As an action point, I encourage U to embark on a simple yet profound exercise. Go through the alphabet from A to Z & find something to be thankful for with each letter. This exercise not only cultivates an attitude of gratitude but also opens our eyes to the everyday blessings we often overlook. From Sunday’s Sermon
THANKFUL FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY
A – Acceptance: For the welcoming and inclusive spirit that embraces everyone.
B – Belief: For shared faith and the unity it brings to our community.
C – Compassion: For the empathy and care shown towards one another.
D – Dedication: For the commitment of members in service and ministry.
E – Encouragement: For the support and motivation we offer each other.
F – Fellowship: For the sense of friendship and community we share.
G – Generosity: For the willingness to give and support each other selflessly.
H – Hope: For the optimism and positive outlook we foster.
I – Inspiration: For the uplifting and motivating influence of our leaders and members.
J – Joy: For the happiness and laughter we share in our gatherings.
K – Knowledge: For the wisdom and learning that are shared and cultivated.
L – Love: For the genuine affection and care we demonstrate towards one another.
M – Ministry: For the various programs and activities that enrich our spiritual life.
N – Nurturing: For fostering growth and development within our church family.
O – Outreach: For our commitment to serving and reaching out to the community.
P – Prayer: For the power of prayer and the support of a praying community.
Q – Quiet: For moments of silence and reflection we share in God’s presence.
R – Resilience: For the strength to overcome challenges as a community.
S – Service: For the numerous ways we serve each other and our community.
T – Teaching: For the biblical and spiritual instruction that guides us.
U – Unity: For the bond that holds us together in love and purpose.
V – Volunteers: For the selfless individuals who dedicate their time and energy.
W – Worship: For the opportunity to praise and glorify God together.
X – eXample: For the role models of faith and character in our community.
Y – Youth: For the energy and fresh perspectives brought by younger members.
Z – Zeal: For the enthusiasm and passion we share in our faith and activities.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
John 10:4, “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”
From John 10 we see that the Lord’s voice in our experience is like an inner knowing.
Verses 4-5 say, “And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”
Also, in verse 14 the Lord says, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”
This inner knowing of the Lord’s voice is similar to experiencing an inner drawing.
We are moved and touched from within.
There is a deep inner consciousness and conviction.
This means that the Lord’s voice is written into our very consciousness.
For example, when we received Christ into us, it was because we were convinced by this inner knowing that we should receive Him.
Outwardly, we may have heard a preacher sharing the gospel, or we may have read a tract explaining to our mind the way of salvation.
But inwardly we knew that receiving Christ was the right thing to do.
This inner knowing to follow the Lord as our Shepherd is simply His voice speaking in our consciousness.
Another example of this inner knowing is given in Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
The Spirit witnessing with our spirit is an inner knowing and consciousness.
This is His way of speaking to us in the most intimate and personal manner.
Instead of hearing an outward voice, something apart from us, we have an inner consciousness of His abiding presence.
This is how we know and understand the Lord’s voice.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
THURDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Amy Garner
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Andrew Halevi & Daughter
Ashely Burn’s Sisters
Brandon’s Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
David Harrison – Riverside
Deanna Fowler
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Easton Fielder
Ed Mays
Eric Ward
Erik Magnusson
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
Heather May
James Burnette
James Garner’s Friend
Janie Roberts
Jillian Gray
JOANIE & JEANIE
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John Austin
John McClain
June Cronan
June Cronan’s Sister
Kathy Mabe
Kim McClain’s Mother
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marlon Cook
Mary Sims
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nancy Proudfit – Home
Pastor & Mrs. Driskell
PAT CHUPP
Ricky Gipson
Ricky Stubbs
Rose Fuller – Rehab
Roseleigh Osborn
Sandra Graham
Scott Lanier
Soso Nzolo – 17 Yr. Old South African Pastor’s Daughter
Susan & Alexis Tesone
Tom Witcher