# 30 A Dose of Encouragement
God Cares for Me
Psalm 121:1-8
In my devotions today I read Psalm 121. What a great Psalm. It is a beautiful reminder of God’s constant care and protection over His people. This psalm, often referred to as a “Song of Ascents,” was sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. As they journeyed through the mountains, they were reminded of God’s presence and His unwavering support for them. Here is a key point – every day we must depend upon God for His support in our lives.
121:1-2 - 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
When Debbie and I were in Iceland this verse often came to my mind as we stood before the various glacier-carved mountains. Talk about awe-inspiring beauty; it was all around us. I would look at the mountains and be reminded about how very small I am as a person, and how very BIG God is as my Father.
This is a Psalm about dependency. I depend totally on God for everything. What else do we have in this great Psalm? Let’s take some time to reflect on the following truths:
1.God as Our Helper – 121:1-2
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
The psalmist begins by lifting his eyes to the mountains, symbolizing the challenges and obstacles we face in life. He then asks, “Where does my help come from?” The answer is profound: our help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. This declaration reassures us that no matter the magnitude of our problems, God is greater and fully capable of helping us.
Someone reading this today may need this reminder. What are you facing, and who do you need to trust? Trust your God fully and completely.
2.God’s Constant Vigilance – 121:3-4
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
These two verses remind us that God never slumbers nor sleeps. Unlike humans, who need rest, God is always alert and watching over us. This means that we can rest easy, knowing that our Protector is always on duty, safeguarding us from harm.
3.God’s Comprehensive Protection – 121:5-8
5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
The psalm concludes by describing how God protects us from all harm, both day and night. Whether we are at home or traveling, God is our constant guardian. You have got to love verse 8. It beautifully encapsulates this promise,
 “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Now, how can you and I put this Psalm into practice in our day-to-day life? Here are three very practical ways:
•Trust God to help you: When faced with difficulties, remember to look beyond the immediate challenges and seek God’s help. He is always ready to assist us, no matter how daunting the situation may seem.
•Rest in God’s Vigilance: Knowing that God is always watching over us can bring immense peace (see Philippians 4:6-7). We don’t need to carry the weight of our worries alone; we can trust that God is actively involved in our lives. He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
•Embrace God’s Protection: Whether you’re embarking on a new journey or facing daily struggles, take comfort in the fact that God is your protector. His care for you is comprehensive and eternal. Now, that is something that I can surely rest on. Our God is eternal, and He doesn’t move.
Here is a great closing prayer for us to pray as we go about this day. May you find it encouraging today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our constant helper and protector. Help us to lift our eyes to You in times of trouble and to trust in Your unfailing care. Remind us daily that You are always watching over us, guiding our steps, and keeping us safe. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
P.S. Is your face looking to the hills from whence your help comes from? I hope so. Look now, and dwell upon God’s care for you.

Here is what I read on the web, but I also heard this on the Daily Wire, a news podcast that I listen to daily on my way into the office.

LONDON, Feb 8 (Reuters) - The Church of England will look into the use of gender neutral terms to refer to God in prayers, but the centuries-old institution said on Wednesday there were no plans to abolish current services.

The issue reflects growing global awareness about the assumed usage of pronouns causing offence or upset to those who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.

"Christians have recognised since ancient times that God is neither male nor female," a spokesperson for the Church said. "Yet the variety of ways of addressing and describing God found in scripture has not always been reflected in our worship."

Question: Do we as Christians get to change Scripture? The answer is, NO!

Nor do we get to change Scripture based on our own warped idea about our own identity. I don't believe God can or has been confused about his own identity.

Throughout the Scripture it speaks of the Fatherhood of God. Here are a few examples:

Isaiah 64:8 - But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.

Psalm 103:13 - Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

Ephesians 4:6 - one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

1 Corinthians 8:6 - yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

Matthew 7:11 - If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

And remember in the Lord's Prayer that Jesus taught His disciple to pray, "Our Father which art in heaven." He didn't teach us to pray, "Our Mother which art in heaven." (Matthew 6:9).

There are times in Scripture where female imagery is used of God, but only to demonstrate that God cares for people the way a mother cares for her children. (see these verses as examples: Isaiah 42:14; 49:15; 66:13, Hosea 13:8; Deuteronomy 32:11-12,18).

