Thanksgiving is a time when we gather together with our friends and family to give thanks, share a meal, and reminisce of times past. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, I look back at all of the blessings that the Lord has provided for me and my family. It has been a tough year for us. Like many Americans, it has been a year of tests and trials for our nation, its citizens, and our economy.  It is through these tests and trials however, that we grow!  As believers in Christ, we must first and foremost stand on God’s Word.  I often remind myself of this on a daily basis, “He shall not leave me or forsake me in times of trials and tribulations, I will go forward!

It is with a grateful heart that I want to thank God for this ministry that he has placed me in. Over the past 15 months on staff here at New Life Jefferson Park, I’ve had the opportunity to see God in action! He has doubled our impact at New Life Jefferson Park as we have gone to two services and grown our location. This was a step of faith which was taken by our church leadership team and led by our beloved Pastor Asa as we trusted the Lord and launched our second service back in April, of 2008.  As this year comes to an end, I think about our growth and all that God has done to bless not only our location, but New Life as a whole.  New Life has launched four new locations throughout Chicago within one year, and has plans on launching more after the New Year. None of this could be done without the vision and heart that the New Life Pastoral team shares!

Here at New Life Jefferson Park, I’ve seen how our church has begun to impact the community God has planted us in! On a weekly basis I witness the new faces that light up our congregation during our morning worship. I hear the enthusiasm that people have as they laugh at one of Pastor Asa’s jokes or stories. J  I’ve shared in the excitement as people grow in faith and take a step of baptism.  I’ve seen the altar in our sanctuary filled with people responding to the message of God’s Word.  I’ve seen our “Seniors Ministry” flourish as our 50+ gather monthly to fellowship, share a meal, develop community, and the joy of our Lord!  I’ve watched our worship team, which I find a privilege to serve on, grow and multiply. Our Soul Purpose Ministry has impacted our young peoples lives, and our Children’s ministry continues to grow on a weekly basis.  Through our Soul Purpose Dramas and our monthly Renewals, prayer and worship times, we have grown as a community within a community.

Giving thanks with a grateful heart…this is something truly to be grateful for!

Out of all the days we set apart as a nation to celebrate different “holidays,” (set apart days) Thanksgiving is one of my favorites.  The food, spending time with family and friends and taking time out of our busy schedule to give thanks.  What could be better?  The more I grow in Christ however, the more I realize that Thanksgiving isn’t just to be celebrated once a year in November, but it is something I must celebrate every day.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages us to “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”   Many times I have wondered “God what is your will for me today?” and it comes back to the choice I have to make no matter what is happening in my life to give thanks in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.  Webster’s dictionary defines Thanksgiving as “the act of giving thanks.”  If I am to practice this on a daily basis it needs to be acted upon.  Not how do I feel right now, but am I going to choose to give thanks?  Am I going to put it into practice?  Am I going to acknowledge that God is good in spite of what is happening in my life?  My prayer is that I can celebrate Thanksgiving every day by acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness in my life as I yield to his will of giving thanks both verbally and with my heart.  What is God teaching you about Thanksgiving?