Giving Thanks!

Happy Monday everyone! What a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Mental health experts tell us, and the Bible certainly confirms that giving thanks is one of the healthiest forms of expression. In Psalm 100 we are given four realities for giving thanks, all of which do not depend on our circumstances or performance.  Here are a few questions to consider as we seek to apply God’s truth in our lives this week.

1. Psalm 100 stresses the reality that Jehovah God welcomes us to worship Him. Why is this something we should give thanks for? How does this reality affect the way you approach your devotional time or a worship service?
2. Psalm 100 invites us to know God personally. And, it shows that it is God who initiates this relationship! Why is it easy to take this incredible privilege for granted? What are some ways to stay grateful for this invitation?
3. Psalm 100 puts great emphasis on that fact that we belong to Jehovah God (read V 3). Describe what this incredible truth must have meant to Old Testament Israel as they were exiting Egypt and crossing the desert. Describe what belonging to God means to you.
4. Read Psalm 100:5, and then identify the three character traits it lists about God. How should these three traits affect the way you face challenges and difficulties in life?

Because of who God is, there is much to be thankful for. My prayer for you this week is that we as a church family will be filled up with God’s presence and power (see Eph. 3:19) as we extend His grace and truth to those we encounter this Christmas Season.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank

Maintaining My Missionary Focus!

Happy Monday everyone! Another great Sunday! The following are some questions to consider as we endeavor to work yesterday’s message out of Luke 15:25-31 into our lives.

1. We learned from the Prodigal Son’s older brother, three warning signs that we may be losing our missionary focus. Read Luke 15:25-31 again and identify the places where the brother Kept Score, Compared himself with his younger brother, and Complained.
2. Of the three warning signs, which one is easiest for you to fall into? Why is that?
3. Renewing our missionary focus involves at least three decisions: shifting my focus from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, from temporary values to eternal ones, and from comfort to sacrifice. Give an example of what each of these three “Shifts” could look like in a Christian’s life. In other words, what are some ways to flesh out these three “Shifts in focus?” Consider Oskar Shindler's example.
4. Which shift in focus do you feel may be the most difficult for Christians living in America? Which one presents the greatest challenge to you?

Church family, these are important times for the Church in America. I believe we are living in unprecedented times! May our great God help us to maintain a sharp missionary focus as we Make Friends for Eternity... across the street and around the world!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Frank