We often joke with and chide Pastor Bob about his strong dislike for chicken, and I suppose that includes turkey as well. But many of the rest of us are looking forward to a traditional Thanksgiving with family and friends -- enjoying turkey and dressing trims, including hot sauce on our collard greens! We are grateful that God has blessed most of us with a horn of plenty while unfortunately there are many less fortunate who are struggling. We hold them in prayer and extend a helping hand whenever we can. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 We should speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy and always show compassion & kindness. Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 14:31 We have MUCH for which to be thankful. Here are Editor Sarah’s suggestions for why:
Psalm 107:8-9: “Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
Many people are here on earth with no knowledge of their life purpose. God has a predestined purpose for our lives. We were born to be a blessing to others and to be part of God’s eternal kingdom and family. Our life on the planet prepares us for our future role in the Kingdom of God -- something that we should be thankful for. Having this hope and knowledge gives meaning to our lives.
Being thankful causes us to focus on how God can solve our problems. Focusing on your problems makes you anxious. On the other hand, thanking God for all the good things He has done gives us peace of mind. Further, when we are grateful, it is easier for us to worship God because thankfulness and praise are are intimately connected. We can’t praise God if we are not thankful. At the same time, we can’t be thankful to God without praising Him. We must be thankful and worship God at the same time.
Psalms 100:4: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
6. Be thankful because God is gracious.
We didn’t do anything to obtain God’s grace. It is not because of our works or goodness that earn us His love, grace, and mercy. God is gracious because it is His very nature, and for His grace we should be thankful.
2 Corinthians 4:15-16: “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”
7. Be thankful because God gave us a spiritual family.
As Christians, we have a spiritual family bonded by a common faith. Having this family of faith allows us to be stronger because of the support we get from each other. We love, learn, and grow together, so it is imperative that we be thankful for Pastors and our church family.
8. We must be thankful because it is good for us.
We need to be grateful not for others’ sake, but for ourselves. Having a thankful attitude allows us to be happier. Thanking God for everything, even the smallest things, sets off a natural response that ultimately leads us to a more peaceful, content, and blessed life.
Psalm 92:1-3: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to His name.
9. We must be thankful because of God’s blessings.
2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
While it is true that we might suffer or be plagued with a lot of bad things happening in our lives, we will never come to the point that we have nothing for which to thankful.
10. Be thankful because it helps us to appreciate what God already has done for us. When we are thankful, we have a better mindset needed to overcome life circumstances and various types of sin like jealousy and covetousness.
Being thankful allows us to concentrate on the things we have and not on the things we do not have.
Let us all learn to be more thankful and appreciate God’s love, mercy, and goodness in our lives. Let each of us have an attitude of gratitude and give God thanks!
- SARAH B
We often joke with and chide Pastor Bob about his strong dislike for chicken, and I suppose that includes turkey as well. But many of the rest of us are looking forward to a traditional Thanksgiving with family and friends -- enjoying turkey and dressing trims, including hot sauce on our collard greens! We are grateful that God has blessed most of us with a horn of plenty while unfortunately there are many less fortunate who are struggling. We hold them in prayer and extend a helping hand whenever we can. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 We should speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy and always show compassion & kindness. Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 14:31 We have MUCH for which to be thankful. Here are Editor Sarah’s suggestions for why:
- Be thankful because God is good and loving.
Psalm 107:8-9: “Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
- Be thankful because it is the will of God.
- Be thankful because we are called to be a part of
Many people are here on earth with no knowledge of their life purpose. God has a predestined purpose for our lives. We were born to be a blessing to others and to be part of God’s eternal kingdom and family. Our life on the planet prepares us for our future role in the Kingdom of God -- something that we should be thankful for. Having this hope and knowledge gives meaning to our lives.
- Be thankful because it helps us to be at peace.
- Be thankful for it helps us worship God.
Being thankful causes us to focus on how God can solve our problems. Focusing on your problems makes you anxious. On the other hand, thanking God for all the good things He has done gives us peace of mind. Further, when we are grateful, it is easier for us to worship God because thankfulness and praise are are intimately connected. We can’t praise God if we are not thankful. At the same time, we can’t be thankful to God without praising Him. We must be thankful and worship God at the same time.
Psalms 100:4: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,
do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
6. Be thankful because God is gracious.
We didn’t do anything to obtain God’s grace. It is not because of our works or goodness that earn us His love, grace, and mercy. God is gracious because it is His very nature, and for His grace we should be thankful.
2 Corinthians 4:15-16: “For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.”
7. Be thankful because God gave us a spiritual family.
As Christians, we have a spiritual family bonded by a common faith. Having this family of faith allows us to be stronger because of the support we get from each other. We love, learn, and grow together, so it is imperative that we be thankful for Pastors and our church family.
8. We must be thankful because it is good for us.
We need to be grateful not for others’ sake, but for ourselves. Having a thankful attitude allows us to be happier. Thanking God for everything, even the smallest things, sets off a natural response that ultimately leads us to a more peaceful, content, and blessed life.
Psalm 92:1-3: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to His name.
9. We must be thankful because of God’s blessings.
2 Corinthians 9:15: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
While it is true that we might suffer or be plagued with a lot of bad things happening in our lives, we will never come to the point that we have nothing for which to thankful.
10. Be thankful because it helps us to appreciate what God already has done for us. When we are thankful, we have a better mindset needed to overcome life circumstances and various types of sin like jealousy and covetousness.
Being thankful allows us to concentrate on the things we have and not on the things we do not have.
Let us all learn to be more thankful and appreciate God’s love, mercy, and goodness in our lives. Let each of us have an attitude of gratitude and give God thanks!
- SARAH B
Yay! Fall is here – what a reprieve from our sweltering hot summer! Are you happy and praising God for seasons!? Indeed you should!
“WHO ARE YOU?” Do You Know Who You Are?
If you have not yet seen the powerful “Overcomer” movie, which began showing in Bakersfield theaters in August, Editor Sarah B highly recommends it. You will be teary eyed and blessed! The film reminds me of Minister Matthew’s memorable sermon where he played for our congregation a clip from the War Room movie, which gave a commanding pump to his sermon.
Minister Matthew has power behind his words and prayer and is an enjoyable role model for our youth, who are our future leaders in church and otherwise.
Life is fragile, handle with prayer!
Engage in Right Thinking …
6“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Meditate On These Things
8“Whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there are any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Phil 4:6, 8
Life is a journey; enjoy every mile.
Tomorrow’s Forecast: God Reigns and the Son Shines!
As we enter spring season, let us spring up with God and into a closer relationship with Christ Jesus while letting the SON shine in our lives. When born again, all things become new and you grow in the Word of God – especially if you consistently read God’s B.I.B.L.E. – basic instructions before leaving earth. Definitely Spring Forward with the Lord so you won’t Fall Back into sin. As for spring cleaning, let Jesus clean – Acts 22:16, and if life is raining on you, spring forward and get under God’s umbrella.
Spring is a time when things bloom and grow – just like each of us, the Lord’s people, should be doing. Spring is an ideal time to get outdoors more to spread love, to plant lovely flowers, and to enjoy God’s beautiful creation – through which His glory shines. Let God’s glory shine in YOU!