Copyright © 2011 Grace Family Church of Rhode Island

Often, as we are involved in shepherding the flock of Jesus, we are exposed to so many problems and issues that if we are not careful we risk to loose sight of the wonderful work God is doing in our churches. It is not only appropriate, but in my view necessary, then, to pause, from time to time, and look at the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. That is what we have set up to do, as we approach Thanksgiving and are reminded of our biblical call to give thanks to God. We have paused from our routine to look at what God is doing in our churches. Wow! There is so much that could be said...!

First, we can be extremely thankful for the fact that the gift of God in Christ, our redemption, is so much more appreciated. More and more of our members are realizing the profound impact and infinite meaning of the sacrifice of Jesus. We can see that in the conviction and the tears, in the expressions of gratitude and joy, but most of all in the way we stand in awe before the awesomeness of the cross. What more could we ask for? What more could we ever hope for? When all is said and done, it really is not about us, but about Him and what He has done for us!

God's love and grace has become more and more manifest in our churches, and more acknowledged and appreciated. As we turn away from our legalistic chains, and walk the path of faith in Jesus, the love of God toward us comes more and more in focus. It is revealed for the awesome love that it is, in its immensity, as we realize that it is not conditional to our performance.

As we think of the gift of Jesus, and of God's grace and love, how can we not notice the spiritual blessings God has bestowed upon us? Often, when changes come to our attention, we perceive them as something negative, to resist. Yet, if we look at them from a spiritual perspective, what a blessing they have been! God has poured out His Spirit and His loving correction on us so abundantly, yet graciously. He wants us to be spiritually blessed. This is manifest in many ways, but the one that is most meaningful to us is seeing people appreciate the fellowship we have not just because of our social ties and friendships, but because of the love we are beginning to share for God. He is a gracious Father indeed! His goodness and mercy are never ending.

As we experience a new deliverance from the chains of sin, including our sin of pride that moved us to attempt to “qualify” for God's grace on our own efforts, we are transformed from within by the presence of Christ in us. His Word, then, is proclaimed in our lives and affects others in a positive way for the Lord. This, too, is a blessing to see and experience. We are still taking our baby steps, perhaps, but do you remember the excitement we experienced when our little children took their first steps? Can we see our patient and loving Father in heaven be so excited about us, as we come free from our impediments and insecurities and begin to take our first steps in this newfound freedom?

One recent joy has come from seeing members step out and begin to do the work of God in faith, despite the initially negative odds. The love that has been exhibited in this is inspiring and we should all rejoice and be grateful for this transformation. We have seen the grace of God being bestowed upon others, whom we have served through our various ministries, and we have been inspired by this to continue in our mandate to make disciples for the Lord.

As we become more willing to give of our resources and time for the sake of the work God is doing through us, great blessings are poured upon us. Ministries have been started that are beginning to be a blessing to many, not only in our church, but in our communities as well. The presence of God in our life is thus more manifest, and we discover a deeper, greater unity with one another in serving and ministering together in the name of the Lord. Our dedication to ministry has also been manifest by the very encouraging trend in our donations. Not only we have maintained our donation levels despite some losses in attendance, but we have actually increased in our giving to support the ministries God has called us to carry out. The blessings that come from this attitude of giving and support are only beginning, so fasten your seat-belts and be prepared to stand in awe at what God is doing in us and through us.

Since we have began to work together in the service of our Lord, accomplishing His mandate to minister and to make disciples, His peace and unity has been also more manifest. We are not as concerned about our differences and our “private views” but are more focused on the Great Commission He has given us to accomplish. It is through giving that we receive, through an active effort that we are nurtured in Christ.

We are also so thankful to God for the understanding that we are receiving about the awesomeness and the profound meaning of Jesus' birth. When we stop focusing on minor and less important issues, and stop being distracted by arguments and disagreements, we can find the freedom to join together with brothers and sisters in awe at the fact that God became flesh. When we stop arguing about when Jesus was or was not born, then we find the time to think on the fact that the entire host of the holy angels was singing with great joy songs of praise to God. People rejoiced at the news that Emmanuel had come, and that salvation was proclaimed in the Messiah. The most important event in the history of humanity, then becomes all the more meaningful to us. How can we not join the host of angels in singing praises for the birth of Jesus? What a blessing it is to be free to acknowledge this great miracle.

Finally, although there is so much more that could be said, we are thankful for the empowerment of new leaders and new ministries in our church. Even those ministries that have been carried out for some time are now acquiring a new perspective and a new focus in the glory of Jesus. People are becoming more excited and more willing to serve, and the impact of our collective ministries is reaching people well beyond what we had imagined.

As we acknowledge the many blessings God is showering us with, let us all join hands in a song of praise to our Creator and Redeemer. Let us not respond with pride, but rather with exultation and jubilation in what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing in us. To Him be all praise and glory, for ever and ever, for His grace and mercy toward us has no limit and endures forever.

Amen.