Be Thankful

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (Psalm 107: 1, 8-9). 

It is not uncommon to compile wish lists at Christmas and draw up a list of resolutions for New Year. But there is another list we often overlook, a Thanksgiving Day list of all for which we are thankful. Let me read a part of the record that several housewives compiled. They wrote that they were especially grateful: "For automatic dishwashers, because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after-dinner snacks". "For husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house because they usually make them big enough to call in the professionals". "For children who put away their things and clean up after themselves. They are such a joy you hate to see them go home to their own parents". "For teenagers because they give parents an opportunity to learn a second language". "For smoke alarms because they let you know when the turkey is done."

Now our list might not be the same as theirs, but I'm convinced that if we began to make a list, we would find that we have much more for which to be thankful than just our material possessions. Like you, I'm sure, my list would include the significant thing, life, health, family, friends, church, and this country we live in, despite all its flaws. But even more than that, I'm thankful for my salvation, our church family, and the mercy that God showers upon us each day. With Jesus, we have so much for which to celebrate on Thanksgiving. I want to quickly and just give you a list of some of the things we should be grateful for.

We should thank God for His character. We should thank God for His goodness and love. We should praise God for His faithfulness. We should thank God for His power and strength. But indeed, the greatest blessing to give thanks for this Thanksgiving Day is the gift of His grace. It is true that every day should be Thanksgiving Day. It is also true that we often forget to be grateful. So, while we are thinking about gratitude, let's do it right. Happy Thanksgiving. May God bless you always. 

Pastor Dimas

Praying for Us

Praying for Us

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do no know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts know what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27).

 It is encouraging to know someone is praying for you. It reminds us that we are not alone in the struggle to live faithfully before the Lord. How much more encouraging to know the Son of God is constantly interceding on our behalf? The author of Hebrews writes; But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf (Hebrews 7:24–25). We are saved by Christ and supported by the Son and the Spirit through unceasing prayer. Our needs will not fall through the cracks. We may ask for the wrong things, but they will not. we may get weary, they remain strong.

You may not know how to pray today. There may be confusion in your life. You may feel paralyzed by fear. Be encouraged: prayers are continually being made for you by the Son and Spirit who know what you really need and what to ask for on your behalf. When we are without words, the Spirit is not. When we are confused, the Spirit sees clearly. We must not give up. Thank you, Lord for being there for us! May God bless you.

Pastor Dimas

Trust in God

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

There is something that we know that those who are not part of God’s family do not know. It is that we have been given a new promise from Christ. The Apostle Paul begins this chapter declaring that “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Everything else that follows in the rest of Romans 8 tells us why there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Because there is no condemnation and because we have a new promise from God "that all things work together for good" now we can place our trust in God.

It is hard to trust at times. Especially when you have been hurt, or you are confused, or you do not understand, but we need to learn to trust God at all times. Why can we believe God in all things and at all times? Because God has perfect wisdom. A. W. Tozer says concerning God and his wisdom: “Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means. It sees the end from the beginning so there can be no need to guess or conjecture. Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relation to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision. All God’s acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time. Moreover, all His acts are as pure as they are wise and as good as they are wise and pure. Not only could His acts not be better done; a better way to do them could not be imagined”.[1]

Think about that! A better way cannot be imagined! We can’t improve upon what God has done. Think about these points about God’s wisdom. God sees everything in focus. He works despite man with flawless precision. He acts and doesn’t respond with perfect wisdom. God acts with perfect wisdom for the highest good, the most significant number, for the longest time with perfect timing. God has the complete picture and sees how one act affects everything else, in every way for all time.

It is no wonder Paul would say, Rom 11:33; “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Why else can we trust God in all things? Because He is working FOR OUR GOOD in all things! Do we really believe what Romans 8:28 says; How then do we approach the future? With humility before God. The psalmist wrote: “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8).

May God help you to trust in Him at all times and be at peace. Amen.

Pastor Dimas

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[1] Tozer, A. W. The Knowledge of the Holy. (p. 66).

The Storms of Life

The Storms of Life

 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15).

                                                     We’ve all experienced storms in our lives. A sudden

death of a spouse, extended periods of unemployment, news that our son our daughter is being deployed to a war zone or bad test results from the doctor. These times are difficult. No one likes being in the rain of these storms. For many of us, our gut reaction to the storms of life is to run through them. We hope that by running, we can get through the bad times quicker, find the sunshine and restore order. But the truth is the faster we run, the wetter we get. I believe God wants us to walk in the tough times.

When we walk in the rain, we are forced to slow down. As I reflect on my own spiritual journey some of sweetest moments have been the ones. I’ve spent with the Savior walking in the rain. Did you catch that? Jesus walks with us. I love the words of the old hymn “In the Garden”; “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me, I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known”. So many times, we start to blame the very one standing beside us in the rain. He is ALWAYS there, right next to you, not running, but walking and talking to you.

Listen to the Word of God: “…although Jesus existed in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:6-7) I’m not sure if your facing sunshine or rain in your life right now but let me encourage you. When the storms of life come, and they do, be patient. Start walking and while you do, look for Jesus. Look to him for healing, encouragement, and growth. You will never be let down. May God bless you always.

Pastor Dimas