Get Thankful

Throughout my growing up years, my mother had an expression she used whenever my sister or I would be unhappy and display a negative attitude. She would say “Get happy!” It was understood by her tone and mannerism, that you had better quickly display a more positive outlook or you would be provided with adequate justification for sadness—you get the picture.

Everyone has difficulties, and conflicts, but as Christians, we have abundant reasons to be thankful every day. If you find yourself dwelling on how life is not going your way, and people are not behaving as you think they should—check your own attitude first.

In Psalm 51, David lays out a pattern for steps to thankfulness: (1) v. 10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.” (2) v. 12 – “Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.” (3) v. 15 – “Unseal my lips, O Lord, that I may praise you.”

Spend some time in prayer this week, repenting, renewing, restoring joy, being obedient, and ultimately praising God. Let this Thanksgiving Day be a time to get happy and thankful!

Daily Prayer Focus
Nov. 21 - Worship Leaders
Nov. 22 - Community Thanksgiving
Nov. 23 - Shut-Ins
Nov. 24 - Trustees Ministry Team
Nov. 25 - Shoebox Ministry
Nov. 26 - Be Thankful!
Nov. 27 - Missions to Asia
Nov. 28 - FUMC Church Staff


Prayers



Praises

A Thanksgiving Tradition

In America we set aside the fourth Thursday in November to remember the gratitude of the early settlers to God for His protection and guidance in their new homeland.

Their hearts were thankful because of the rough conditions they had been through leading up to the harvest that year. They wanted to thank God and give Him glory in front of their children and all people who were observing their actions.

In these uncertain economic times, it is important for Christian families to maintain an attitude of thanksgiving for the Lord’s past provision, as well as an outlook of hopeful expectancy in His coming kingdom.

Doing this will glorify God and pass on a tradition of real “Thanksgiving” that will impact future generations.

“But you, O Lord, will rule forever. Your fame will endure to every generation. Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a nation yet to be created will praise the Lord.” (Psalm 102:12-18, NLT)

Daily Prayer Focus
Nov. 14 - Pastor’s Families
Nov. 15 - Unchurched People
Nov. 16 - Habitat for Humanity
Nov. 17 - Prayer Ministry Team
Nov. 18 - Youth Cell Groups
Nov. 19 - Public Safety Officers
Nov. 20 - Missions to Africa
Nov. 21 - Worship Leaders


Prayers
A better attitude



Praises

Is Anybody LIstening?

"I love the Lord because He hears and answers my prayers. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!" (Psalm 116:1-2, NLT)

The psalmist was eager to pray and approached God with enthusiasm because he was confident that God was not only stooping down to listen, but also that God was intensely interested in what he was saying. How many times do you feel like nobody is interested enough to really listen to what you have to say? How often do you feel your concerns are glossed over, trivialized, or ignored by those to whom you try to express them?

One of our greatest needs is to be known and understood by someone who we value. What a blessing for Christians to have that need met by the One who will not only listen, but who understands and loves you so deeply.

Your Heavenly Father is waiting to bend down and listen to you today. Spend time with Him in prayer.

Daily Prayer Focus
Nov. 7 - Worship Leaders
Nov. 8 - Sunday School teachers
Nov. 9 - Chronically Ill
Nov. 10 - Staff-Parish Team
Nov. 11 - Family Night Programs
Nov. 12 - Local Government
Nov. 13 - World Missions
Nov. 14 - Pastor's Families

Prayers

Courtney Singletary & Family

Bryan & Brittany Browning - mother died

Pauline Cooper family

Praises
Answered Prayers