From the Pastor
It is finally fall! That should mean cooler weather, shorter days, and changing leaves (of course living in west Texas we know not to get our hopes up too soon for those things). It also means turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie (at least for me). It is a time to gather with our families and friends and celebrate what we are thankful for from the past year.
The act of giving thanks helps us to remember the blessings we have, both seen and unseen. It allows us to recognize the ways that God has looked out for us, has taken care of us, and has shown us grace. It helps to know that even when we are facing difficulty, God has been there with us through it all. That is part of the power of gratitude.
The Apostle Paul went through a great deal of hardships in his life. He was shipwrecked, arrested, imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and faced other threats of violence. He was ultimately arrested, taken to Rome to present his case to the emperor, and eventually put to death. Paul’s life as a missionary, pastor, and church planter was not an easy life. But through all of it Paul gave thanks, even in the face of death.
For Paul, it was all worth it to be serving the Risen Christ. In Philippians 4 he addresses the church, thanking them for the help and support they have given him. He writes of his gratitude for their concern and the help they have given him. He wants them to know that he “was never in need, for he had learned how to be content with whatever he had. He knew how to live on almost nothing or with everything. He had learned the secret of living in almost every situation, whether it was with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For he can do all things through Christ, who gives him strength” (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT with a slight paraphrase).
So, as we move toward the Thanksgiving season and Advent, may we be encouraged in our giving thanks for all that God has done, for the people who have impacted our lives, and for all that God is still planning to do in us and through us as we follow Jesus. “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NLT).
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Blake
Image by Petra Boekhoff from Pixabay.
