Pastor's Corner

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Those who travel abroad say a good word to learn in every language is "thanks." Traveling through this world toward the next, it is befitting for every believer to give sincere gratitude, especially to God. Thanksgiving expresses the internal emotion of love and appreciation to God. In Psalm 30, encourages God?s people to "offer unto God thanksgiving." In other words, the inner devotion of a thankful heart is what God truly desires. We are urged to be thankful unto God, and many are the blessings received when such thanksgiving is rendered.

As we, St. Ansgar?s Lutheran Church in Montreal celebrates its 85th anniversary as a congregation in mission for others, we are thankful.

This is my second anniversary as pastor of this parish, and I am proud to see us still doing what has He has called us to do and that is mainly being in mission for others. Even though we have experienced a decline in membership and financial difficulties, God has proven to be true and faithful.

Over the years St. Ansgar?s Lutheran Church has seen many people walk in and out of the doors of this community of faith (our church), some through water baptism, affirmation of faith, others through marriage, others came broken in spirit, mind, and body but found healing and wholeness in this congregation as they were embraced with love and acceptance.

The ministry to meet the needs of others, but then what? ??What does God want from us? God does not want mere hymn singing, although that is fine. Nor does He want only prayer, although that too is fine. He does not simply want our attendance, although that is fine. What He wants, first, is a thankful heart in our worship.

That is what God seeks, a thankful heart. Each one of us is to offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. A sacrifice is something into which we put effort; it costs us. Have you ever asked yourself why the Scriptures stress thanksgiving so much? Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize that above everything else, God wants thankfulness.

"Give thanks in all circumstances," says the apostle Paul, "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Why is this? It is because thanksgiving only comes as a result of having received something. You do not give thanks until you have received something that comes from someone else.

Therefore thanksgiving is the proper expression of Christianity, because Christianity is receiving something constantly from God. Of course if you have not received anything from God, then you have nothing to thank Him for. If were to search to your hearts, you will discover there are lots of things to be thankful for.

When we recognize God as Creator, we will admire him. When we recognize his wisdom, we will learn from him. When we discover his strength, we will rely on him. But only when God saves us will we worship him. There is the blessing of possessing an obedient heart.

Where we follow the pathway of Christ, that path is marked with thanksgiving.

Other blessings that come to the thankful person include the experience of humility and needed grace.

The thankful heart recognizes the reception of every good gift from the hand of God. Thanksgiving bows in humility before the throne and God "giveth grace unto the humble." (James 4:6).

As we celebrate this milestone of 85 years in Mission for others in Montreal, may our testimony be Lord, we offer to you right now the sacrifice of thanksgiving. We thank you that you are at work for good both in us and through us. Grant that we might obey your truth out of a heart of gratitude.

Thanksgiving is one thing we do on earth that we will continue in heaven. "I will give thanks unto Thee forever"
(Psalm 30:12).

Happy 85th Anniversary
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church.

Best wishes from your friend and pastor,
Pastor Samuel King-Kabu

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2014/02/28
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal