Welcome to New Life Community Church        "Where New Life is Found in Christ"

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
-Psalm 107:1
(by Pastor John Motz)

As we turn the calendar to November, it's a good time to be thankful. Yes, it's always a good time to be thankful, but sometimes we just need a little reminder. It's not unusual to be less than grateful when we are distracted, hurt, frustrated, or anxious. We think if things were better, I'd be more thankful. I came across a saying recently about that connection of happiness and giving thanks: "It's not happiness that brings us gratitude. It's gratitude that brings us happiness". Hmmm, that kind of turns my thoughts upside down, yet I believe it's true. That's how the Apostle Paul could invite us to "give thanks in all circumstances"(1 Thes. 5:18), because (1) there is always something to be thankful for (see Psalm 107:1 above), and (2) being thankful changes things.

It is from a place of gratitude that we are freed to be more gracious. It is from a place of thankfulness that we can offer a smile to a stranger, invite a friend to come to church with you, give to support the ministry of the church, prepare a shoebox of gifts for a child who would otherwise have none this Christmas. Gratitude is the key for unlocking the generosity of our hearts that can change the world. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."