HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I read of a North Dakota Pastor (I am from
ND) who was late getting to church one Sunday morning because of a nasty snow
storm. He was known for always
expressing gratitude for something and the congregation wondered what he would
thank God for that Sunday. When he
entered the pulpit he said “I thank God not every day is like today.” What a great attitude.
The child of God always has
something to be thankful for. This year
here in Colorado Springs on June 25th Loretta’s mother passed away
then on October 26th Loretta’s sister-in-law at the age of 55 years
unexpectedly passed away. Both their
deaths caused sorrow, but they were both ready to meet God. So, in the midst of the sadness and questions
we still give thanks for their entry into heaven and for the promise that “God
raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in
Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable
riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
A healthy, thankful attitude does
not deny the reality of trials and heartache.
Rather, it is a balm for the pain we often experience in life; a healing
discipline rooted in our faith in God - His past and present realized
blessings, and His promised blessings yet to be experienced in the future.
“Be joyful always, pray
continually: give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you
in Christ Jesus.” 1 Th 5:16-18
RECENT CONNECTIONS:
We began the month of November at
the annual Assemblies of God Executive Conference in Sarasota, FL. It was a very positive event imparting
encouragement, insight, and inspiration.
It didn’t hurt that it was on the warm, sunny coast of Florida.
On Sunday, November 9th
I visited Abundant Life Church in Silverthorne, CO. The church is in transition with Kay Robinson
serving as interim pastor. May the Lord
use Kay and the church board to sustain and lead the church into God’s plan for
the future.
Sunday, November 16th
Loretta and I visited Calvary Assembly of God in Brush, CO, and Pastor Chris
and Kathy Russell. The church is growing,
and marked by a spirit of excitement and anticipation. God bless you Chris and Kathy in your
leadership.
It was a privilege to meet with
Pastor David Goerzen and key leaders of Parker Christian Center in Parker, CO
November 20th to talk about effective church governance and ministry
as they continue to reach out to the community and minister to a growing body
of believers. It was invigorating to be
with such a healthy team of leaders united in their love for the Lord, their
love for each other, and their leadership of the church.
On Saturday, November 22nd
and Sunday, November 23rd it was my honor to preach in the three
weekend services at Mosaic Church in Englewood, CO for Pastor T. J. and Robin
Harris. Mosaic Church continues to grow
with a strong emphasis on compassion ministry to the community. Their platform was filled with 110
Thanksgiving meal baskets which were distributed to the neediest families in
Englewood that Sunday afternoon. God
bless you T. J. and Robin.
As the scripture says, “I thank
my God every time I remember you. In all
my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership
in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he
who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of
Christ Jesus.” Ph 1:3-6
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