Pastor’s Corner Counting my blessings

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

— On the Sunday before Thanksgiving we have a tradition at FBC. Rather than a message from God’s word from a pastor on that day, we take time for God’s people to share what they’re thankful for. It’s one of my favorite worship times of the year as people share from their heart.

There’s something powerful about recognizing God’s work and provision in our lives and expressing our gratitude to Him. An added benefit to what we do during this special worship time is that we’re expressing our gratitude publicly.

We’re telling others what God has done. When you share a bit of the story of God’s goodness in your life, I’m encouraged. I become more aware of His goodness in my life. I’m given a fresh opportunity to worship.

Have you taken time to really count your blessings? I know that some of you are dealing with some significant challenges. I suspect you have problems and stress in your life. Most all of us have the challenges and the stuff we wouldn’t have chosen, but when you really stop to count your blessings what do you find?

How will you take time to intentionally express gratitude to our God this week?

Maybe you need to take time to share with someone outside your family some of what you’re grateful for. Who knows what God might do in their life as a result of knowing more about your story.

As I give thanks to the Father, Pea Ridge continues to be high on my list. I am grateful that God called us to serve in this community.

To have the privilege to serving along side so many wonderful people in this community has been nothing short of amazing. To work, serve and live in this community is a blessing. To have raised our two daughters in this community, in the Pea Ridge schools has been a huge blessing. I can’t begin to express how thankful for we are for the wonderful teachers who poured their lives into our girls, enriching their lives forever.

So many people have enriched our lives in this community. We’re blessed beyond measure by the people of Pea Ridge. From people we met when we moved here in 1991, to new friends in the past year, we are richly blessed. I thank God for you! I thank God for the privilege of living and serving in this place at this time. God is good! Let’s tell the story of His goodness and give thanks!

◊◊◊

Editor’s note: Al Fowler is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Pea Ridge.

He can be contacted at 451-8192, or by e-mail at al@ prfbc.org.

Church, Pages 2 on 11/24/2010