Thanksgiving is right around the corner. What are you thankful for? What has the Lord brought to mind as you reflect on this past year? What are the good things that have brought you closer to him? What are the hard things that have driven you to him? In his efforts to comfort me in recent days, a dear friend shared a quote from Charles Spurgeon that my friend said he could not shake: “God cannot be unkind to us.” God’s love for his people is proven over and over, even in what have been called “dark providences.” Friend, Jesus proves his love for you as he brings you through circumstances and events that tempt you to think he has forgotten about you. May we all be nudged closer to this truth as we celebrate Thanksgiving this year.
We are also remembering 60 years of God’s faithfulness to us as a congregation. Think of all the lives that have been touched by the gospel, brought closer to the grace and truth of Jesus, hearts reformed in their love of and service to the living God! He is so good and kind, even and especially in the highs and lows of life together.
This Sunday brings us to another confrontation between Paul and the Roman government in Acts 26: “Almost Persuaded,” where Agrippa seems to be like the others, appreciating Paul’s preaching for sport, not sanctification. Pastor Jim takes us back to I John 3:10-24: “What the Church Must Have.” I trust you’re appreciating his work in the pulpit as much as I am. What a blessing he and Trish are to us!
Remember to help those planning the Thanksgiving Feast know how and how many to prepare for: newlifelamesa.org/events/
Can’t wait to worship with you on Sunday! See you then.
Love & blessings,
Pastor Joel
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