Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Today as many of us are gathering together with family to feast and connect, I thought I would take a short moment to reflect and give thanks to God for His blessings. In spite of all of the hardship in our lives and in this world, we can still see the blessings of God among us. God is so good, and there is so much good to be thankful about. The Bible tells us that:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights...” James 1:17
I thank God for providing a Thanksgiving meal for my family and friends today.
I thank God for a full calendar year with my Gladstone Park church family. And I thank God for you. You all have truly welcomed us and loved us into the family. You all constantly inspire me with your resilience in hardship, your faithfulness to Jesus, and your committed service to the church and God’s kingdom. Thank you!
I thank God for the leadership team at Gladstone Park. We have quality leaders at Gladstone Park, who make such an impact on our church family and community. They are godly, innovative, and servant leaders. Through the diversity of gifts, the church is encouraged and blessed by your ministry! Thank you!
I thank God for the increase of the church family membership this year. A handful of people have joined through baptism and through transfer. It is especially so encouraging to see young and old alike making the choice to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and to serve Him with their lives! Thank you!
I thank God for the faithful givers in our church. People who are generous with their resources, time, and talents. People who make church budget giving a priority. The people who give whenever a need arises. The people committed to paying down the fellowship hall debt. You truly make ministry happen! Thank you!
I thank God for a committed vision team, who led us through the process of selecting a fresh mission and vision for our church in this time in earth’s history. God truly used you! Thank you!
I thank God for my wife Emily, who makes family a priority. I am blessed by her support, her ministry to our kids, and for her unrequired gifts of sacrifice for music ministry and the Adventurers club. Thank you!
I thank God for my children, who teach me and challenge me every day, and bring so much joy into my life! Thank you!
I thank God that He holds the future!
I thank God for His all-sufficient grace in His Son Jesus Christ. Thank you King Jesus, for your steadfast love toward us, for saving us at Calvary, for giving us your righteousness by faith, for transforming us, and for restoring us as children of God! Thank you!
What are you thankful for? I encourage you to pause and reflect on your blessings today.
May God bless you and keep you!
Pastor Nate