An old wise man from the church where I served in Maine loved to say, “If you have trouble sleeping, don’t count sheep, count your blessings.” I should practice that more often. And not just to help me fall asleep, but to fill my gratitude tank. Do I notice the blessings when I am awake?
Years ago, as part of a building campaign, as a family we started a blessing fund. Others have called it a “Count your Blessings” fund. This is how it worked. Any time we were blessed by something we purchased being less than we expected, we put that savings in a blessing fund. If someone picked up the tab or surprised us with a discount or someone gave us a break on a cost (without our asking for one) the savings went into this blessing fund. Our older two kids, who were quite young at the time, would get into it as well and if we missed the savings, one of them would say, “Blessing fund!” It was amazing the amount that was collected through this simple activity. Even more amazing was to see our blessings! We, in a very literal sense, were counting our blessings!
Seeing God’s blessings reaches far beyond monetary gifts. We are blessed with “every spiritual blessing in Christ” Ephesians 1:3 says. We are blessed with God’s protection, His presence, answered prayer, His comfort, His spoken Word, His people, and in knowing that even the troubles of life are sovereignly designed to accomplish His purposes in our lives. There is no question He is a blessing-giver. It is a question of, “Do we see them?” Perhaps your blessing fund will be filled with savings. Or perhaps it will be filled with written accounts of God’s daily blessings in your life. Or perhaps it will be more of a mental awareness to what our great God has given you and is doing in your life- even in those trials. Just try counting them!
I have said it before, I am blessed to serve here at EBC. You are a reminder of God’s goodness. I love worshipping with you each Sunday. And while I am not able to interact with each of you personally each Sunday, my heart is refreshed by you. I hope you are taking advantage of the time in between the two services. I am confident that the more you make it a priority, the more you will be glad you did. And the more others will benefit. I can’t help but think of the hymn, “Make me a blessing to someone today.” Is there someone God wants you to bless today, this week, this coming Sunday?
I remember recently driving through a toll booth prepared to pay my toll when the attendant said, “Drive on through, the person in the car in front of you payed for you.” Was this one for the blessing fund? Well, in that case, I decided at the next toll to pay for the person behind me. Isn’t that how it is supposed to work? We are blessed, so bless others. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (verse 11).
Blessings to you,
Pastor Brian
Looking Forward
Sermon Direction
“Tears in Heaven”Revelation 5
Last Sunday’s Sermon
Help Needed
Bill Wixson is looking for a few strong men with strong backs to help move the old appliances out of the gym kitchen. They will be moving the old appliances out THIS Sunday 9/30 after 2nd service.
If you are able to help, please contact Bill at 524-8580. Please bring old shoes and a pair of gloves.
Welcome 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, October 14. 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, approximately 11:45. We hope to see you there!
Click here to RSVP via Facebook or email the office.
Right People in the Right Places
Network Workshop
Part 1: Option 1 Saturday 10/27 9am-12pm
Option 2 Thursday 11/1 6pm-9pm
Part 2: Saturday 11/3 9am-12pm
Must attend both parts.
Sign up in advance to get your book at the Ministry Counter.
Learn more here.
TREC Art Contest
Trajectory REC’s Monday Night Basketball Program is having an art contest! They are looking for artists, designers, those with a creative flair to come up with the new TREC logo to be featured on all TREC Basketball materials including shirts! Connect with Justin Whitman for the details of the contest.
Simply Beautiful Conference
This is a one-day conference for girls, their mothers,
and their spiritual mentors.
When: October 20th from 9am – 4pm.
Where: 14 Hunter Rd. Uxbridge, MA 01569
Purchase tickets here.
See Susan Lyle for more details.
Clothing Donations Needed
Belknap county Dept. of Corrections is asking for clothing donations for both male and female inmates for when they are released from custody as well as for inmates who have job interviews through the Work Release Program.
Donations will be collected now until the end of October.
Please see Lisa Bauman.
A box will be located by the coat closet where you can leave your donations each week.
Suggested items are:
- Coats and jackets
- winter hats
- scarves and gloves
- winter boots
- blue jeans
- sneakers and shoes (W sizes 5-10 and M sizes 9-13)
- socks
- white polo shirts
- pants and dress pants
- button down dress shirts
- blouses
- sweaters
- blazers