“Give thanks in good circumstances, for this is the will of God.” Wait! That isn’t what First Thessalonians 5:18 says. It says, “Give thanks in most circumstances.” Wrong again! It says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God.” Certainly “all” can’t mean “all.” In the original language, it still means all. How is it possible to give thanks in all circumstances especially if our circumstances are horrible? When life seems to be one disappointment, one difficulty, one discouragement after another, how can we possibly obey this command?
Let’s visit the upper room where Jesus shared a last meal with His disciples. You will recall that Jesus took bread, and just before he had broken the bread it says, he gave thanks. Jesus knew what was about to happen. He would feel the full wrath of God for the sin of the world. He would encounter physical pain, verbal abuse, betrayal, and be misunderstood. He was about to endure a living nightmare, yet He gave thanks!
Hebrews 12 sheds more light on the source of His thanks. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God.” Jesus’ eyes were on his future joy. His focus was beyond the cross to the promised joy that would result from it. When we find it challenging to give thanks in our circumstances, look to the joy set before us. It has been said this way, “If the joy Jesus promises is real and you believe him, there’s no circumstance that can steal your thanksgiving.”
So give thanks, church, give thanks! In ALL circumstances! Someday God will complete the work in you. Someday you will be raised from the dead to never die again. Someday you will see Jesus, be with him, and fully enjoy all the benefits of heaven. And for now, God promises to give you the grace you need for every circumstance and meet all of your needs! Give thanks!
EBC Kids has set up a table for you to show your appreciation to those who serve so faithfully in that ministry. So, if you or one of your kids could take just a few minutes to write out a “thank you” they will be collected and shared at the EBC Kids Training and Encouragement Brunch on December 1. Stop by at one of the tables this Sunday!
As I stated in last week’s epistle, consider ways you can express your thanks to someone. Say thank you to the store clerk, waitress who served you, person who held the door open for you, the one who prepared your meal, did the dishes, works with you or for you, and on it goes. Nurture a thankful heart. It is contagious!
And did that verse say, “Give thanks only on Thanksgiving Day”?
Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for you!
Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
“A Woman and a Dragon” Revelation 12:1-6Last Sunday’s Sermon
New Service Times
1st service: 9am 2nd service: 10:45am. Fellowship time in between 10:15-10:45.Cancellation Procedure for Sunday Mornings
In the event of bad weather that would potentially impact services, the following will be taken into consideration: the current weather in Laconia, timing of the weather event, and whether roads, walkways, parking areas will be cleared. A decision will be made by 7:30 am to cancel one or both of our services. Events in the afternoon or evening will be dealt with separately. EBC will notify of cancellation using the following: WMUR TV, Church website news feed www.laconiachurch.com, Email (weekly epistle list), and EBC public and private Facebook pages.
ATTN Network Coaches
Please return your packets to the office as soon as possible. Thanks!New Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Ministry invites you to a 4 week Bible Study beginning next Tuesday, 11/27, 7pm-9pm. “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus” will lead us through the 4 weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy and Love). The study offers five daily reflections that focus on that week’s name of Jesus. We will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is. Sign up at the Ministry Counter beginning this Sunday.EBC Kids Volunteer Training Brunch
All EBC Kids volunteers are encouraged to come for this time of refreshment and training. Saturday 12/1/18 from 9:30am-11:30amNewcomers Luncheon
If you are new to EBC in the past two years, you are cordially invited to our upcoming welcome luncheon for new attenders on, Sunday, December 2nd. This will be a great opportunity to meet and connect with other newcomers and members of the EBC family. The luncheon will be held after the second service, 12pm. We hope to see you there. Please email the office to RSVP.