Lighthouse Keeper

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

I was very excited to see an announcement on Instagram for the Bethel Sydney launch and guest speakers including Bill Johnson.

Straight away, I emailed the church plant to confirm that yes, he is coming in person (and not on a video link) around Valentine’s Day 2026. So I’ve booked my flight because it will be nice to see him minister in the flesh. Don’t worry, it’s not pastor worship just honouring someone who has made a real contribution to the global Body of Christ and my own personal life. 

There are many teachings of his that I love but I’ve pulled out the “will of God” one which always comes in useful and certainly gives me a regular wake up. As Christians we can spend A LOT OF TIME trying to figure out the will of God for our lives. 1 Thessalonians 5 keeps it nice and simple: 

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Paul uses the Greek word chairó (χαίρω) to be cheerful, glad or delighted. It goes a bit deeper into a sense of deep gratitude for God’s grace. So if you don’t know what to do with your short days on earth, get cheerful! Get grateful and delighted and give thanks in all circumstances. A quick journey through the wilderness with Moses should have taught us by now that grumbling little Israelites don’t get to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14). Gratitude displays our trust and awareness of God’s divine leading, care, and love in our lives. 

Many times I have asked God what to do with my life and he has simply replied “sing me a new song” (Psalm 96). Rejoice. Give thanks.  We make it extremely complicated and are always brewing away at little God projects to try and earn God’s love. Warming our hearts up to receive the love of God is far more important than any offering we could possibly bring. Check out Bill Johnson’s teaching on YouTube, it will delight you in the Lord. And send up a prayer or two for the Bethel Sydney church plant +