Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

At the end of the sermon I wrapped things up with reminder to give thanks, "Whether our time to meet Jesus is soon or still a long way off, he, as our redeemer, is always near—

with us and in us. All we can ever do is thank God for the gift of faith and thank him for the home he has already prepared for us with him. Yes, all praise be to God. Amen.”

Knowing it was time to end the sermon I couldn’t elaborate, but I was left with the question, “How does one thank God?”  Certainly through our prayers as we speak to him.  The joy of giving thanks to God is that we are never obligated to do so, but instead in the midst of joy because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can respond to him in thankfulness and praise.  

During this season of thanksgiving (but really it is a lifetime of response) here is what thankfulness looks like for us.  

—Daily returning to our Baptism in repentance and faith (thanksgiving begins with “I, a poor miserable sinner…”).  We are unworthy of any of God’s grace and favor, and yet he gives it.  Lets be real with God and one another and come to him with this posture of humility.  This is one way to give thanks. 

—Gathering around the Lord’s Table where the greatest gift is given again.  Our faith is never intended to be exercised isolated from other believers gathered at the Lord’s Table.  Thankfulness looks like receiving the very gifts intended for you to receive together as a family.  

—Singing together.  What other places in our world to people gather to sing.  It is joining one voice in praise to God for all he has done.  Let us sing in thankfulness. 

—Caring for our neighbors in Ruidoso with the love that flows from Christ’s love for us.  Acts of mercy and hospitality are wonderful ways to give thanks to God.  Loving and serving our neighbors are acts visited directly upon God.  Let us give thanks through our acts of mercy and hospitality. 

—Supporting the mission of the Gospel through our offerings with cheerful hearts.  Offering your time, energy and financial support to SHLC is a wonderful way to give thanks to God.  It is by means of the church that God offers his good gifts to us.  Supporting the church is our way of saying “Thanks Be to God.”  

I am thankful for you, fellow saints here at Shepherd of the Hills and I look forward to this season of Thanksgiving and Advent shared with you. 

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust