From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke Thankful “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave THANKS, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” - Luke 24:30-31 I can’t believe it is November. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. In this weird and crazy 2020 year, I think it would do us all good to take a gratitude inventory. There are always things we can be thankful for but often we lose sight of those things. Likewise, there are always people in our lives that we should be thankful for. I invite you to do 2 things surrounding thankfulness: 1) make an inventory of the top ten things you are thankful for and 2) write 2 thank you letters to someone with whom you are thankful for. I know this is a simple exercise but I think it can be a powerful one. I love the story in Luke 24 known as the Walk to Emmaus. It is one of those Bible passages that is full of irony, humor, suspense, and revelation. In verses 30-31, Jesus’ true identity is finally revealed in the breaking of the bread. It is important to note, especially when thinking about thankfulness, that Jesus offered thanks to God before he broke the bread. Jesus modeled again and again a life of gratitude as he offered time and time again giving thanks to God. As people of faith, we are called to model a Christ-like life. I believe thankfulness is an essential part of a life of faith. We must assume an attitude of gratitude. As we do this, we are transformed into a life that sees the glass of life half-full- hopeful and joy-filled. In 2020, I think this is more important than ever. Life can be so incredibly overwhelming. Remembering the things and people we are thankful for can help us keep a healthy perspective to life and to faith. It can create balance and a healthy life. So in this month of thanks, may we all engage in an attitude of gratitude for in doing so we will have our lives transformed. -Keep the Faith Strong, Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter November 2020
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