Greetings in the Name of Jesus! Trusting all had a wonderful day yesterday as we celebrated Thanksgiving. Thank you to all that came out on Wednesday Night as we publically thanked the Lord for His faithfulness throughout 2017. As the scripture says, "it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord" Psalm 92:1. I am certain He was pleased with our words and sentiments of praise and thanksgiving for His wonderful goodness and faithfulness in each of our lives.
Just a quick word to encourage you to cultivate in your heart and words and spirit an attitude of thanksgiving, especially as this year begins to wind down, and the New Year becomes nearer and nearer. Christians throughout the ages have been distinguished and set a part from non believers as a people that give thanks and praise to Almighty God, despite their circumstances. As we shared on Wednesday Night, throughout the Bible, Gods people are instructed to always give thanks. A quick review:
*Psalm 9:1-2 "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High." NLT
*Psalm 92:1 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening" NLT
*2 Chronicles 5:13-14 "The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: 'He is good! His faithful love endures forever!' At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God." NLT
*1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." NLT
*Ephesians 5:18-20 "Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." NLT
*Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father." NLT
So, a very Happy Thanksgiving to you! Prepare your heart for a tremendous reason why we must be thankful...the celebration of the Birth of Jesus! Yes, "Emmanuel, God with us"(Matthew 1:22) has appeared and remains with us now. God is good! Rejoice and be thankful always!
See you this Sunday as we continue Mission's emphasis month. Thank you so much for the many pledge cards that were returned on Sunday. Please pray for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit during each morning and evening service. I am certain, He has something good in store for us!
See YOU this weekend!
All For Jesus!
Pastor Rick and Pamela
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Revelation 12:11 NKJV
