A word from Senior Pastor, Jane L. Leechford

 

"Give thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Ephesians 5:20)

In November, as we anticipate the Thanksgiving holiday, we are reminded to give thanks to God for all things. It is not always easy to be thankful. In fact, being thankful can be the most challenging part of our lives, especially in these days of disunity when millions of families will go hungry. In Ephesians 5:15, the apostle Paul talks about times such as these. He writes, "Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil." So how are we to give thanks in the brokenness of the world around us?

One way is to remember that we live in the already and not yet of God's kingdom. What we experience now is not the full story. The present time is difficult, but we have hope because we are promised a time when pain and hardship will no longer exist. Certainly, the kingdom we proclaim is not yet fully here, which is what Paul informs his readers. Yet we can see glimpses of its reality around us if we begin to pay attention and call out what is right in our world, what is reflective of God's grace. To be the example that living by kingdom values is not only possible but preferable to the values of a broken world. This is how we give thanks at all times, by living out our gratitude every day in spite of hardship brought on by those with plenty.

In Ephesians 5:20, Paul tells us that people of faith should live their faith at giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," Thanksgiving is not only about being thankful for food and plentiful harvests; it is about finding blessings in everyday living, even in times of hardship. Being grateful in times of suffering does not mean that we are pleased with our circumstances. It means that through the eyes of faith we can look beyond our present challenges and place our trust in God as we hope for a better future. Sincere gratitude comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the difficulties of life and trusting that we will get through them because of God's grace.

In fact, gratitude opens us up to the blessings of God. It opens our minds to a universe full of the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonders of the
smallest things, those things that delight our hearts with their messages of God's love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. It is an aid to the entry of the
Spirit, lowering the defenses and opening the mind and soul to God's presence. When we communicate gratitude, the Spirit connects us to those around us and to God.

Some of us are long overdue in expressing our thanks to God. It is difficult these days to share gratitude. However, I pray that as Thanksgiving Day approaches, we are aware of giving
thanks. May we remember that thanksgiving is an attitude. There is no greater joy in life than a thankful heart. When we give thanks in everything, we are enabled to focus on the unlimited love of God. Being grateful in every circumstance somehow releases the power of God in our lives. In this season of thanksgiving, may joy and peace be with you all.

Always looking forward in hope,
Pastor Jane