Giving Thanks

Dear Church Family,

I want to share these words by Chuck Swindoll. I pray that you will look up throughout the Thanksgiving season!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Lane

Giving Thanks All Around

by Pastor Chuck Swindoll Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

IT'S ALMOST THANKSGIVING . . . MY FAVORITE. When it comes to holidays, this one tops 'em all, in my opinion. I prefer it because it is so healthy, so encouraging, so valuable . . . and so understated. I prefer it because there are no jingles to sing, commercials to endure, gifts to buy, places to go, or meetings to attend—just be thankful. Just look up, look around, look within, and say, "Thank you, Lord."

So let's start early with our Thanksgiving this year. Maybe these few thoughts will stimulate you to give God your thanks in greater abundance.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

Looking up . . . thank You, Lord: for Your sovereign control over our circumstances, for Your gentle compassion in our sorrows, for Your consistent faithfulness through our highs and lows, for Your grace that removes our guilt, for Your love that holds us close.

Thank You, Lord, for all You are, all You do, all You say. If we were unable to look up into Your face, Thanksgiving would be just another day.

Looking around . . . thank You, Lord: for our close family ties, so affirming, so enjoyable; for our marvelous church, so many gifted and loving servants; for our strong heritage, so wholesome, so wise; for the joy of seeing our children grow and learn; for an occupation that enables us to make a living; for the embrace of a friend who really cares.

Thank You, Lord, for all You provide in such variety and incredible abundance. By just looking around, we are made aware of how rich we are this Thanksgiving.

Looking within . . . thank You, Lord: for eyes that see the beauty of Your creation, for ears that receive the world of sounds surrounding us, for the special stimulation of taste and touch, for hands to work with and legs to walk with, for a sense of humor that brought healing and hope, for the sheer delight of knowing and walking with You!

Thanksgiving is my favorite. Now you see why.

Still Small Voice

There was a time in my life when I was hiding. I was scared, unsure of what to do, or where to go. I felt like I was out of options. As my husband likes to say I buried my head in the sand. These verses make me think of that even though I was hiding from bad decisions and mistakes. Elijah was hiding because he had done what God asked him to do and people were angry at him. Two different reasons to hide, but God still showed up, even for me. 

I was sitting outside one day doing my Bible Study. I have no idea what that was or what scripture it involved. I do know I was sitting outside and it was a calm day, no wind or rain just a stillness. I started praying, the kind of prayer that ends with nothing but tears and crying. I can remember this so clearly even though it has been about 16 years. Suddenly a gentle breeze blew through my yard. It felt like a gentle caress on my cheek and I could hear God telling me deep within - "It's going to be ok. I will be with you as you walk through this." That day was a new beginning for me! 

Are you hiding from something? No matter what your reason for hiding, God will walk with you through it. Call out to Him! If you would like us to pray for you, fill out the form on the left. We would love to pray for you!

~CJ

1 Kings 19:11-13

Isaiah 43:2

I love the visual this verse gives! There have been times in my life when I felt like I was drowning. This verse always brings me great comfort in those times. 

This is a promise that when we go through those hard times we will not face them alone. When we are drowning and feel like there is no way out - He is there. When we are being consumed by things around us and we can't break free - He is there. 

When you face difficulties remember this verse and hold on to the fact that God is with you! You are NOT alone! 
 

~CJ

Dear Church Family,

It’s time for …

Mid-Summer Random Thoughts by Pastor Lane

He who is slow to anger has great understanding. Proverbs 14:29

We had triple digits in Sunday School this past Sunday – in the middle of July! I can’t help but believe God is up to something!

The Braves are the best team in baseball right now! Which, as odd as it sounds, actually concerns me a little bit come postseason.

If a man says something in the middle of the forest, and his wife is not there to hear him, is he still wrong?

A saint is a person whose life makes it easier to believe in God. Who do you know like that?

Why is forgiveness so difficult? What are people afraid of if they actually forgive?

I used to have a handle on life, but then it broke.

I wonder if Savannah is the weed capitol of the world. Yard weeds, I mean. Not marij….. nevermind.

Now to God our Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:20

Beverly Purcell is a real workhorse for IBC. I’m thankful for her.

If you can buy a person’s friendship, it’s not worth it.

I miss my dad. If you have a dad, call him today.

When we worry, we believe more in our problems than in God’s promises.

I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather….. not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.

What did Jonah think about those 3 days?

Want to send a panic wave through your pastor? Start a sentence off with, “Hey preacher, I have a Bible question for you …”

We in the church sure have watered down what it means to be an “active” church member, if we believe at all in God’s Word (Hebrews 10:25).

I was wondering why the frisbee kept getting bigger and bigger, and then it hit me….

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. Proverbs 26:4

See you Sunday!
Pastor Lane