In a few days we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Historically, It is a day set aside to show how thankful we are. Families and friends will gather to eat, reminiscence, and watch football. It is the one-day we set aside to show our appreciation for all we have been given. I love Thanksgiving, but it should not be limited to one day. We should have an attitude of gratitude everyday.
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of the little things that are right in front of me to appreciate all year long. With that in mind, I decided to use my blog as a platform to express my gratitude. So, once again, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, this uniquely American holiday, here is the list of blessings for which I am thankful in 2012.
The enemy always tempts us to look at the glass as half-empty. Rather, it is a good discipline to consider how that cup is actually overflowing. Every pastor has the temptation to get discouraged or frustrated working with people… just as every congregation has the temptation to get discouraged or frustrated working with their pastor. However, the joy of pastoring far outweigh the frustrations.
Here’s why I’m thankful:
I’m thankful for the local church and still believe that it’s the hope of the world.
I’m thankful that my church hangs around and talks long after the worship service is over.
I’m thankful that my church expects & anticipates Scripture to be opened and explained.
I’m thankful that my church members have developed friendship that extends well-beyond Sunday morning.
I’m thankful for the way I’ve seen God work, in my life and the lives of others – in big ways and small.
I’m thankful for the worship team who lead us into worship each week, not for a big performance or to focus attention on their own musical talents, but to give glory to God and help us do the same
I’m thankful that God planned all of this – that He brought a small, faithful group to plant this church 49 years ago
That’s my list (or at least part of the list…there are so many more). What about you? What are you thankful for?
I didn’t attend worship last Sunday at the Mars Hill Baptist Church because I was being a father.
My son Josh & I were on a requiting trip at the University of Louisville. I’m excited to share pictures of his visit to the University of Louisville. It was an exciting trip and they have a great campus, field, and training facilities. The coaches were awesome and I love that they love to develop players & WIN!!! Enjoy it!
It appears I hit the right nerve judging from your response to “Getting To The Next Level.” Thank you for sharing the articles with others via Facebook and Twitter. I’m humbled and happy that others are able to experience what you have. If you haven’t read Part 1 and Part 2, you can read them HERE and HERE.
Getting to the next level is a GOD-THING and not OUR-THING. He alone determines who’s prepared and elevates them at the appropriated time. No better person illustrates this important principle like Joshua.
According to The Book of Numbers, Moses and Aaron had disqualified themselves from entering the land of promise when they had failed to honor the Lord by striking the rock at Meribah in the Desert of Zin (Numbers 20:12). Aaron had already died (Numbers 20:27-29) but the Lord now allowed Moses a glimpse of Canaan from afar. Rather than lapsing into self-pity as a lesser man might have done, Moses expressed his concern that Israel have a good leader to take his place.
In 2005, Ice Cube (Nick) and Nia Long (Suzanne) starred in the hit comedy movie, “Are We There Yet?” Nick’s attracted to Suzanne and offers to drive her two very annoying children from Portland to Vancouver. The trip’s a disaster from the outset as the three face numerous mishaps while entertaining the nagging question, “Are we there yet?” As a parent who’s gone on numerous road trips with children, they have trouble understanding distance and how much time it takes to actually get ‘there.’
In his book, “Maximize The Moment,” Bishop T.D. Jakes references a “place called there.” It’s not a neighborhood. You can’t find it on a map. Money, education, or influence can’t get you there. There is the place God intended for us to be spiritually, relationally, financially, etc. It’s God’s destiny for us and once you’ve been touched by destiny, your relentless pursuit begins.
It doesn’t have to be perfect for God to bless it.
As I read Scripture, I can’t find any instance where conditions were perfect before God blessed it. Abraham didn’t have all the answers when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac…he proceeded anyway. Moses had a speech problem and was insecure about his leadership abilities…he proceeded anyway. Nehemiah certainly didn’t know how the building project would turn out, but he proceeded anyway. Are you noticing a pattern here?
Why The Big Push For Excellence?
Every generation is quick to point out the hypocrisy of the one that preceded it. The generation born just after WWII began rejecting the values of their parents during the ’60s. Now it’s their kids’ turn. Today’s young adults see a generation of baby-boomer Christians that has striven for “excellence” in every part of church life. Boomers proclaimed in the 1980s that image is everything, and their churches have reflected that cultural trend.
There’s an old saying: Winners never quit and quitters never win. Wrong! What if I told you that successful people quit ALL THE TIME. Would you believe me? If not, I challenge you to keep reading.
Every new business, project, career, or ministry starts out exciting and fun. Eventually it gets harder and less fun, until it hits a low point (really hard), and it’s not much fun at all. Consequently, you find yourself asking if the goal is even worth the hassle.
According to bestselling author Seth Godin, what really sets successful people apart from everyone else is the ability to escape dead ends quickly, while staying focused and motivated when it really counts. He calls it “The Dip.” Successful people quit fast, quit often, and quit without guilt-until they commit to beating the right Dip for the right reasons.
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
The older I get, the more I realize the importance of the little things that are right in front of me to appreciate all year long. With that in mind, I decided to use my blog as a platform to express my gratitude. So, once again, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, this uniquely American holiday, here is the list of blessings for which I am thankful in 2012.
