November 1st, 2016

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

As I’m sitting and pondering what I can say for the newsletter it came clear to me what Jeremiah said in the above verse God’s “compassions never fail.” They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. It is dreary and cold outside but in my heart there is “SONshine,” because of what Jesus did for me on the cross.

I’m reminded of a story I heard of two friends who bumped into one another. One of them looked sad, almost on the verge of tears. His friend asked “what has the world done to you?” The sad fellow said, “Let me tell you, three weeks ago my uncle died and left me $40,000.00. Two weeks ago, a cousin I never knew died and left me $85,000.00 free and clear.

The friend interjected, it seems like you have been greatly blessed. But the sad fellow said, “You don’t understand, last week my great aunt passed away and left me $250,000.00. But, the friend said, “Why are you still looking so glum and sad.” The sad friend announced, “But this week I have not received anything.”

Trouble with receiving something on a regular basis, we eventually come to expect it. We have gradually fallen into an “entitlement mentality” in our Christian life. We have been blessed so much that we become complacent and are not willing to give thanks for anything we receive from God.

“Attitude is everything.” Well it is no different when it comes to Thanksgiving. The attitude we carry with us through life is of great importance. We are to truly live lives that show gratitude toward God for His many blessings in our lives.

It may be gray and cold in my world this morning, but I need to learn to give thanks to the life HE has given me.

Jesus is an amazing example. In Matthew 15:36, “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.” Jesus gave thanks before HE fed the five thousand in Luke 22:14-20. He gave thanks for the Calvary and cross twice, which was going to bring pain and suffering to Him, but life for us.

John 11:41 says, “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” Jesus gave thanks for answered prayer. Let us focus this year on what we have and improve our attitudes and give thanks to Him. Some suggestions to give thanks:

A: Be thankful when we make mistakes, they will teach us valuable lessons.
B: Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build strength and character.
C: Be thankful for limitations because they give us opportunities for improvement.
D: Be thankful for difficult times, during those days we grow.
E: Be thankful when we are tired because it means we are making a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for good things, but a life time of fulfillment can come to those who are thankful for setbacks and hardships can become blessings in time.

This year, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, may we each see God for who HE really is and see ourselves as who we really are; people who have been blessed beyond measure and people who need to give thanks to the giver of all good gifts. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

In Christ’s steps,

Pastor Shaker

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