A Thankful Pastor

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-22-2026

Colossians 1:1-8; 2:5-7

 

Introduction:

A.  39 years ago, this morning, my family stepped through the front doors for the first time. What a beautiful spring morning that was, with the sun shining bright. We entered this sanctuary at 9:00 AM. No one was here, but one of the men from the church arrived early to open the doors. We walked through the church (which did not take long in those days, as there was just the original building with 3 classrooms and 14 pews) and then went out to eat breakfast. When we returned, 7 people were here for SS and Worship.  I came here just help a small church get on its feet and get a new pastor.  Little did I know!  God already had a pastor in mind!  I have never doubted God’s will for both Temple Baptist Church and my family since.

 

B.  I want to look at these few verses this morning on Homecoming

Day.  I have often described the pastorate as a bittersweet experience. Before we go any further, I want to clarify that statement. It is much sweeter than bitter, and I would choose it again without hesitation.

 

1.  Paul is in prison for his faith.

 

2.  Paul is writing to encourage people he has never met.  As far as I can discern, Paul did not plant the church at Colossae. 

 

3.  Paul is concerned about their welfare more than his own.

 

4.  Paul finds great joy in the testimony of the church that has come to him.

 

C.  Their “order” was right.  Order means priority!  Priorities keep our perspectives right.

 

1. Our nation needs to set the right priorities. We hear much about sequestration these days. Yes, our country must make spending cuts, but these cuts must be prioritized. You do not cut national defense; you cut the “fat' from contractors, etc. You do not cut meals for kids at school; you cut waste and non-essential expenses.

 

2. Our people need to keep their priorities straight. When we maintain proper perspective, life becomes simpler and rightly ordered. The Lord first, then our families, then our church, then our jobs and education, etc.

 

3. Our churches need to recognize their priorities. The Lord first, and then everything else should be spiritually ordered according to importance.

 

D. Their “steadfastness of faith” was right. I thank the Lord for the growth and steadfastness of our people. We must be cautious in these areas, though. Many of God’s people are losing their steadfastness, which shows in their attendance and service. Our spiritual steadfastness keeps everything else in the proper perspective. If we are spiritually right, then we will be right in other important areas.

 

E. When things go well, it brings joy to a pastor's heart. Here are a few things that need to be right in the church.

 

1.  The Saints Need To Stand Right – Jeremiah 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

 

2.  The Saints Need To Fellowship Right – 1 John 3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

 

3.  The Saints Need To Labor Right – Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 

4.  The Saints Need To Rejoice Right – Psalms 34:1  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

5.  The Saints Need To Act Right – 1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

 

6.  The Saints Need To Trust Right – Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

7.  The Saints Need To Pray Right – James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

8.  The Saints Need To Think Right – 2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

9.  The Saints Need To Follow Right – 1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

10.  When The Saints Mature Right – vs. 11-13 - 2 Thessalonians 1:3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

 

Conclusion:  As Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church: “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

Thanksgiving and a Servant's Heart

 Temple Baptist Church - 11-26-2025

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

 

Introduction: 

A.  Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day, and as I preach in the Book of First Corinthians, the timing is perfect! Giving thanks to God is much more than just “lip service”; it requires a response of giving back to the Lord.

 

B. Over the past two weeks, we have looked at the promise of the Lord to give us all things that pertain to life and godliness. These two, along with eternal salvation, constitute a debt that can never be repaid! 

 

C.  With that being said, though we can never fully repay God for His mercy and grace, we should spend the remainder of our lives trying to do so.  Twice, Paul referred to himself as a servant of God.

 

Romans 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

 

Titus 1:1  Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

 

D.  Three times, Paul referred to himself as a “prisoner” of Jesus Christ. 

 

Ephesians_3:1  For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

 

Philemon 1   Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

 

Philemon 9  Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

 

E.  How do we try to repay God?  Servanthood!  Years ago, I preached a message titled “A Prison Without Bars.”  In the Old Testament, the bond slave.  Once entered, voluntary servanthood continues for the life of the servant.

 

1.  Christ Jesus became our example of servanthood.

 

John 13:4-5  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.  (5)  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

 

Philippians 2:5-8  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  (6)  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  (7)  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  (8)  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

 

2.  The great Apostle Paul became a servant. 

 

Acts 9:6  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

 

3.  In this portion of Scripture, the Apostle Paul opens his heart and reveals the spirit of true Christian service. On the Damascus Road, after his conversion, he asked the Lord a question:

 

Acts 9:6  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

 

a)  Paul was a man of immense learning, powerful intellect, and apostolic authority—yet he repeatedly calls himself a servant. Not a celebrity. Not a master. Not a ruler. But a servant.

