Today is a day to give thanks to God for 2007. The Bible says to ‘rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (1 Thess. 5:16-17).
We live in a world which is not content, where greed is good, and people are rarely thankful. We want our computers to run faster, buses and trains always on time, our houses all set up and ready for 4 kids when we graduate! Immediate is good!
It is clear from the New Testament, that God wants us to wait for heaven, and it doesn’t hurt us one bit. In fact it produces patience and ever-deepening trust in him.
Today at church, as we’ve done for the past 3 years at this time, we’ve asked a couple of people in each service, to share how God has been blessing them. There are 3 areas in particular that we’ve given them to think about, and these derive from our motto– every person new in Christ, mature in Christ, and making Christ known. I love hearing these stories, for I am reminded of the goodness and sovereignty of God. God is at work in so many ways, often not noticed by many. God often uses all sorts of experiences too– many which involve deep suffering.
Some things I am thankful to God for are, a number of people who have given their lives to Christ. I am thankful that some dearly loved brothers and sisters in Christ are now with Jesus in glory. I am thankful to how a number of families have grown more committed to church through ministries like Kid’s Plus and Youth group. I am grateful to God for the many new children born into loving families. I am thankful for our missionaries, with news recently of Kingsley’s neighbour coming to Christ. I am thankful for the unity in our church. I am thankful for the money we could raise and give to Bush Church Aid, CMS and Anglicare, as well as finishing well ourselves. I am grateful to God for those who have finished uni courses and got jobs. I could go on.
As we look forward to the heavenly city and trust our great God and saviour, rejoice always, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you. (Andrew)

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