A blogger once posted Abraham Lincoln’s address instituting the observance of Thanksgiving. It said in part:

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purpose, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity, and union.

Lincoln had it right when he said “ day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father “.  We must remember to be thankful to our wonderful, merciful God who, in His great love, sent His Son to die on the cross so that through the gift of faith we, the elect, might have life.  Romans 1:21 ”For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks;”  The idea, of course, being that of giving thanks to God for who He is.  As blood-bought sinners we must give thanks to God for who He is and, especially, for who He is to us; that is, our Abba Father.  Once we are thankful to God, we can then be thankful for His wonderful blessings.  So let me rephrase the question (dangling preposition included), who are you thankful to?

Baptism 11-22-09

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow in His steps…” I Peter 2:21

Please plan to attend the joint service this Sunday evening in Natomas.  This is a wonderful opportunity for us to fellowship with like-minded brothers and sisters.  The service begins at 6 PM.  Maps to the church are available in the foyer.

For God’s glory,

Pastor Rod

I’ve been seeing so many summer reading lists lately that I thought I should put one together for myself.  It is a great way to establish accountability for making sure that I am reading over the summer.  I also thought it would be fun if you read one (or all) of these books at the same time and we can discuss them.  So, here’s my list:

The Cross He Bore by Frederick Leahy (100 pages)

The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever (119 pages)

J. Gresham Machen: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought by Stephen Nichols (242 pages)

The Faithful Preacher by Thabiti Anyabwile (181 pages)

When Sinners Say “I Do” by Dave Harvey (183 pages)

Ready, set…read!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Rod

Welcome to the Pastor’s blog where I hope to provide encouragement and exhortation to any who may come across this blog.  I will also use this blog as a means to provide information on upcoming events in the church.  Stay tuned!

Richest blessings in Christ!

Pastor Rod