Be Thankful!

Do you find recent calendar events ironic leading up to Thanksgiving?

Here me out. At the end of October, there was Halloween, when people dressed up to be what they are not, and we rewarded them with sugary treats. Then we had an election a few weeks ago, and our country was in the throes of anxiety about who would be president. And now, we enter into a time of Thanksgiving. How can we be thankful when there are so many shaky things around us, not to mention the international wars and political tensions and transitions or the things we face personally?

If you’d like to a refresher on ways to praise, I would like to refer you to our recent look at seven key Hebrew words that teach us what praise is all about.

There’s a Bible passage that takes all of the guesswork out of the question. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 says:

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings.”

We have a God Who is worthy to be praised no matter how the circumstances may appear. His plan is in motion, and it will be accomplished, so it’s good for us to be a part of it by rejoicing, giving thanks, listening to His Spirit, and loving the Truth of His Word.

I invite you to give thanks! We have two great opportunities I hope you’ll take advantage of.

First, Sunday morning at 10:30, we’ll see a host of people the Apostle Paul expressed thanks for, and I plan to use this as an opportunity to express thanks to our own church family!

Each week, we’re looking through the letter Paul wrote to the church assembling in the city of Rome as he builds their faith and encourages them.

Second, Sunday night at 6:00, we will have a special “World of Praise” service, where we will share the stories of fellow believers and missionaries and what your investments and prayers in their lives has meant for the Gospel of Christ.

Following the service, we’ll have a pie fellowship! Yum!

Finally, let me say that I am thankful for you!

I look forward to giving thanks with you Sunday and everyday!

Blessings,
Dennis Schaffer, Pastor