Simon Turpin writing for Answers in Genesis in an article entitled: Is God Male or Female? writes, "While there are a number of feminine images in the Bible used to describe God, they in no way encourage the use of the term “mother” to describe him nor the use of feminine pronouns when referring to him."

The Church of England is WRONG to even consider making changes to how we have seen God since the beginning of creation. Why now? It's all about our broken culture. People who can't even determine their own sex want to teach us about the theology of God. I don't think so. 

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; (1 Timothy 4:7 NASB, 1995)

What is a Spiritual Discipline?

   Don Whitney writes, “The spiritual disciplines are those practices found in Scripture that promote spiritual growth among believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are habits of devotion, habits of experiential Christianity that have been practiced by God’s people since biblical times.”

   Note: Disciplines are practices.
   
   The goal of Spiritual Disciplines: To be like Jesus Christ. So, then, what are some key Spiritual Disciples? Allow me to point out five for you. They are:

1.Prayer life (Conversation with God)

   Prayer is simply talking directly with your heavenly Father. It is a conversation with God. Scripture encourages us to pray. Below are three examples:

• Luke 11:1 – Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”
• Luke 18:1 - Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,
• I Thess. 5:17 - pray without ceasing,

                                                                 ASK – SEEK – KNOCK

Matthew 7:7-11 -  “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

  What are you praying about these days?

   Are you sensitive to the Holy Spirit about the things you need to be praying about?

   In Psalm we find David praying in the morning to start his day and ending his day in prayer before he goes to sleep. This is a good practice. Daniel the Prophet prayed three times a day – morning, noon, and night.

2.Bible Reading (Understanding Scripture)

• II Timothy 2:15 – Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

• Revelation 1:3 - Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
  

   Howard Hendricks provides ten steps for first-rate Bible reading:

1.Read Thoughtfully – put on your thinking cap.
2.Read Repeatedly – over and over again.
3.Read Patiently – the fruit of the Word takes time to ripen.
4.Read Selectively – ask the right questions – who, what, where, when, why, wherefore.
5.Read Prayerfully – key to having the Bible come alive.
6.Read imaginatively – use additional translations of the Bible.
7.Read Meditatively – reflect on Scripture.
8.Read Purposefully – the aim of the author.
9.Read Acquisitively – seek to retain it.
10.Read Telescopically – see the parts in light of the whole.

   Never stop reading the Bible. It is a NEW book each time you open it up. God speaks to you from Scripture, so, read His book to you. Compass for life. BIBLE - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It is His Love book with your name in it.

3.Fellowship with other Christians (Enjoying Family)

   Acts 2:40-47 - And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

   What do we have in this passage of Scripture?

• Salvation – v. 40
• Baptism - v. 41
• Church growth – v. 41
• Discipleship – v. 42
• Signs and wonders (ministry) – v. 43
• All things in Common – v. 44-45
• Worship, and meals – v. 46
• Praise, and continued growth – v. 47

  All the distinctive actions above are elements of fellowship for the people of God. Do these things in a church and you will have a dynamic fellowship.

4.Attending a Bible preaching Church (Connected as a Body)

•Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

   How important is a local Bible-preaching church? Go back and look at:

• Acts 2:42 -  And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

   Consider what Paul encouraged young Pastor Timothy with,

• II Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Note: Always connect with a church that believes that the Bible is God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. Fully inspired and inerrant in the original manuscripts.

• Doctrine – how to get on the track.
• Reproof – how we have gotten off the track.
• Correction – how we are to get back on track,
• Instruction – how to move down the track.

   God’s people should WANT sound Bible teaching.

5.Sharing your faith with others (Evangelism)

   Are you exempt from sharing the gospel with others? Who will be in heaven because you took the time to talk with them about a relationship with Jesus Christ? The Bible teaches:

•Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

• Acts 1:8 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

• 1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

   How did you become a Christian? A parent shared the gospel with you. Attended a church service and was saved. Television or radio program. Crusade. Vacation Bible school. A friend shared the message of Jesus Christ with you.

Are you a growing Christian? Are the Spiritual Disciplines evident in your Christian life? Which one/s do you practice consistently, and which one/s do you need to begin to practice a bit more?

   It’s all about becoming more like Jesus!

