FBC E-Blast - December 4, 2017
FBC E-Blast
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| At Thanksgiving, we typically express gratitude for God's blessings. But did you ever consider thanking Him for something that doesn't seem like a blessing—such as a trying circumstance you want Him to remove or change? A grateful heart is most precious to God when, humanly speaking, our situations don't warrant giving thanks. By making four foundational decisions, we can begin to see the value of our adversities and respond with appreciation.
Believe and trust the Lord. Only by viewing life from a scriptural perspective can we understand His purposes in our trials and trust His wisdom in allowing them.
Accept the situation as coming from God - either directly sent or permissively allowed. If we truly believe He's working for our good (Romans 8:28-29), we can choose to receive each difficulty as coming from His loving hand. Then we can say "Thank You."
Submit to God in the circumstance. Although we may not like the situation, knowing that God "[is] good and does good" (v. 68) allows us to confidently place our lives under His authority.
Draw from Him the strength to endure. No one has the ability within himself to endure hardships with gratefulness. Only by relying on the Lord can believers go through adversity with an appreciative heart.
Now, think about that circumstance you would like changed, and with a new mindset, offer this prayer to God: "Lord, I accept this situation as coming from You. In faith and trust, I place myself under Your loving authority, and draw from You the strength I need to endure with gratitude."
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Current Sermon Series
For many, the most wonderful time of the year isn't so wonderful. A painful past or our own insecurities can overshadow the joy we’re supposed to be feeling during Christmas. What if this year could look different? It’s time to let God heal the Ghosts of Christmas Past. This series deals with painful issues like labels, offenses, and low self-esteem. This series will begin on December 3rd.
Last Week:
We started our new series with overcoming offenses. Our lives are too short and our calling from God is too great for us to be easily offended. When we have been offended, we need to forgive as Christ forgave us, freely and a lot!
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will continue our series by looking into how to deal with shame.
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Upcoming Events
December 5 - Dartball Game at our church. Be there by 7:15 PM
December 17 - Christmas Caroling following the Worship Service
December 24 - Christmas Eve Services:
9:45 AM - Breakfast
11:00 AM - Worship Service followed by partaking of the Lord's Supper
5:00 PM - Christmas Eve Service with each Sunday School Class doing something special
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