Letter from the Pastor November 2017

Giving Thanks

These song lyrics come to my mind especially during the thanksgiving season, “Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the holy One. Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his son.” There are so many scriptures that speak to giving thanks to God…

Psalm 9:1

Psalm 28:7

1 Corinthians 1:4-5

2 Corinthians 9:11-12

Colossians 3:16-17

Philippians 4:6-7

Well there are many others, but let me pause with Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

I have seen the daily encouragements and challenges people present to post/write one thing you are grateful for everyday. Then think that this is a nice idea, but it can be done mentally, no need for posting or writing down. Unfortunately, by the end of the day I consider all of the conversations that could have gone better, events that did not live up to expectations or missed opportunities. The negative has overwhelmed the positive and thanksgivings.

So, friends, I suggest that you join me in November to actually write down one instance each day of thanksgiving. Then offer thanksgiving to God for the gift. We can then gather our thanksgivings weekly on post-it notes on the windows at the back of the sanctuary as a visual prayer of thanksgiving. GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART.