Dear Church Families,
We are now entering into the season of Thanksgiving this month of November. I love this time of year. It’s a time of reflection…a time to remember all of God’s blessings to us. Now, granted, we should be thankful at all times, but Thanksgiving brings the reality of blessing to the forefront.
As I read through the Psalms, I am amazed at how giving thanks to God is almost as natural as breathing to the writers. Let me quote one for you. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.” In this verse, we see a summons to thanksgiving and praise because of God’s goodness and faithfulness. In verse 5 we read, “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. Isn’t that beautiful? The Apostle Paul tells us in I Thessalonians 5:18 to “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The first Sunday of this month, I begin my short series on “Giving Thanks.” Did you know that a thankful heart is a great tool in combating stress, worry and frustration in our lives? You see, when we are thankful to the Lord, it takes our minds off our circumstances and places our attention where it should be…on Him. J That’s where He wants us to be, in the realm of praise, worship and thanksgiving! Paul also exhorts us in Philippians 4:6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” When you go to the Lord in prayer, go in an attitude of thanksgiving and worship. You will find the presence of the Lord more real than you ever thought when you approach Him in gratitude for all He is and all He has done. We are to be a thankful people! Ask God to create within you the Attitude of Gratitude! Amen!
There is much happening at our churches this holiday season. This coming Sunday is All Saints Day. We will be setting aside a time for you to remember loved ones in our worship services. Nov. 15th is Membership Sunday to receive any new members. On Wed. Nov. 25th at 7:00 p.m., we will be having a Community Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at the Mora United Methodist Church. Everyone is invited to come and bring a friend! Sunday, Nov. 29th is the first Sunday in Advent. I will be beginning a new Christmas Sermon Series….details to come. You won’t want to miss any Sundays!
May the Lord richly bless you this month as we continue to seek the Lord, hear His Word and love each other! Amen! As always, if I can be of any help to anyone, please call me at any time. I am here to serve you and count it an honor.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Rob