Thankful

Our two grandsons have developed a weekly tradition that Alison and I have witnessed on a couple of occasions while visiting. Each week on the morning scheduled for their neighborhood trash service they run to their upstairs bedroom window seat with excited anticipation to await the garbage truck and its workers arrival. As the truck stops to pick up their trash our boys begin waving to the workers with great enthusiasm to express thanks to those who take away the trash. But what is even more enjoyable is to watch the workers themselves stop for a moment, look up at our grandsons, and begin to wave back at them while the driver blows the truck horn several times. Having witnessed this thankful expression, I could not help but think that the workers enjoy the moment as much as our grandsons. And why not, everyone loves being appreciated.

Every day we are surrounded by heroes who bring us inspiration and joy but too often we are unable to recognize these special individuals for the impact they make on others. In Ephesians 5:20 Paul writes, “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 he adds, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I have preached it, so let me practice it today.

First let me say Thanks for the many prayers… that were offered by you, friends, and colleagues from near and far during my recent back surgery. We really did sense the peace of God and the impact of your prayers. Thanks!!!

Thanks for the many cards, notes, texts, emails, and calls… they were so meaningful to us and brought joy to our hearts at the ministry God has given to us with you all.

Thanks for the meals, the snacks, the donuts… I don’t guess prior to the surgery we had even thought about or expected people to bring food to us, nor how much we would actually be blessed by everything from fried chicken to fish to soups to chicken pies to mac and cheese to green beans to rice crispy treats, to chocolate, and about everything else you can imagine.

Thanks for our Staff team… who serve so faithfully and keep our ministry strong and vibrant. They are some of those unsung heroes that make Ridgecrest one of the finest Churches in America.

Thanks to Chuck and Chase… for filling the pulpit in my absence. As always, they preached the Word with excellence. I am so thankful that I never have to worry when I am away that you will not be fed spiritually and inspired to live the faith.

Last, Thanks for the privilege of being your Pastor… As David said in Psalm 16:6, “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”

Pray this week for our Honduras Mission Team… they will be helping to plant a new work of ministry in an area of Honduras that has no church or consistent access to the gospel. This is one of our core assignments from the Lord Jesus as we seek to take the good news to all the world.

I am glad to be back in the pulpit this week, my recovery has exceeded expectations, God has given me a message to share, and I know that He has something from His Word for us all... listen and He will speak!

And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new! I love being your Pastor.

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

 
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