Psychologists tell us that the basic need of every human being is the need to be loved. The Church is the Answer!

Goal of SLBC: To love every person who comes through the doors of this Church.

God Loves Us:

•  John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

• 1 John 3:1 - Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

We are to Love One Another:

• John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

• John 15:17 - These things I command you, that you love one another.

• 1 Peter 4:8 - And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.

How to experience God’s love and love from this Church fellowship:

1.Salvation. Receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord (Rom. 10:9-13). This is the ultimate type of love. Ultimately only Jesus can meet your need for love. Eternity Security.
2.Baptism. This is the very next step after deciding to follow Jesus Christ. Identification.
3.Worship. God calls His people to gather to worship Him. You need others. Community.
4.Membership. Belonging to a Church fellowship is important. Plant yourself deep. Rooted.
5.Small Group. SLBC has many options for you to choose from. Bible studies here at the Church on Sunday mornings. Men’s Bible study during the week. Ladies Bible study. As well as gatherings for our children and young adults. There is no excuse for not connecting somewhere. Growth.
6.Fellowship. Potlucks to Family Camp. It is your decision to get connected. Opportunities.
7.Service. The best way to receive love is to GIVE love. Are you looking for a place to serve the LORD? Talk with Pastor Kim or one of the deacons. Extension.

• 1 John 4:11 - Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
  

Someone recently placed a posted note on my office desk that read, "When does someone become a member of their family? When they become 18? Does the Church body need to vote? It's not explained in the By-laws or Constitution."

What I want to do is to tackle this posted note line by line. Here we go...

First, someone becomes a part of their family at the moment of their conception. They arrive into their family at birth. They are presented to their family shortly afterwards.

Second, I don't know any family that only acknowledges their family member when they turn 18. Sates have various laws regarding minors and adult children, and even they vary.

Third, the Church doesn't vote on your children, or when they become a part of your family. All we do is acknowledge your family.

Fourth, it is clearly explained in our Church By-laws and our Church Constitution about how we receive and dismiss Church members. Here is how the Spirit Lake Baptist Church By-laws and Constitution reads: (Please read it carefully - it is very clear about membership).

ARTICLE I --MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.  This is a sovereign and democratic Baptist Church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The membership retains the exclusive right of self-government in all phases of the spiritual and temporal life of this church and the conditions of such membership.
Section 2. Any persons desiring membership in this church shall attend a new member’s class offered by the church at various times. Should these come from a Sister Baptist Church by letter or statement; from other churches; or having had an experience of salvation by grace and a New Testament baptism by immersion , be presented to the church for membership, but only after completing the new member’s class.
Section 3. New Member Orientation -- All people desiring to become members of Spirit Lake Baptist Church must complete the new members orientation class, which is offered several times throughout each calendar year. At the end of the class, all will be given an opportunity to share their own personal testimony and their desire to become a church member.  They will also be asked to sign and date an affirmation of agreement with the Spirit Lake Baptist Church Constitution and Bylaws, Statement of Faith, and Relational Commitments. Those who desire to become members will be presented to the congregation for membership at the next available business meeting.
Section 4.  Voting rights of members -- Only those members in good standing shall be allowed to vote.
Section 5.  Termination of membership -- Membership in the church shall end through one of the following:
(A) By a letter of recommendation to another church of like faith and order (only members in good standing shall be entitled to a letter of recommendation-- members shall be considered "in good standing" unless the church had found disciplinary action to be necessary).
(B) The church may terminate membership of persons who become an offense to the church or its good name by reason of immoral or unchristian conduct, or by persistent and willful violation of their covenant vows, but only after due notice and faithful efforts have been made to bring such members to repentance and amendment. In such a case, a committee composed of the Pastor and the deacons will investigate and bring a recommendation to the membership as to the action needed. If the number of deacons serving is not adequate for this purpose, additional members shall be added by election by the church.  
(C) Erasure, in the event of a member joining another denomination or no longer attending the church for a period of 1 year without communicating a good reason for extended absence to the church. In these cases, the Pastor and deacons shall present satisfactory evidence to the church, whereupon the church will drop the person from membership.  
(D) Death.

