Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here. Last year at New Life, we focused on 30 Days of Thanksgiving and prayed that God would give us a new attitude of gratitude. For me, it really worked! Last year in November, I decided to stop waiting for my circumstances to change so that I could be thankful. Instead, I made a faith decision based in trust -- I decided to thank God for all the good things in my life and trust him with the situations which leave me discouraged or confused!

In 2014, we have been declaring Isaiah 43:18-19 which says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

In response, God has provided a building and given us opportunities to build new programs and ministries. In November, we will be celebrating with a Dedication Sunday on November 23rd and a Sunday of Vision on November 30th. We continue to believe that God is wanting to double everything at New Life -- double anointing of God's Spirit, double our time spent in prayer, double the finances of the church, double the families, and double the ministries which serve the community.

New Life is a blessing to many.  In November we will be sharing stories of thankfulness for God's grace and provision in our lives.  I invite you to share your testimony or participate in our Parade of Thanksgiving on November 23rd.

The Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).  So let's praise Him together and invite His presence into our lives.

30 Days of Thanksgiving - gratefulness and contentment

Some people are too quickly satisfied with God's blessings, others are never satisfied with God's blessings.  I came across two humorous stories about gratefulness and contentment that might make you laugh.  Michael Hodgin shares them in a book entitled, 1001 Humorous Illustrations.  The first story goes something like this --- A food editor of the local newspaper received a telephone call from a woman inquiring how long to cook a 22-pound turkey.  'Just a minute,' said the food editor.  'Thank you very much,' replied the novice cook, and hung up!    The second story follows ---  In a region of Mexico hot and cold springs are found side by side. Because of the convenience of this natural phenomenon the women often bring their laundry, boil their clothes in the hot spring and then rinse them in the cold spring. A tourist watching this procedure commented to his Mexican guide, 'They must think mother nature is generous to freely supply such ample clean hot and cold water.' The guide replied, 'No, señor, there is much grumbling because she does not supply the soap.'  Some of us are satisfied too quickly and others are seemingly never satisfied.  So what's the point?

First, it's important to understand that God takes ungratefulness very seriously.  when God gives us a blessing, we should be quick to give thanks.  Consider King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32:24-25.  The Bible says, "In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death.  He prayed to the LORD, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign.  But Hezekiah's heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the LORD's wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem.”  The New Testament provides another example in Romans 1.  Paul connects ungratefulness with "darkened minds" (Romans 1).  Wow!  Being thankful is really important.  

Second, gratefulness can produce an attitude of contentment in your life.  It works, really!  Next time you feel like complaining or reciting all the negatives in your life, take a deep breathe and begin counting all your blessings!  Repeat until your attitude changes!  Plus gratefulness is contagious.

Third, gratefulness can balance out your expectations in life.  Remember, some of us are too easily satisfied, while others seem to never be satisfied.  Gratefulness can produce patience and perseverance in your life.  We when focus on the good things in our lives rather than the troubles, we are reminded of God's grace and we gain hope for more of the same. 

Practice gratefulness and contentment this week as you walk with the Lord.  Pastor Tom

Truly Thankful

Thanksgiving season is upon us!  At New Life, we are celebrating with 30 Days of Thanksgiving.  I will probably blog a Bible verse each day on thanksgiving.  We have so many things for which to be thankful.  So count your blessings and watch as a positive attitude and better health begins to take hold in your life.  The Bible tells us that an attitude of gratitude can defeat such negative attitudes as envy, jealousy, pride, and cynicism.  Join us in November at the ARC!  Stay tuned for more information.  Pastor Tom

Thanksgiving!

Just a note of thanks for all of life's blessings!  At New Life we have a lot for which to be thankful - good friends, good fellowship, and opportunity to grow spiritually.  Plus we have God's purpose, promises, and presence to guide us along the way.  Have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends and take time to give God thanks for your family and many blessings.   See you Sunday at the gathering!  Pastor Tom