October 10^th 2021 – Thanksgiving Sunday

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I want to remind us again of some words of the Apostle Paul to his friends in Philippi. Paul writes: 

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer

and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This act of praying and petitioning God – with thanksgiving – was meant to help them reframe their lives and remember God’s blessings in times of difficulties.  Even as they prayed for present needs and realities they were to always remember what God had already brought them through.  As they did this God would not only fill them with His Peace that “Transcends all understanding,” but later Paul reminds them that the “God of peace” would be with them as He helped them reframe their lives according to His mercy and grace.

What an important promise, that as we pray for present concerns with Thanksgiving, remembering who God is and what he has done for us, that He Himself will come and walk closely with us through the presence of His Spirit.

We have been through a hard 18-19 months, and who knows what is around the corner. But we know that through it all God will remain close to us, as we practice praying with Thanksgiving everyday all year through.

Blessings on you and your family,

During this season and beyond,

Pastor Timothy Ferrier