Sunday Reflections - November 24, 2015

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER

     One of my favorite books that I open often is called, “The Valley of Vision.” It’s a collection of Puritan prayers. I’m challenged and convicted with every prayer because it makes my prayer life look lightweight when I read the thought provoking words from the heart of these lovers of God. Here’s a prayer of Thanksgiving. I hope it inspires you.

O my God,

Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,

my heart admires, adores, loves thee,

for my little vessel is as full as it can be,

and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with thee

ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,

ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,

ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,

crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,

for adorning it, sanctifying it,

though it is fixed in barren soil;

for the body thou hast given me,

for preserving its strength and vigour,

for providing senses to enjoy delights,

for the ease and freedom of my limbs,

for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;

for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,

for a full table and overflowing cup,

for appetite, taste, sweetness,

for social joys of relatives and friends,

for ability to serve others,

for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,

for a mind to care for my fellow-men,

for opportunities of spreading happiness around,

for loved ones in the joys of heaven,

for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly,

I love thee above the powers of language to express,

for what thou art to thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

This is my prayer for each of you as I think about my Deer Flat Family. Each of you are a blessing to me, and an even greater blessing to God. I pray that each of you will have a wonderful and meaningful time of Thanksgiving this week, whether with friends, family, neighbors or strangers! I am loving you!

A couple of quick reminders I want you to know about:

 1.     Lunch with the Lands this upcoming Sunday after second service in the Youth Room. Darin and Jill Land have been appointed as career missionaries to Asia. Darin will serve as Asia Regional Assistant with a focus on leadership development. Once Darin and Jill have secured adequate partnership for their Missionary Support Account, they will return to Manila where they have served faithfully for the last seven years. While Darin and Jill will continue their connection with Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, their primary work will be helping to develop and implement a strategy to train and credential Free Methodist leaders across Asia. They will also help support and launch a new outreach ministry to young adults in metro Manila.

     2. Someone in the church needs a car and can pay $2,000.  If you’ve got something dependable, please let us know and we’ll link you up.

  

     3. An amazing Sunday awaits you this weekend.  We’ll be looking at Ezekiel 38 and I promise, it will be eye opening!

I can’t wait to see you this Lord’s Day.  I Love My Church!

Pastor D