November 24, 2024 - Ryan McCoy

Grateful and Faithful [Luke 17:11-19]

Paul, from the confines of unjust imprisonment, gave us instructions to praise and thank God for everything.

It's easy to give thanks when everything is going well. But the true Christian virtue of gratitude is a lifestyle. We give thanks in ALL circumstances. It is the natural expression of a sincere and growing faith. Disciples of Jesus practice gratitude.

In Luke 17, we see 10 men Jesus healed. Jesus says, "Go, show yourselves to the priest." As they went, they were healed. He commanded, they obeyed and only then were they healed. Faith begins with obedience. But it does not end there! Only one came back to thank Jesus- a Samaritan.

Faith begins with obedience but it grows into gratitude. To have faith is to live it and to live it is to give thanks.

How do you practice gratitude? When it comes to giving thanks: say it often, say it out loud, and say it when it's hard. Start small and allow gratitude to plant seeds of grace in your heart., then watch it grow.

You can be blessed beyond measure, you can take steps of faith that make it look like you're following Jesus, but mature, saving faith gives thanks.

The Lord Had Given Thanks: Being Thankful This Season
Weekly Devotional 11.25.2024

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Our Thanksgiving is closely modeled after Jesus giving thanks. While Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and spend time with loved ones, Jesus giving thanks is all about fellowship within the new covenant community where He thanks God for His provision, sovereign will in our lives, hearing our prayers, the power over death, and that He has provided a perfect sacrifice to bring us in a right relationship with our creator and sustainer.

The examples of Jesus giving thanks center on communion with God—God knowing us, revealing Himself to us, and providing our earthly and spiritual needs.

This Thanksgiving, whether you go around the table and share what you are thankful for or pray at the table before the meal, I encourage you to model your prayer and Thanksgiving after the very things Jesus gave thanks. Give thanks to God because He provides, hears our prayers, has a sovereign plan for our lives, and has taken us from being dead in our sins to being alive in Jesus.

November 17, 2024 - Dr. Jeff Raines

Living According to the Word [Psalm 119:9-16]

What are your first memories of the words of Scripture? Has the Word of God become a part of you?

"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord." Psalm 119:1

Synonyms for law here are: Torah, statute, decrees, word, commandment, precepts

The blessed life comes from putting into practice the Word of God.

Some say to live according to your heart, or to making money, or to the latest trends. But we need something higher than this to guide us.

Today's action step: Live according to God's word.

With our hearts, with our feet, with our mouths, with our minds, with our eyes- may we live according to the Word.

Do we have a faith that leads and moves us? Or do we stop because it's not quick and easy? Jesus has shown is the way and he calls us to follow.