Greetings in the Name of Our Lord and Savior
We are looking forward and preparing for the Holiday Season of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some of you will have family arriving and others will travel to where your families are. Gathering together for a time of fun, fellowship and maybe even watch some football. But let me ask this question, what are you really thankful for? The Bible tells us in Psalms 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.” There are all kinds of reminders that this is the season to be thankful. You will see this on Facebook, Twitter, the internet, the newspapers, hear it on the radio, TV, and see it in the stores. They challenge us to be thankful and share what we’re really thankful for. But do we really have that thankfulness in our heart? Do we live in such a way that expresses our gratitude for the blessings we receive in our lives every day?
With our busy lives we encounter the stresses of life in general, at work, at home, our families, our health and the list could go on and on. These things tend to take away our focus on what we really do have. However, in Ephesians 2:8 the Apostle Paul tells us it’s “By Grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” The gift God gave to us is His only begotten Son, Jesus to die on the Cross for you and me, for the remission of our sins. In James 1:17 James tells us “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights who does not change like the shifting shadows. The world is constantly changing with many “shifting shadows.” However, we can have the comfort of knowing that Our Father does not change, He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never leave or forsake us. You can’t help but be thankful for these promises and blessings from God.
The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Remember to Give God Thanks with a Grateful Heart. Take time to ask each other at the Thanksgiving Table what they are thankful for. On behalf of Carol, myself and our family, have a blessed Thanksgiving. We love and care about all of you and continue praying for you.
God Bless
In His Service
Pastor Doug