Happy Thanksgiving!
/Dear NLC!
Greetings in the wonderful and powerful Name of All Names...JESUS! We write to you today to wish each of you a most Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. It is true that we must be thankful always, but there's something so very special about this season in America which has been set aside to give thanks to the ONE that has blessed us so abundantly. We join millions of people in doing so, especially those within the living Body of Christ, as we narrow down our thanks to the one true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Scripture is replete with admonitions to give thanks to Almighty God, too many to mention, but a few quickly come to mind:
2 Chronicles 5:13 "The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: 'He is good! His faithful love endures forever!' At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord."
Psalm 9:1 "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done."
Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
Colossians 3:16-17 "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus"
Hebrews 12:28-29 "Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire."
As you gather around your table this Thanksgivng Day, perhaps the Lord will tap on your shoulder and nudge you to be the one that will in some significant way, bring the conversation around to Him...His goodness, His grace, His provision, His sovereignty. Let Him use you to bring Him to the forefront.
We send our love and thanks to God...for you. YOU are a special part of the Body of Christ here in New England, and we embrace you and pray God's best over you and your loved ones. We are very grateful that you are a part of the Body of Christ here at NLC.
Have a great day...and be thankful!
WithThankful Hearts,
Pastor Rick and Pamela
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever."
Psalm 136:1