 

b)  Paul had a passion to serve! He dedicated his life to following the Lord’s guidance and ultimately finished his course, writing 13 of the New Testament Epistles.

 

c)  The Christian life is not a pursuit of position, prominence, or praise. It is the pursuit of Christlikeness. And Christ Himself said, “the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Mark 10:45). A servant’s heart is the heart of the Savior.

 

F.  In 1 Corinthians 9:19–27, Paul describes what a servant’s heart looks like.  He became all things to all men that he might win souls for Christ.

 

G.  Characteristics of a true Servant.

 

1. A Servant Is Humble.  True servanthood begins with humility. A servant does not think too highly of himself and gladly takes the lowest place for Christ’s sake.

 

Philippians 2:5–7 — Christ “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.”

 

James 4:10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

 

2. A Servant Is Obedient.  A servant’s primary duty is to carry out his Master’s instruction. Obedience is the outward expression of inward surrender.

 

1 Samuel 3:10  And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

 

John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.

 

3. A Servant Is Faithful.  Faithfulness matters more than talent or ability. A servant keeps going even when unseen, unthanked, and unappreciated.

 

1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

 

Matthew 25:21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

 

4. A Servant Is Available.  God uses those who make themselves usable. A servant’s schedule belongs to the Master.

 

Isaiah 6:8  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

 

5. A Servant Is Compassionate.  True servants care about people because God cares about people. Without compassion, ministry becomes mechanical.

 

Matthew 9:36  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

 

Jude 22  And of some have compassion, making a difference:

 

6. A Servant Is Self-Denying.  Servants say “no” to themselves so they can say “yes” to Christ.  Self-denial frees the servant to focus on God’s work, not personal comfort.

 

Luke 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

 

Galatians 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

 

7. A Servant Is Willing.  Servants gladly do the hard, hidden, and humble work of ministry. God’s work deserves excellence and diligence.

 

Colossians 3:23  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

 

Romans 12:11  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

 

8. A Servant Is Meek and Patient.  A servant reflects the character of Christ in dealing with others. Meekness is not weakness—it is power under control.

 

2 Timothy 2:24  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

 

Matthew 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

 

9. A Servant Is Loyal.  A servant is devoted first to God, regardless of circumstances. Loyalty is shown when service is costly.

 

Joshua 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

 

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

10. A Servant Seeks the Master’s Glory, Not His Own.  Servants don’t serve for applause; they serve to exalt Christ. A servant never steals glory that belongs to the Lord.

 

John 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.

 

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

 

11. A Servant Loves Others.  Love is the heartbeat of biblical service. Without love, service becomes empty labor.

 

1 Corinthians 13:1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

 

1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

 

Galatians 5:13  For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

 

1 John 3:18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

 

12. A Servant Shows Christ in Their Life.  Servants represent the Master before the world. A servant’s life is a living message.

 

Matthew 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

2 Corinthians 5:20  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 

Conclusion:  Are we servants or must we be served?  The spiritual progression is: salvation, sanctification, and service.

Thanksgiving 2025 - Part 2 - All Things That Pertain unto Life and Godliness

 Temple Baptist Church - 11-23-2025

2 Peter 1:1-4; Matthew 6:31-33

 

Introduction:

 

A.  This coming Thursday, we will celebrate the goodness of God on Thanksgiving Day.  I call the period from Thanksgiving through Christmas and the New Year the most wonderful time of the year.  A month and a half of worship in a very special way. 

Part 2

B.  Last week, I used two texts on the subject: 2 Peter 1:1-4; Matthew 6:31-33.  I want to review these two texts again this morning, as they demonstrate the goodness of God in both spiritual gifts and physical ones.  In both texts, the physical blessings of life precede the spiritual gifts of godliness.  But in both texts, we find that in life, the spiritual gifts precede the physical ones.  Until we get saved and live for Christ, we will miss out on many of the blessings that God has for us in this life.

 

1.  In 2 Peter, Peter looks back as he mentions physical gifts before spiritual ones.  “Hath given” is past tense as Peter reviews the goodness of God in hindsight.  “ALL things that pertain unto life” speaks of the goodness of God in His marvelous grace through salvation, sanctification, and service. 