Now, with that out of the way let's talk about if Church membership is biblical. I would say, YES! Yet, at the same time there is no place in the Bible that tells your directly - Thou must join a Church. Having said that, I believe that it is implied everywhere. The Apostle Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders in every city (Titus 1:5). The word "elder" is synonymous with, "bishop, pastor, and shepherd. So, if you have one elder in a small rural church, it is sufficient. What were their duties and responsibilities? They were to led, feed, and protect those among them. We read in Philippians 1:1 about the saints, the bishops and the deacons. And over in 1 Peter 5, elders were changed to shepherd the flock of God that the Lord had given to their charge. I cannot believe that there was no order within these churches. People were identified, and people had responsibilities. In 1 Corinthians 14:40 we are reminded, "Let all things be done decently and in order." Haphazard organization is NOT of God.

We also need to remember that as we look back at Church history we see Church membership practiced in every denomination of Churches around the world. I think our present culture balks against Church Membership because they prize their autonomy and even their anonymity. Scripture teaches a big part of Christianity is submission. No one seems to want to submit to anything anymore, yet alone Church membership. 

Are you aware that Christians are called to live in community with one another, and to have spiritual accountability and agape love for one another (See Hebrews 3:13; Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 2:40-47). Pastor's are told that they will give account for the people that God places under their care (Hebrews 13:17). Question: How do you care for people if there is no such mechanism to do so? Many people want to be a part of the fellowship of the fickle floaters - go and land wherever and whenever they place - they jump from Church to Church. The early Church wasn't that way, nor was the Church throughout most of its history. God's people are to graciously submit to the leadership of their pastor - they aren't suppose to fight it.

I saw someone wearing a tee-shirt at a National Park that read, "Nature is my Church." Can that be true? No! Nature doesn't teach you, pray with you, care for you when you are sick, visit you when you are in a hospital, or bury a family member you love. I would say that anyone with this idea is on open rebellion again God's better plan for their lives. Church membership allows you to connect with a body of believers who are following Jesus, and who are seeking to live out God's commandments (which none of them are burdensome).

I had a missionary friend who was a medical doctor in Nepal. In Nepal you are born a hindu and you are to die a hindu, and at that time it was against the law to change your religion. People could give their hearts to Christ and yell it from the housetops and nothing would happen to them. However, once they were baptized the state recognized that they had changed their religion. Now, do you realize that for thousands of years the church used a persons baptism as the method for bringing someone into church membership. This is how records were kept. We still do this today!

I would highly encourage you to do a study on the names of the Churches listed in the New Testament. Also, track the people listed in those Churches. How did they know who attended their Church? And what about Church discipline? Are you aware in 1 Corinthians 5 that there was a man in the Church living in sexual sin, and the Church was told to excommunicate him if he refused to repent. How do you excommunicate someone if there is no membership? Time and time again we read about people in the N.T. Churches that the elders of the Church needed to confront. How did they have the right to confront these people? Church Membership!

Finally, God has books where He keeps records of everything we have ever done. The good and the bad. He also has the Book of Life where the names of the SAVED are kept. Perhaps this is too hardline, and we should ask God to STOP keeping a record of those who have turned from their sin, and received Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

If Church membership is to confining for you it's because you haven't done your homework. I mean think about it - the Church is likened to a body, a house, and a community. My body is a whole. My house is a whole. My community is a whole. Ask the city clerk if you can skip out on being a member of the community the next time your water and sewer bill is due.

• People have Costco membership.
• People have Library membership.
• People have Gym membership.
• People have Golf-club membership.
• People have AARP membership.
• People have Magazine membership.
• People have Credit-Union membership. 

So, I ask you, why are you against Church Membership? 

Jesus started his Public ministry with preaching and calling his disciples to follow him (Matthew 4:17-22 (Pause and read those verses). Those he called immediately left all and followed him. You and I are also called to follow Christ, and yes, we too are to give up everything to be his disciples. Jesus had a small group of twelve men, and these twelve men learned what it meant to be world changers. This is my heart beat for Spirit Lake Baptist Church disciples of Christ. I want us to make an eternal impact on our sphere of influence. God has us where he does for a reason. Your family, your group of friends, the people you work with side-by-side every day of the week. These people have gotta see disciples of Christ in action. How we view the world, how we relate to problems, and even how we view humanity. The words that flow from our mouths, and even our habits. These are all on view before a watching world. What does the world see in us?

