Happy Thanksgiving~

​Yes, this is over a week before Thanksgiving Day.  But who said that we are to only be happy and have gratitude on one day a year?   

I have a habit every night before bed, writing down three things that I am thankful for in that day.  And you know what?  I don't have any problem coming up with them, every day!

In this Sunday's Gospel reading (Matthew 6:25-33), Jesus tells us to not worry about food or clothing or life.  But rather to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." 

And then Jesus gives us some common sense and wisdom when he says, "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today's trouble is enough for today."  

My fellow redeemed:  we have enough trouble in each day to fill us with worry and anxiety!  And that's without worrying about the things that we most often worry about:  what has already happened in the past (which we cannot change) or what is yet to happen in the future or things that never happened and never will!  In other words, we most often worry and get stressed about things that we either can do nothing about or that will never happen!!

It seems that the best advice here (and that which comes from God and the Scriptures) is to trust in God, be thankful for all He has given, and live each day with that faith and gratitude.

I love the words of this Sunday's Scripture reading in Joel 2: 21,23:  "be glad and rejoice for the Lord has done great things...be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God."

We can do this every day!  We won't have a turkey dinner every day.  But we can be thankful for all God has done.  So "be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God", today, and every day!

God Bless,

Pastor Steve