The Manse

It is important not just to say thank you, but also to live thankfully

Manners may not be a strong feature of life today, but what is even more important is to recognize that everything we have and are, every good gift we ever know, is from the Lord

When we give thanks for good things day by day, it changes our attitude, and brings warmth and colour to our lives, and helps us in our relationships. Gratitude is a sign of health

How much more is this true in the life we have through the Lord Jesus in fellowship with God by his Holy Spirit. We will never come to an end of giving thanks for the Father’s gift of the Son, and the sacrifice of the Son in his death on the cross. And along with Jesus, God has given us so many other gifts, gifts his Spirit makes real to us, to strengthen and enrich our lives in him

Giving thanks for these spiritual gifts, of grace and peace and so much else besides, is the way to know, receive and enjoy the benefit of them

When we give thanks to God in prayer for one of his gifts, we are affirming our trust in what he has promised to give us, as well as opening up our hearts and lives to him, to receive it

There can be nothing that you need which is not already given by your Father, waiting for you to give thanks for it, receive it, and live in the strength of it. Try one and see

Your Pastor,

Gordon.