Thanksgiving

In Everything Give Thanks

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

Most of us know that we need to be thankful in every situation. But maybe we try and fail sometimes because we forget that thankfulness that is only once piece of a big puzzle. Finding where it will fit in our lives includes reading what comes before the well known verse in Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Wow! That all sounds like a pretty tall order in 2020 as some of us are wondering if they’ll even let us sit down at the table with our own families. But God never intended to simply leave off a few instructions for us to do and then leave town. No Jesus is right here with us and we can begin rejoicing when we remember that he came. Then we can pray because He gave us His Holy Spirit who is teaching us how to pray every day. And now we can give thanks because no matter what…Jesus loves me this I know. For the Bible tells me so!!

I hope you like the video for this coming week. I break into the Christmas carol bin for Joy to the World. How Great Thou Art seemed appropriate as we remember God’s goodness even in what seems a horrible year and Jesus Loves Me is always my own go-to song whenever I am facing confusing or difficult times. I know He is always by my side and that no matter how old I get, I am still His child!! Be blessed. Have a great week-end everybody!

Taking Time to Be Thankful

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

We have time to eat turkey

And time to have pie

Time to watch football

And for shopping on line

But for the blessings of God

Will they have time to say “Thanks”

Or just time for politics

And a film with Tom Hanks?

But when Christ is the center

Of all that we say

Then we truly can celebrate

Our Thanksgiving Day!

Thanksgiving- A Doorway to Christmas

/ pastorpete51 / Leave a comment

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 KJV

“What’s the magic word?” My Mom asked as I reached for the brownie in her hand. My six year old brain whirled for a moment then a little light went on in my brain. “Thank you Mom” As young children most of our parents make an attempt to teach us please and thank you. But why does it really matter? Jesus thinks it does and on the day he healed ten lepers He showed us why.  P1030323

That morning Jesus met ten men afflicted with the terrible disease of leprosy. They all kept their distance and shouted, “Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us!”  Jesus agreed to heal them, but first He sent them to the priest for inspection as the law required. On their way towards the village the men saw that their leprous spots had disappeared. Nine rushed forward towards the priest but one man did what always put a smile on my mother’s face; He went back to say thank you – without being asked!

He decided that he could wait to see everyone else; but he couldn’t wait to see Jesus. Then for the first time that he was allowed to come close to anyone, He fell at Jesus’ feet to worship and give thanks. As you read this maybe you’re still up to your elbows in leftover turkey. But what better way is there to open the door to Christmas than a special day to say thank you?