tonight, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

GOSPEL LIFE COMMUNITY

Greetings!

for this Thanksgiving weekend, but through the entire year. We are reminded of the Shepherd Psalm (Psalm 23) that tells us how our Lord guides us and keeps us through our lives.  A song based on this psalm goes like this:  "Though I should walk in darkest ways, / through valleys like the grave,/ No evil shall I ever fear; / Your presence makes me brave./ On my behalf Your rod and staff / Assure me You will save." ("The Lord My Shepherd Guards Me Well," by Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1990. Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, Illinois.  All rights reserved.)

How great our God is, the only One worthy of our thanksgiving, praise and worship!

The Church Staff

A Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held tonight, Wednesday, at the Church Sanctuary at Gospel Life Community.  It will start at 7:30 p.m.

There will be Praise and Worship as well as ample opportunity for testimony and intercessory prayer.

All age groups are encouraged to attend.  The young people are always a source of inspiration when they go up to the podium to speak or to offer their talents in front of the congregation.

Hosted by their Children

Reby & Rel Ravago

Reby and Rel Ravago were honored with a birthday party hosted by their children on Saturday, the 19th of November, in their son's house in Monterey Park.

Both Reby and Rel have their birthdays in November, and they celebrated jointly this time.

Many friends and relatives were present for the occasion.  Pastor John Tulio imparted blessings, good health and life full of love and service upon the couple.

Giving and Receiving

"Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account" (Phil 4:17).  

The apostle Paul had a tent-making business. However, over time, it was evident that more and more of his time was being given to vocational ministry activities. That required him to receive income from those to whom he invested his life. It became increasingly difficult to run a business and travel and minister.

His letter to the Philippians gives us a perspective on giving. Although Paul appreciated the support financially, his real joy came in the fact that their gift was being credited to their Heavenly account.

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:14-19 emphasis mine).

Paul had a confidence that God would always provide what he needed. Sometimes it came from his business. Sometimes it came through others. He was not overly concerned with where his provision would come from. His confidence was in God, his provider. So, his attitude was in affirming the benefit that came to the giver from a Kingdom perspective.

Paul learned that it wasn't a church or a business that was his provider. It was God. These were merely tools God used to support him.  

(Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.)

November 27 - Vonnie & Tito Cabrera

December  4 - Eunice Alinsod

December 11 - Lelit & Tony Luciano

December 18 - Ruby & Ding Dijamco

December 25 - Linda & Danny Santos