 

2.  GOD HAS SUPPLIED!  Notice verse 3:  “according as his divine power” tells us where our blessings come from.  The world giveth and taketh away, but the Lord giveth and giveth and giveth!  Peter looks back to the past.  This is found in the words “hath given.”  Therefore, he sees the blessings of life came after the blessings of godliness.

 

2 Peter 1:1-4  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:  (2)  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  (3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  (4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 

3.  In the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord gives three perspectives.

 

a)  The perspective of the worried saint.  Verse 31: “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”

 

b)  The perspective of the world.  Verse 32: “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:).

 

 

c)  The perspective of the Lord.  Verse 33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

 

4.  Our Lord Jesus Christ also places the importance of spiritual gifts as being sought first, as they lay the groundwork for the blessings of God upon His children in general.  He mentions the physical blessings that men so often seek and live for, along with the worries that come with them.  He then concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking spiritual blessings and allowing God to meet physical needs.  GOD WILL SUPPLY!

 

Matthew 6:28-34  And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  (29)  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  (30)  Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  (31)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  (34)  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

 

C.  Last week, we saw the spiritual gifts that God has given to us that we might be saved from sin and set apart in this present evil world for service. 

 

1.  This morning, I want to examine just a few of the physical blessings that come from being saved and living for God. The problem that exists is that men want the physical blessings of God without the godliness.

 

2.  Our Lord spoke of the world view in Matthew 6:28-32. The worldly seek all physical blessings without being saved or being saved and not living a godly life. They go over their heads in debt and eventually, at worst, go bankrupt, or at best, they burn out their lives trying to be successful in this world without God.

 

3.  The Lord said that if we seek the godly things, the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then He would add all these things to go along with it. Now, we can seek the worldly without the godly, or we can live a saved life of consecration to God and allow God to give us what we need and much of what we desire.

 

D.  Now, let us look at the results of godliness.  God HAS given to us all things that pertain unto life here on earth—the goodness of God in the land of the living.  A song says,

 

“There's a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep.  There's food on my table, and shoes on my feet.  You gave me your love, Lord, and a fine family.  Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me.”

 

E.  A little personal testimony.  I stand amazed this morning when I think of where God brought Barbara and me from to where we are today.  We would never have dreamed we would be where we are.  God has been so good to us!

 

1.  I thank God this morning that Barbara and I have a beautiful home in which to live. 

 

a.  By beautiful, I do not mean a high-dollar home that is just a house.  I am thankful that we have a home where there are peace, companionship, love, and spiritual unity. 

 

b.  It is a loving home, it is a safe home, it is a place of refuge from the storms of this life, it is our ultimate vacation spot. 

 

c.  It is a comfortable home.  It is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, dry when it rains, and it is ours! 

 

d.  It is a spiritual home.  It is a home where the Bible is read and prayer is made.  Both of us are saved and serving.

 

e.  In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord did not mention a place to live as a necessity of life. 

 

1)  Our Lord said, “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20)

 

2)  “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.” (John 13:16) 

 

3)  Paul said, “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (1 Timothy 6:8) 

 

2.  I thank God for the food on our table. 

 

a.  We have an abundance of food in our cabinets, freezers, fridge, and goodies to nibble on in between meals.  In a world of hunger, we are full and need nothing.

 

b.  Thursday, there will be turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, cornbread, and desserts.  I said that to say this, not only food on our table, but PLENTY to eat. 

 

c.  Never forget to ask for the blessing of God before you eat as every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights!  In a world of starving people, God has given us more than we can eat or desire to eat!

 

d.  In this world of starvation, we fight obesity!

 

3.  I thank God that we have shoes on our feet. 

 

a.  In the Garden of Eden, the Lord made the clothing for Adam and Eve.  Fig leaves did not cover but the skin coats did!  In the First Mention of clothing, what man made was not what God gave.

 

b.  In our home, we can pick and choose from many different colors and designs as our closets are full, our dresser is full, and our chest of drawers is full.  God has been so good to us in the raiment department.

 

c.  We have many pairs of shoes for both dress and casual.

 

4.  I thank God for our families.

 

a. Kids and grandkids.  We are a close-knit family.  Today, we do not have all our grandkids with us, but we are thankful for those who are close and will see Thursday!

 

b.  Our Kentucky family.  We are a close-knit family.  We were raised in a close-knit home where family mattered, and love abounded and still abounds.

