanks and transform your mindset with simple, positive habits.

Welcome to Gratitude Challenge Day 42! In today’s video, we focus on practicing thanks and embracing simple habits to boost happiness and transform your mindset. Whether you’re new or continuing your journey, this challenge will help you cultivate positivity and personal growth. Like, subscribe, and join us for daily inspiration!

I’m Trevor Lund, the Creative Storyteller at https://revtrev.com, the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and your host inside the Live LIGHT Cascade Chalet http://revtrev.link/chalet

Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.

Also for every day for 70 days I’m going to live cast podcast and blog. If you want to catch me live, go to https://revtrev.com/tv and subscribe and set notifications to catch me live on YouTube or https://revtrev.com/fb and like and set notification to catch me live on FB or follow on X at https://revtrev.com/x and be notified there.Catch the podcast at https://revtrev.com/radio and the blog at https://revtrev.com/blog Or learn more about about the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge at https://revtrev.link/thanks

Listen to Gratitude Challenge Day 42 - Practicing Thanks

Listen to more episodes and subscribe where you listen to podcasts ~ https://revtrev.com/radio

Watch the replay of Gratitude Challenge Day 42 - Practicing Thanks

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Read Gratitude Challenge Day 42 - Practicing Thanks

Gratitude Challenge Day 42 – Practicing Thanks

Are you ready to transform your outlook and deepen your faith? Welcome to Day 42 of our gratitude challenge! If you’ve made it this far, you know that practicing gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s a powerful spiritual discipline. Today, let’s focus on the simple yet profound act of practicing thanks—and discover how it can bring you closer to God and others.

Why a Gratitude Challenge Matters

The Bible often calls us to give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says,

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

A gratitude challenge helps us obey this command. By intentionally looking for reasons to be thankful, we train our hearts and minds to recognize God’s blessings—even in difficult seasons.

Related Benefits

• Improved relationships: Expressing gratitude strengthens bonds.
• Greater contentment: Thankfulness shifts focus from what’s missing to what’s present.
• Spiritual growth: Repeatedly thanking God fosters trust and reliance on Him.

Practicing Thanks: Simple Ways to Engage

You might wonder, How do I actually practice thanks every day? Here are some practical ideas:

1. Start a Gratitude Journal

Take five minutes to jot down three things you’re thankful for each morning or evening. Over time, you’ll notice even small blessings:

• A kind word from a friend
• Food on the table
• Quiet time with God

2. Pray with Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6 reminds us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Make it a habit to thank God before asking for anything. A simple prayer could be:

“Lord, thank You for Your mercy and love today.”

3. Share Your Gratitude

Tell someone why you appreciate them. A text, call, or note can brighten their day and remind you both of God’s goodness.

Common Questions About the Gratitude Challenge

Q: What if I don’t feel thankful?
A: Feelings can come and go. Practicing thanks is about choosing gratitude regardless of circumstances.

Q: Is it okay to thank God for little things?
A: Absolutely! James 1:17 tells us every good gift comes from God.

Q: How can families do this together?
A: Try sharing something you’re grateful for at dinner or during bedtime prayers.

Going Deeper: Gratitude as Worship

When we thank God, we’re not only recognizing His gifts—we’re worshipping Him. Psalm 107:1 says,

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”

Gratitude reminds us of God’s character. Each thankful thought is an act of worship.

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Practicing thanks on Day 42 of the gratitude challenge is more than a habit—it’s a way to draw near to God and reflect His love. Remember:

• Keep it simple
• Be consistent
• Involve others

How has practicing gratitude changed your outlook? Share your insights in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, share, or subscribe for more encouragement as we continue this journey together.

Blessings on your gratitude journey!

Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question

What are some ways to feel joy through gratitude?

Feeling joy through gratitude has strong support in both spiritual teachings and scientific research. Here are some practical ways to cultivate joy through gratitude, along with relevant Bible verses and studies.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Joy Through Gratitude

• Keep a Gratitude Journal
  Write down things you are thankful for each day. This practice helps shift focus from negativity to positivity.
• Express Gratitude to Others
  Tell someone why you appreciate them. This strengthens relationships and enhances feelings of joy.
• Practice Mindfulness
  Take time to reflect on your blessings. Mindfulness can deepen your appreciation for the present moment.
• Create a Gratitude Jar
  Write notes of gratitude and place them in a jar. Revisit these notes when you need a reminder of the good in your life.
• Incorporate Gratitude in Prayer
  Spend time in prayer thanking God for specific blessings. This reinforces your sense of joy and connection.

Bible Verses on Gratitude and Joy

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Philippians 4:6-7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Research Studies Linking Gratitude and Joy

1. Study on Gratitude and Well-Being
   A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants who kept gratitude journals reported higher levels of positive emotions and greater overall life satisfaction.
   Link to Study
2. Gratitude Interventions
   Research in Psychological Science revealed that gratitude interventions can significantly increase happiness. Participants who practiced gratitude showed improved mood and emotional well-being.
   Link to Study
3. Long-term Effects of Gratitude
   A long-term study published in Health Psychology demonstrated that individuals who regularly practiced gratitude experienced lower levels of depression and enhanced subjective well-being over time.
   Link to Study

My Suspected Connection

Gratitude helps us grasp grace. Understanding God’s grace for us leads to greater trust. The God of hope fills us with all peace and joy AS WE TRUST IN Him so that we overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit!

How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge

Looking to deepen your gratitude practice and see real changes in your daily outlook? The Live LIGHT Gratitude Journal - Printable is designed to guide you through 70 days of morning and evening prompts, helping you focus on thankfulness and positivity. Track your progress, reflect on milestones, and use the built-in mood tracker to monitor your growth. Whether you join the Course + Community + Clarity for full access or purchase the journal separately, this powerful tool makes it easy to build a lasting gratitude habit—anytime, anywhere. Get your copy today at https://revtrev.link/thanks and start experiencing the benefits of gratitude in your life! Get just the Printable Journal here: https://livelight.ca/b/yNoct

Next Steps

Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.