U Matters

U Matters - 14 November 2019

by Pastor Michele on November 14, 2019

It has been a week. A week filled with destruction, disruption, devastation, fear, and heightened emotions. I know many of you are praying and feeling the weight of the uncertainty.

And yet this weekend we are gearing up for a Thanksgiving Service, a special service that combines all our services in ONE celebration. In some respects, it seems odd to be thinking of giving thanks with so much tension and uncertainty, but the Apostle Paul reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

If anyone can speak to being thankful in trying times it is the Apostle Paul. He suffered imprisonment, stonings, beatings, hunger, ship wrecks, physical and emotional pain, and yet was able to say “I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.” Philippians 4:12.

Even while imprisoned Paul encourages us to “sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20.

When the prophet Daniel learned that evil men were plotting against him to destroy him he got “down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously.” Daniel 6:10.

We know that, “the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it…” 1 Corinthians 11:23.

Giving thanks in challenging times is not easy, and may seem impossible, but with God all things are possible. As we pray, as we grieve, as we wonder, may we remember the words of the Psalmist who wrote, “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” Psalm 30:11–12.

Thankful,

Pastor Michele


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