From the desk of Pastor Ben

TRUST & THANKSGIVING                    
What comes to mind when you think of the future? Are you challenged by the prospects of new opportunities, or are you apprehensive about what the future may bring? Quite honestly, I think most of us entertain a blend of both outlooks. We expect to see some aspects of our lives — personal, spiritual, family, work — change for the better. Still, we realize there are obstacles to such change. Additionally, there are events over which we have little or no control. That makes us nervous. So, for whatever  may come into your life, (and only God knows what that may be), I would like to engrave 2 words into your heart: TRUST & THANKSGIVING!
You can trust God at every turn. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him [another expression of trust], and He will make your paths straight.” This is a simple command that can bring great stability to your spiritual journey.
You can trust God’s promises in His Word. He will do what He says! He will provide for all your needs. (Philippians 4:19 – “My God shall supply all your needs…”). He will carry all your emotional loads. (1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your care upon Him…”). He will sustain and help you with each days problems. (Psalm 54:4 – “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me.”)
You can trust in God’s character. Circumstances may vary, but God’s character never changes. He is always good when times are bad. He is totally trustworthy when all around you is unreliable. He never fails to be gracious (giving you what you don’t deserve) or merciful (withholding from you what you do deserve).
You can trust in God’s purposes. He always works for you; never against you. His plans are for your good only, ever seeking to make you more like Christ. (Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”) There is never a dull day when you yield yourself to the Lord to do His will. He fits everything into His design.
It only makes sense then, that the more you trust in Jesus Christ, the more you will thank Him. Trusting God allows you to meaningfully give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18 [“will of God”]) because you see Him at work in everything. A thankful heart is a strong deterrent to discouragement, fear, and pessimism.
Thank God for who He is, what He has done, and what He will accomplish on your behalf. Pray for your needs with an attitude of thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”) Go around work and home with a happy heart. When you don’t feel thankful, Thank the Lord anyway. You are cultivating a healthy spiritual and emotional atmosphere to face life from God’s perspective and with His strength.
So make today a day of trust & thanksgiving in Christ Jesus. I can’t think of any better way to survive today, or for that matter, the rest of your life!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope!”     (Jeremiah 29:11)