Pastor's Ponderings: November 25, 2013

Thanksgiving!

For many, 2013 has been a challenging year. Massive violence, terrorism and natural disasters seem to be at an all time high with the most recent death of thousands from Typhoon Haiyan. You may have felt like you survived your own personal typhoon or are living through one right now. Despite these challenges, this holiday helps us to pause and reflect on how good God has been to us. Things could have been much worse or we could have given up in the process but God has carried us and continues to carry us through. The late gospel artist, Walter Hawkins, wrote “…but as for me, all I can say is thank you Lord, for all you've done for me.”

Sadly, many are not thankful for their life.  They feel they should have had better breaks, more opportunities, and fewer challenges.  It is true that in comparison to others, one may feel shortchanged, but celebrated author, Wally Lamb, wrote, “I cried because I had no shoes. Then I met a man who had no feet.”

In the Bible, David knew a lot about thanksgiving.  He went from a being boy who was isolated with the sheep to an adored King of God’s people (1 Chronicles 11:3).  He experienced tragedy and triumph, sadness and satisfaction, defeat and daring feats, but he thanked God for all He had done for him.  He lived a life of thanksgiving.

This week let us think about all God has done for us. Reflect on the challenges that made us stronger, the unexpected blessings, the close calls that were nothing short of a miracle, and the promise of his everlasting presence.

Please comment below (Click "Comments"), and share what you are thankful for so that others can thank God with you.

1 Chronicles 16:34

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.

Psalm 100:4 

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Ephesians 5:20 New International Version (NIV)

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.