As I think about disciples I can’t help but believe that most of us, if not the majority of us have no clue as to what it really means to be a disciple of Christ. We think we do, but if push came to shove we would have to admit that we do a lot of church, but not a lot of discipleship. To be a disciple means that we take up the same heart-beat that Jesus had. His heart for the lost, hurting, lonely, confused, neglected, and abused. His heart for the hungry, poor, outcast, and broken. His heart for those whom the devil has sought to destroy. These people need to be surrounded by the hands and feet of Jesus on earth today. How is this possible? His disciples - you and Me!

Someone once defined evangelism as simply, “One beggar telling another bigger where to find bread.” This is what a disciple of Christ does. He cares for people. All people, and not just certain classes of people. All people are precious in the sight of God. Once I was lost but now I am found. Why? Someone cared enough to tell me about Jesus Christ. Will we care enough to tell others about Jesus?

Below you will find seven characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ who intentionally is seeing to impact his world - to make it a better place. Here is my list:

1. Love for God and others (Mark 12:30-31).
2. Obedience to Jesus’ commandments (John 14:15).
3. Becoming the hands and feet of Jesus on earth (Mark 10:45).
4. Hunger for righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
5. Making disciples  (Matthew 28:19-20).
6. Using your giftedness (Romans 12:4-8).
7. Total surrender Romans 12:1-2).

I close with a verse from the book of Colossians. It reads, “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18). If you are clueless about the word, “preeminence”, then I would suggest that you go look it up in a dictionary.

True disciples have Christ preeminent in their lives.

In Jesus Forever,
Pastor Kim

What will it take you to just do it? Just do what you might be asking? Just read through the Bible in 2023! I believe that every Christians ought to read through the Bible at least once in their faith journey (actually I believe we should commit to reading through our Bible every year). Reading your Bible daily keeps God's word front and center, and we all know how important it is to do this. So, will you do it?

On January 1st - I read Genesis 1-2 and Psalm 1 (Creation)
On January 2nd - I read Genesis 3-5 and Psalm 2 (Fall, murder, and families)
Today, January 3rd - I read Genesis 6-9 and Psalm 3 (Noah, Ark, and the Flood)

No one will twist you arm to get you to read through the Bible. In reality because you call yourself a Christian (Christ-follower) you should have a desire to want to read through the Bible. Are you aware that it only takes 90 hours to read through the entire Bible? You can do it - I believe in you!

Take the 2023 New Year's Challenge and pick up your Bible each and every day and read the required passages, so, that when December 31, 2023 arrives you will be able to confidently say, "Hey, I did it! I've read through my Bible in 2023.

Then, you will be able to ask others, "Will you just do it?"

Take these simple steps to get you started:

1. Purchase a Bible that you can actually understand. I use the NKJV, but the ESV is great too.
2. Decide a time every day that works best for you. Keep the date with God and His word.
3. A place free from distractions also is important - find that place today.
4. Read what is required from your Bible reading schedule, or the YouVersion Bible App, which you can download to your smart phone.
5. Share what you are reading with others. Post a verse from your reading on social media. This is a great way to get the word out.

Will you just do it?

Pastor Kim

Everyone likes competition, this is why we have sports teams and competition galore in America. Well, family competition is also healthy. We have been doing a gingerbread house competition for a number of years, and guess what - it's back!

This years we have four entries entries. Several of our children decided not to participate. I won't mention any names. Hopefully, they will take the challenge next year in 2023. We can only hope they will. (LOL). It's all about creating fun traditions and memories.

Below is the link to the page where you can cast your vote for your favorite gingerbread house. At the bottom of the gingerbread competition page you will be able to cast your vote. Remember only vote one time. Thanks for helping us out. Click on the link below:

/gingerbread-house-competition-2022

Merry Christmas to you and your family,
The Alexander's and Mitchell families

   Twenty-six verses, that's it. In twenty-six verses the Psalmist shows us how to give thanks to the LORD (God, Jehovah). Do you want to learn how to give thanks to God, then why not follow the example set forth in Psalm 136. Here is the list of what the Psalmist gives thanks to God for. There is a lesson here for each one of us.

