Pastor Mike’s Garage October 7th, 2022
October 7, 2022
I’ve just got a few announcements for you.As always prayer is on Saturdays
at 7:00pm.
Next Sunday, the 16th, is the third Sunday of the month and you know what
that means! Potluck! Please invite a friend and join us. This is a great
Sunday to invite someone new.
Also please put November 19th on your calendar for our Family Life Canada
workshop. Here’s a “trailer” for the day: https://vimeo.com/482769427, as
well as a site detailing what it’s all about. It’s an all day thing, but I
really think it’s worth putting the investment into our marriages. There
will be a small cost for the day, somewhere around $30 a couple, which will
include a catered lunch. Stay tuned.
And here’s a great word from Pastor Mike:
*Pastor Mike’s Garage-Oct 6/2022*
Wow has this year flown by! It’s hard to believe that this weekend is
Thanksgiving already! I am reminded of a sermon I heard many years ago
given by John Rousseaux on the subject of giving thanks. I still remember
him saying the words “any fool can complain, yet sometimes we treat
recognizing faults and problems as one of the gifts of the spirit, it’s
not!” A number of years ago we took an older couple out for Sunday dinner
to bless them on Thanksgiving Sunday. They proceeded to spend the whole
time we were together complaining about all the things wrong in their
lives; their crop that year, the weather, the neighbours, their health, the
government, their church and the list goes on! I was going crazy, the one
day a year you shouldn’t be allowed to complain that much is Thanksgiving
Sunday!!!
We need to realize something, being thankful is not a bi-product or result
of good things in our lives! It is a choice based upon the fact that it
could be so much worse and many times we are blessed far beyond what we
deserve! It is realizing that, although there may be some trials and
obstacles in our path, there are still many things in our lives that are a
source of hope, peace and joy. It is the discipline of, rather than
dwelling on the negative, looking past and focusing on the positive. Many
years ago, I had slipped into a pattern of complaining about what I thought
was wrong in my life. I still remember very vividly one Sunday afternoon
sitting in my living room lamenting the many areas I felt life had dealt me
an unfair blow. While I don’t claim to have heard the audible voice of
almighty God, I distinctly heard a voice in my inner being say “If you want
something to complain about, I’ll give you something to complain about!” I
instantly realized what I was doing. We say we serve a God who is all
powerful, all knowing, and his greatest attribute is that He loves us. The
reality is that anything that I can possibly think of to complain about is
a declaration that He either doesn’t know what’s going on, isn’t able to do
anything about it, or doesn’t care! I can assure you that none of those
scenarios are the case!
Take some time today and this weekend to think about all of the good things
in your life! If you are able to read this email, with a full stomach, in a
warm house, with family or friends near, you are already blessed far beyond
the vast majority of people on planet earth! Make a list of things to be
thankful for, I’ll list a few things of mine! I’m thankful for loving
parents who provided for me a rich Christian heritage and safe home. I’m
thankful for a lovely wife and amazing son, a total answer to many years of
prayer and doubt and worry! I’m thankful for many good friends who have
given me much joy, experiences and laughter over the years and have shared
the trials in life as well. I’m thankful for nature and the beauty found in
the world! I’m even thankful for many of the extras, my dogs, old trucks,
my galaxie, snowmobiles, hunting, camper, etc. I am very thankful for this
church family; you have been such a blessing to me over the years!
Might I suggest as you gather with family and friends this coming weekend
over a meal, invite someone to your table who you know will be alone this
thanksgiving. If you’re the person who it looks like will be alone, invite
someone else over and make a meal for them! I will close with a couple
verses from the bible on giving thanks. “Rejoice always, pray without
ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Not that I am speaking of
being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be
content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any
and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty, and
hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who
strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
Pastor Mike