November 23, 2025
Greetings and blessings to all of you. Happy Thanksgiving! The Body of Christ is called to “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18 Notice the verse said IN not FOR all circumstances. That distinction is important because the Word has said in John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world”. Things are not going your way? We as believers are called to demonstrate patience and divine love in times of conflict. As believers we have an obligation to exhibit these qualities because God knows there is great power in showing restraint. We are to reflect Christ by controlling our thoughts. Why? Because feelings begin with our thoughts. It can be tempting to dwell on the injustice of a situation instead of focusing on God and what He thinks of our response. We are to rely on the Holy Spirit to give the right response. And we must pray for the person(s) that is involved in the issue at hand. He wants us to allow Him to be our Peace. In this season of Thanksgiving God wants us to remember “not by might nor by power but by My Spirit”. It means when God calls us to a task- maybe just being still; He Himself assumes responsibility for removing hindrances. God never intended for us to face seemingly insurmountable tasks in our own strength. Instead, we are to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power within us. The Holy Spirit is God’s promise of continual help to a weary people. All of us are called to “Be Still and Know that I am God”. However, while we are waiting it need not be ‘passive’. We cannot sit back and become spectators or fret. As Christians, God will use us to accomplish His ultimate goal in that issue; because we are His hands, feet, body and voice. This Thanksgiving we can begin thanking Him in the difficulties because they may be disguised opportunities to learn patience; to depend on Christ and not our own ingenuity. We do not want to become more arrogant and prideful and self-sufficient. Comfort and convenience is not the mantra of the growing, maturing, practicing Christian. Our goal is Christlikeness in health, career, society, and family. So, this year and ongoing Let’s Give Thanks in Everything!!
With the Love of Christ First
Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC