It is hard to believe that 2014 is nearly over and that the Thanksgiving Holiday is just a few weeks away, and before you know it we will be singing Christmas carols.   As we move forward and reflect on all that the Lord has done for us this year we have so many reasons to thank Him. Too often we have the tendency to reflect on what we don't have or didn't get or what didn't go our way instead of focusing on the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord.

That was the big problem that the Israelites had when make the journey from Egypt to the Canaan. And it prevented many of them from entering into the land that God had promised them. God is not pleased when we murmur and complain especially when His goodness and loving-kindness towards us far outweighs any of the hardships that we face. Certainly we all have challenges in our lives and many of them are extremely difficult but even in the midst of it all the Lord wants us to be at peace. In John 16:33, Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world".  Therefore no matter what we face, we can face it fearlessly knowing that God is with us and will surely bring us through.

As a church family, just like the children of Israel we have come through so much and as we move forward through this season of transition, I want us to maintain an attitude of thankfulness and a posture of peace.  Just as Jehovah took care of the Israelites, He will take care of us for He is faithful to His promises.  The Lord is with us so let's stay together, continue to move forward fearlessly with songs of praise on our lips and perfect peace in our hearts knowing that God will do for us all that He has promised.

I Pray you have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!

Bishop E.V. Reeves