 

c.  Our Church family.  We are a close-knit family.  As far as I am concerned, Temple Baptist is the greatest church on earth.  I believe that every pastor should think that his church is the greatest.

 

Conclusion:  I want to end this sermon with three verses of Scripture that point us to the true meaning of Thanksgiving Day.

 

Psalms 100:4  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

 

Psalms 103:1-2  A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  (2)  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Thanksgiving 2025 - All Things That Pertain unto Life and Godliness - Part 1

Temple Baptist Church - 11-16-2025

2 Peter 1:1-4

 

Introduction:

 

2 Peter 1:1-4  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:  (2)  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,  (3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  (4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

 

A.  As Thanksgiving Day approaches, it is a day set apart for remembrance of the goodness, grace, mercy, and blessings of God. 

 

1.  But our thanksgiving should be so much more than that.  Thanksgiving is a day-by-day, moment-by-moment realization of all that God has done for us and given to us. 

 

2.  In our verse this morning, we see the scope of God’s blessings.  God blesses both physically and spiritually!  ALL things that pertain unto life and (ALL things that pertain unto) godliness.

 

3.  “Turkey Day” to the world, but a day of remembrance and thanksgiving to God for us.

 

B.  This morning, I want to take a short look at how good God has been to us in this life. I know that counting our blessings could take all day, so I’ve just highlighted a few ways God’s goodness shows up in our daily lives.

 

C.  How exceedingly great are the promises of God when we stop to consider the nature of the benefits offered and bestowed!  

 

1.  God’s power to provide is beyond our imagination. Our needs look very small in the light of our big God and His immense promises.  

 

2.  God’s promises are precious because they cover every conceivable human need, for time and for eternity. Whatever your need may be, God has a promise that exactly covers that need.

 

Philippians 4:18-19  But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.  (19)  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

D.  We believe the Bible and yet, in these days of uncertainty, we often remain fearful!  During the Sermon on the Mount, our Lord spoke of our concerns and His ability.

 

Matthew 6:31-33  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

 

1.  When we seek “all these things “first, then God does not provide.

 

2.  When we seek God first, He adds these things unto us.

 

E.  Let’s look at “all things that pertain unto godliness” First thing this morning, remember that spiritual blessings are much more valuable than physical ones, which most people tend to prioritize first. What do you really need today? God has promised to give them to you if you seek Him first.

 

1.  God provided us with salvation.  How can we start without first mentioning our great salvation? 

 

a.  God has made provision for our redemption through a finished work called the gospel.  God provided the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, His burial, and His bodily resurrection.

 

b.  God has provided the precious blood of Christ for the remission of sin.

 

c.  God has provided the precious Word of God for the knowledge of God and salvation for sinners.

 

d.  God provided the mercy, grace, and faith, along with granting us repentance.  God has done and given everything necessary for the sinner to be eternally saved!

 

Hebrews 9:12,  “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” 

 

e.  Need salvation?  God has provided it freely to all who come to Him by faith!

 

2.  God provided us with the promise of not only life but abundant life. 

 

John 10:10,  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” 

 

a.  A full life.  The world is an empty place without hope in this life for the life to come.  We have an abundant life!

 

b.  A life that is blessed!  I often say that “I had rather be an old-time Christian than anything that I know!”

 

c.  A life that is satisfying!  I would have no other.

 

d.  A blessed hope in the life to come!  Even so come, Lord Jesus, is the blessed hope of eternity.

 

3.   God has provided us with a peace that passeth all understanding.  God has made a perfect peace available in this present evil world. 

 

Isaiah 26:3-4  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  (4)  Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

 

a.  This peace is found in the knowledge of God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  It is not found in this world but in the world to come.

 

b.  As we learn to trust the Lord, we find that He who holds tomorrow holds us in His hand! 

 

c.  Beloved, safety is of the Lord, and everything will be alright!

 

4.  God has provided us with a joy that endures. 

 

1 Peter 1:8,  “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” 

 

a.  God grants His children complete joy. Joy and happiness are two entirely different things. I may not always feel happy, but my joy remains full.

 

b.  A clear conscience still makes for a soft pillow!

 

5.   God has promised a sufficient grace for every trial that we will face.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

 

a.  Living Grace.

 

b.  Serving Grace.

 

c.  Dying Grace.

 

d.  Sufficient Grace.

 

Conclusion:  Thanksgiving is a celebration of things past, present, and future promises. Let us take a moment each day to thank God for His spiritual blessings.