November 2016
November is upon us where has this year gone? This month is jammed packed with exciting things to do. We will start with All Saints Day, President Election Day, Revival Services followed up with our Thanksgiving Community Service, Thanksgiving Day, The Iron Bowl and then 1st Sunday of Advent. WOW! Please look at the calendar and remember these special times together. This forms and bonds us together as the family of God, Please remember time falls back, on November 6th.
As November unfolds we have many things to choose from on our plate? That can mean eating our Thanksgiving Dinner plate or our busy time scheduled plate. I pray that we all will gain an understanding of the rules of self-control (discipline) and moderation.
I do know God has helped me this year with an understanding of I cannot teach something I do not know, I can’t give what I do not possess myself therefore, I must take time to learn what the LORD would have me to learn. That is why I challenged you at the beginning of the year to start reading the Bible through in a year. I hope you have been reading and studying your Bible throughout this year. The reason for that challenge is that you will learn the Truth. This will help us when it comes time for us to exercise self-control (discipline) and moderation in the things we choose to do in our everyday life.
For example, choosing to come to church or stay home, or go somewhere else instead of church. By making poor choices it hurts our witness to the people in our world. If people see you choose not to attend church and then you talk as if Christianity is very important to you; then how much weight does what you have to say hold to that person? You just need to think about your commitment to the LORD and HIS Church? Jesus gave us two commandments to follow and they are to Put God first in our lives and then to love our neighbor as ourselves.
I believe Wynn Echols shared out of Matthew 10:33 “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” That continues to resonate in my mind. There are many people in our community that think everything is just fine with them and the LORD. Would your actions and decisions convict you of being a faithful Christian?
I sure hope this Thanksgiving you would really take some time to evaluate your priorities in your life. You might write down what you do in a week then grade your own paper. You can’t cheat! It is reality; this is what you choose to do each and every week. Then think if someone gave you this paper and you had to grade it, what grade would you give it? Would you classify them a Christian? Do the same for your giving to the Church/Jesus Christ. Write down what you do for the church and other Christian Ministries. Are you giving your fair share to Jesus? TEN PERCENT or what percentage do you give, if any? We sure expect God to show up when we need HIM. He expects the same from you.
Out of these test you just took would you say your priorities are: The LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS CHURCH AND YOUR FAMILY. If not, you may want to spend sometime in the closet with JESUS asking what you need to do to be better servant of JESUS CHRIST.
I also pray for each of you in the morning time at the church. It has helped me to understand exercising my spirit man by getting and having a closer walk with JESUS. This time praying for others has helped me to understand life does not evolve around me. It has helped me to recognize the people who are less fortunate than I. That they may not have good health, battling cancer or another type of decease or they may have financial needs or spiritual needs? It has helped me to be thankful for what GOD has given me and blessed me with in my life so far. As Paul says in Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content that we should be content in the situation we are in.”
Therefore, I would like to challenge you this month to take a few moments out of your busy schedule to write a note or letter to some people who have helped you along life's way. Let them know just how much you appreciated what they did for you in your time of need. This is an excellent way to express God's love to the people who have expressed His love to you.
I also want you know how much I appreciate your recognizing Pastor Appreciation Month in October. There are many of you who went out of their way to express your appreciation for me and my family. We thank you from the bottoms of our hearts. We love and appreciate you all too. Thank you too for your willingness to participate in the ministry of Linden UMC in advancing the Kingdom of God here on earth. Moreover, it is a time to be thankful and express our appreciation for others. So let us reflect "an attitude of gratitude" by following 1Thessalonians 5:18! Blessings!
In Christ Jesus,
Bro. Tony Antonelli, 2Timothy 2:15