November 2010
(Note: Pastor's Pen is published on a monthly basis)
Developing A Thankful Heart
"When we consider all God’s gifts and all we possess a grumbling mood of
discontent gives way to thankfulness” - Sper
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have (perfect) peace and
confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and
frustration; but be of good cheer (take courage; be confident, certain
undaunted) for I have overcome the world. (I have deprived it of power to harm
you and conquered it for you.)” Amp Bible
Let us consider our part in life today and respond to God’s Word by opening our
hearts and mouths in praise and thanksgiving as in I Thess. 5:18 “In everything
give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
The pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock and settled in beginning a new life in a
land that was wild, stressful and very dangerous. The first Thanksgiving Day
came after great loss of life to their families and severe hardship for all that
lived through the previous hard winter. As they brought in the harvest of the
fields praise went up in thanks as they made it for a year and were still alive
by the mercy of God. They prepared for a day of thanks in the face of yet
another winter that was upon them. With all the problems of our day they still
do not compare in any way with the hardships of the early pilgrims. We have
homes, heat, air conditioning, transportation, food and a place to worship. With
all the losses, trials, distress, frustrations, and tribulations of the last few
years we are still much better off than our forefathers. Let us humble ourselves
in a thanksgiving attitude of the heart as we reflect on the heroes of early
America. Be thankful for the past that makes us give praise for the future. In
every thing give thanks for this is the will of God.
Love and prayers,
~ Pastor Roberts
Copyright © 2010 Northwest Tampa Church of God