                                                               The List of Thanksgiving

1. He is good - v. 1
2. He is the God of gods - v. 2
3. He is Lord of lords - v. 3
4. He does great wonders - v. 4
5. His wisdom made the heavens - v. 5
6. He laid out the earth, above the waters - v. 6
7. He made the great lights - v. 7
8. He made the sun to rule by day - v. 8
9. He made the moon to rule by night - v. 9
10. He struck Egypt's firstborn - v. 10
11. He brought Israel out from among them - v. 11
12. He used His strong hand - v. 12
13. He divided the Red Sea in two - v. 13
14. He made Israel to pass through - v. 14
15. He overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea - v. 15
16. He led His people through the wilderness - v. 16
17. He struck down great Kings - v. 17
18. He slew famous Kings - v. 18-20
19. He gave their land as a heritage - v. 21-22
20. He remembered us in our lowly state - v. 23
21. He rescued us from our enemies - v. 24
22. He gives food to all flesh - v. 25

   The Psalmist begins with, repeats, and concludes in every verse the following words, "For His mercy endures forever–"  

   In verse 26 we read, 
 "Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy ensures forever –"

   What will we give thanks to God for, for  this Thanksgiving Season? Look back at the list above and pick out some of the items that you can relate to. Such as, God's goodness, or His great wonders, or how about the fact that God provided us with a wonderful creation. Yes, now is the time to give thanks to God. Don't wait until tomorrow, give thanks today. Why you ask? Because, His mercy endures forever.

Because of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Kim

What are some additional items for which you and I can thank God for? Well, let's first start with a Scripture verse. Today our verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:18,

"in everything give thanks; for thesis the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

We all go through so many things in life, and not all of them are good things. I have a hip that is hurting today, and I don't think I am supposed to give thanks for a hurting hip. However, I am to give thanks that even in the midst of the hurting hip God will see me through the pain.

Last night my granddaughter was taken to the hospital. I am not to give thanks that her small body needed to be looked at, but I am to give thanks that no matter what happens in her little life that God has not forsaken her mother, father, or even her grandparents. God will minister his grace and presence even in this type of situation.

So, what will you give thanks for today? Not actually for the trouble, but for the one (God) who will carry us through the trouble.

Lord, thank you for showing up in my life, even when my hip hurts, or my granddaughter is taken to the hospital.

Remember, God is Good all the time,
Pastor Kim 

It's Thanksgiving, so what are you thankful for?

Psalm 100:4 - Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Here is my list of the top seven things that I am thankful for:

1. Every month is different. I thank God for variety. No month is the same. they are not even named the same. Just like we experience different types of weather throughout the calendar months, so our days are also different. Thank you Lord for so many different types of days.

2. God's Faithfulness. I praise Him for his daily faithfulness in my life, family, and ministry. I love 1 Thessalonians 5:24, "He who calls you is Faithful, who also will do it."

3. An amazing Family. I have a beautiful wife of 43 years. I have five wonderful children (three daughters-in-law and a son-in-law), and seven fantastic grandchildren who I love to the moon and back.

4. Ministry. I have served at SLBC for 28 years alongside of my wife. Together we have experienced some highs in ministry as well as some lows. It has been beautiful to see all the people that God has allowed us to minister to. I am so thankful for how so many use their giftedness to serve in the body of Christ here at SLBC.

5. God's Creation. Pause today and take a look at all that God has designed for us to enjoy. I have experienced this past year everything from the Redwoods of California, to the Badlands of South Dakota. As a family we have been in the mountains, traveled through deserts, and spent time hiking throughout the Pacific Northwest. God's creation is everywhere!

6. My health. In 2012 I was diagnosed with lymphoma, and in 2013 I was in remission. God had touched me. Every year I have two visits with my oncologist. Blood is drawn, and each time the tests come back negative. Cancer free is a good place to be! Now, I am praying that my hip would stop hurting.

7. Fellowship with God's people. Yes, I enjoy being around the family of God. We had a potluck today, and I sat down with some people that had been attending church for a while, it was great to hear their stories. I love my Sunday School class, and just visiting with people in SLBC throughout the week.

Well, there you have my list of the top Seven Things that I am Thankful for. What is on your thankful list? Be ready to share your list on Thanksgiving Day with your family.

Blessing to all of you,
Pastor Kim