Skip to main content

Being Thankful

PASTOR'S POST - NOVEMBER 2013


As we start another fall season, there is one question that will resonate in our hearts, "What am I thankful for?" I find reasons to be thankful within the simple things of life. For instance, the picture above was taken when Donna and I, with our dog Bruno in tow went to Table Rock State Park for the day. I remember being thankful for my family, the great weather and the beautiful colors of the changing leaves.  Everything there screamed of God's love through His attention to detail in its creation. I am thankful to have a God that loves me unconditionally, sacrificially and relentlessly.  I am so blessed to have the privilege of pastoring His church and walking along side His people through the steps of their lives.

While the above mentioned can give us a warm and fuzzy feeling, the honest truth is that I, along with many of our congregation, endure storms.  As hard as it is to admit, I am thankful for the storms, too.  Yes, those moments that cause our faith to be challenged are as beautiful as the changing leaves of fall.  In the heat of the moment it is hard to find beauty in the midst of chaos, but God is faithful and He makes all things beautiful.

The Apostle Paul says it best in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica:

16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-22]

Whether we are experiencing the beauty of fall or the harshness of winter, God is there.  If we follow Paul's instructions, we can develop the mindset of being thankful in every situation. Remember, He makes all things beautiful!

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. [Ecclesiastes 3:11]

Find the Joy of Being Thankful!

Popular posts from this blog

Confession, Reflection and The Lord's Supper

Yesterday, our church observed the ordinance of the Lord''s Supper or Communion as some call it.  Our church is blessed to have a committee that prepares this for us on every fifth Sunday.  This practice is designed to take us back in our hearts and minds to that dreadful night where Jesus sat at a table with His disciples to prepare them for His pending crucifixion .   The purpose of the Lord's Supper is not for us to go through the motions, but to remember all that Christ did for us.  His body was broken and blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.  Communion is a time to reflect, appreciate and give honor to Jesus for what He endured for us. This ordinance is not for everyone.  This is only to be taken by those who are believers and accepted Jesus as their ultimate forgiver and leader.  To partake in this service in an unworthy state is sin. 1 Corinthians 11:27 (NLT) 27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this...

Children's Church

  Beginning Sunday, September 18th, there will be Children’s Church for children ages four years   through 5th grade. The children will be dismissed during the morning worship service when the choir comes down from the choir loft. Phyllis Swaney, our Children’s Church Leader, will stand by the piano for the children.       

Pastor James Receives the John E. White Award for Pastor of The Year 2024 for Churches Up To 350 Members

On December 8th following the morning worship service, Pastor James was presented with the John E. White Award from Anderson University for the The 2024 South Carolina Baptist Pastor of the Year for churches up to 350 members. It was given in recognition of meritorious servant leadership to the high calling of the pastorate. We love Pastor James and celebrate this honor with Him. God is doing great things at Homeland Park Baptist Church.   Presented by Mason Easterling (Vice-President for Church Engagement) with Anderson University.