An Interior Abundance

November 28, 2013. I had one of those moments this week when I was aware of a shift within my soul. As Thanksgiving was approaching, I began to hear what I always hear in this week. Along with wishes for a “Happy Thanksgiving,” came the pause as people reflected on those blessings for which they are thankful. That’s good. It does our hearts good to give thanks. As the Apostle Paul is wrapping up his first letter to the Thessalonians, he gives several succinct directives that grow the character of a Christ follower. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks. (5:16-18) Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Yet something that has been growing in me for years has come to fruit. I have chosen to have a thankful heart everyday, not just on the fourth Thursday of November. Such a choice creates space within me for a well of interior abundance. It helps me to be more generous. The riches are not so much that of the outward stash that can be swept away in a tsunami, but of the eternal nature, those riches that Jesus describes as being stored in the eternal kingdom. I think of the people and the experiences I have had that can never be taken. And I realize again and again how very rich I am because of what God has been doing in my innermost being. So I am grateful and I join those who are practicing gratefulness on a more consistent basis. And one of those things that I never take for granted and am constantly thankful for is this wonderful church, that abundantly blesses me, for the generosity I experience. I am grateful for the blessing that keeps growing because, together, we have chosen to follow the generous one who willingly served us in a most unusual way. He surrendered his life in hope that we would receive his life. No need for a special Thanksgiving day to give thanks for that. That’s 24/7/365. And just in case you did not hear me say it … Happy Thanksgiving.

Love,
Pastor Frank

Here comes Hurricane Sandy! October 27, 2012. The storm clouds gather. So where is the good news? I have been meditating on Isaiah 43:1-2. “But now says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you O Israel, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire. you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” The weather forecasters are telling us to prepare for another time of testing. We can gather in the gallons of water, gas up the generator, make extra ice and lay in some nonperishables. But the first place I want to turn is to the one who speaks words of assurance to me. He’s the one who spoke to the waves, “Peace, be still.” And the tempest subsided. The biggest tempest is often internal. Let us quiet ourselves and hear Jesus’ gentle yet powerful words of calm.

Love,

Pastor Frank Reeder