Giving Thanks at All Times

Habakkuk 3:17-18 17 Though the fig tree does not bud     and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails     and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen     and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,     I will be joyful in God my Savior. Thanksgiving begins the season of parties, events, gatherings, food, decorations, and gifts.  For many of us it is a season of family and friends.  A busy season at that.  So busy, in fact, that we’ve almost lost the real reason for our family Thanksgiving gatherings next week.  But don’t be confused, there is indeed a reason we gather together:  to give thanks to God. But for what are we thanking God?  All the blessings in our lives?  Food, shelter, clothing?  Certainly.  All the abundance of those blessings?  Wealth, large homes, new cars, fashion clothing?  Of course.  But what about during those seasons of life without those types of blessings?  Can we still be thankful?   This Sunday at OKC First Church we will learn about the story of the prophet Habakkuk and how he learned to give thanks and to be joyful even in the midst of disaster and despair.  You won't want to miss our combined worship service with The Christ Experience as Pastor Frankye Johnson joins me in preaching this important message.  I hope to see each of you in worship this Sunday at 10:45 at OKC First Church.   Pastor Lesly