Dear friends,

     Autumn is here.  The beautiful colors that painted the hillsides have melted into a subdued brown.  the air is getting cooler, and our minds are focused on the holiday season which is almost upon us. 
     So let me ask you - in the spirit of Thanksgiving - what are you thankful for?  That question gets asked quite often this time of year.  But really...what are you thankful for.  And just how thankful are you?
     The hymn begins, "Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices".  When was the last time you were so awestruck with blessing that you expressed your thanks to God with your heart and your hands and your voice?  Hmm.  Food for thought.
     It's so easy to take things in stride, isn't it?  It's so easy to accept blessings from God and let them go unacknowledged.  How many times have we seen God's hand in a situation and not taken a brief moment to offer thanks?  It's the story of our spiritual lives.
     My challenge to you is not to get so wrapped up in seasonal busy-ness that you forget to take time and offer thanks.  And while you're at it, look for God at work in your life and offer thanks.  Or think of a recent time that God bestowed great blessing to you or your family.  And offer thanks...not just "Thanks, God.  I really appreciated it."  Be bold.  Offer true thanks.
     Offer thanks with your heat and your hands and your voice.  Don't just verbalize your thanks...live it.  Take some time and read through the Gospels to see how Jesus offered thanks.  Model your season of thankfulness after his examples.
     I am truly thankful for you and for Lincoln Chapel.  Won't you join me in seeking God's grace as we live out our thankfulness?  Let's pray the prayer below:
     O God, you have been with me from the very beginning.  Through good times and difficulty you remained with me.  For your friendship and love, I give you thanks.  Help me to offer my thanks more freely.  Give me the courage and the opportunity to be bold in offering my thanks...with my heart and my hands and my voice.  With your help, Lord, and by your example, I shall be empowered to live a life of true thankfulness.
     In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
     My blessings go with you for a pleasant Thanksgiving.

In Christ,
Pastor Jon West