Pastor's Heart
Happy Thanksgiving. As the holiday season begins let us remember
to make Jesus the center piece of our faith by living lives of
celebration, character and cheerfulness. Psalm 118:24 states, "This
is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Oswald Chambers observed, "Joy is the great note all throughout
the Bible." C.S. Lewis echoed that thought when he wrote, "Joy is
the serious business of heaven." But, even the most dedicated Christian
can on occasion, forget to celebrate each day for what it is: a
priceless gift from God. This Thanksgiving celebrate as God intended.
Secondly, live a life of character. Proverbs 27:19 reads, "As the
water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the person." Charles
Swindoll said, "Nothing speaks louder or more powerfully than a life of
integrity." Character is built slowly over a lifetime. It is the
sum of every right decision, every honest word, every noble thought,
and every heartfelt prayer. It is forged on the anvil of honorable
work and polished by the twin virtues of generosity and humility.
God has called you to build a life of good character for it is
your witness to the journey with God to others. It is said that
adversity builds character, but in this day and age it seems that
building character is what brings on adversity. Billy Graham said,
"A real Christian is the one who can give his pet parrot to the
town gossip." Build up your character to be a shining beacon for
those around you.
Thirdly, live a life of cheerfulness. Proverbs 17:22, "A merry
heart does good, like a medicine." Few things in this life are sadder
or more absurd than a grumpy Christian. Christ came to bring you
joy in your mourning. Cheer up for Jesus. John Wesley wrote, "Sour
godliness is the devil's religion." A smile is the best witness a
Christian can give when life is full of frowns. Live lives of
celebration, character and cheerfulness this holiday season, and may
you have a blessed Thanksgiving.
May God bless you and yours,
Rev. William G. Sewell
May 2009 - Pastors Corner
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