Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Gratitude

Letters to a Young Pastor: Giving Thanks

November 25, 2015 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Giving Thanks

Dear ______: I’m sending this a bit early since I know you are heading out for the Thanksgiving break. I wanted to be sure it reaches you, especially since I know you are having a hard time just now. Holiday gatherings can amplify those feelings (imagine how ambivalent the poor turkey is), but I hope there is also […]

Filed Under: Bible, Ministry Tagged With: Give thanks, Gratitude, Letters to a Young Pastor, Psalm 136, Thanksgiving

Gratitude, Priority One (Heidelberg Catechism Q94)

December 19, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Advent is a season of preparation for Christ’s coming. What better time for a little reflection on faith and life. If we were Puritans or Catholics in the Jesuit tradition we might call it “self-examination.” Me, I’m just a 21st Century Presbyterian with a penchant for blogging on the Heidelberg Catechism–that 16th century summary of Biblical […]

Filed Under: Bible, Heidelberg Catechism, Theology, Uncategorized Tagged With: First Commandment, Gratitude, No other gods

From Gratitude to Obedience: Can We Get There from Here?

November 24, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard the joke about the fellow who asked for directions only to be told “Sorry. You can’t get there from here.” In the Reformed tradition we think gratitude leads us to obey God’s expressed will. But as a comment in last week’s post on the life of gratitude asked “…it seems like a stretch to […]

Filed Under: Bible, Theology Tagged With: Gratitude, Ten Commandments, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Westminister Larger Catechism

What Does The Life of Gratitude Look Like? (Heidelberg Catechism, Q93)

November 21, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is coming next week! I love having a day that almost requires me to say “Thank you!” to God and to people around me. I want my whole life to focus on giving thanks. What does a thankful life look like? If you have been here before you know that I often post about […]

Filed Under: Bible, Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Decalogue, Gratitude, Ten Commandments, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Two Tables, Two Tablets

The 10 Best Pieces of Advice You’ll Get Today! (Heidelberg Catechism, Q92)

November 13, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

A long time ago I heard a speaker (I think it was Steve Hayner) quote a big survey of college students. Most agreed that the Ten Commandments were very important as a guide to life and ethics. Most could not remember just exactly what all ten commandments were. Oops. I was writing earlier this week about […]

Filed Under: Bible, Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Gratitude, Guilt grace and gratitude, Ten Best Ways to Live, Ten Commandments, Third use of the Law, Young Children and Worship

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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