Friday, November 28, 2008

Great Deals

Everyone loves a great deal. Many people rise early in the morning on the day after Thanksgiving with the thought of finding a good deal. Some wait in line's for hours in the wee hours of the morning just to be one of the first people in the store to get a "great deal." It is amusing to watch the evening news the day after thanksgiving as they show the video clips of people rushing into the store as the doors open early. By nature, most of us love a great deal. It is just a part of who we are.

Think about the great deal God the Father offers us. He offers freedom to those who are bond. He offers peace to the troubled heart. Joy to the saddened. Forgiveness for the guilty. Strength for the weak. He offers eternal life. This is the deal of a life-time. I am grateful I found this great deal, or should I say, He found me.

This is today,

Pastor Gary

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is a great holiday. A time when all of us take the time to think upon the blessings we all have. As Christians, we have a lot to be thankful for. Family, friends, health, life, work, salvation, forgiveness, mercy, and the list can go on and on. I am reminded what Paul said to the Church at Thessalonica, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

"In everything," that is, all things, in every circumstance give thanks. In all situations, yes, the bad and the good, give thanks! Lord, help us, that is me, learn to live with a heart of gratefulness. Help us to see your hand in all things that come our way. We can give thanks because your promise is, "and all things work together for good" for every believer. What a great promise!

May thanksgiving simply not be a holiday, may it be a way of living for each of us. Jesus, when I am tempted to grumble help me to be reminded that you have called me and placed your hand upon me. When I am tempted to focus only on the negative, help me to refocus my attention on the good. For you are good and your mercies are new every morning and great is your faithfulness.

Take the time today to list a few things you are thankful for and tell someone about it. Express your thankfulness!

This is today,

Pastor Gary