Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church

Dear Friends,

Many people are struggling financially.  Some are losing their homes.  Others are being evicted from places they rent because the landlord is losing the home.  Many people have lost thousands of dollars in their retirement accounts making the future even more uncertain.

How can we give thanks at a time like this?  It’s hard to be grateful when we focus on what we have lost.  I don’t think we can be thankful if we look at what we don’t have, what we used to have or what we wish we had.

Of all the Christian virtues, gratitude is one of the most important.  In his letter to the Philippians the Apostle Paul says, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have.  I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

The secret of St. Paul’s contentment was in his confidence that God was with him to see him through any situation.  Paul was writing to a community of Christians, who had helped him financially.  So those of us, who are able, need to reach out to help those in need.  And all of us need to give thanks for what we have.

Sam

Download the entire newsletter: The Holy Post - Nov. 08 [PDF]

- Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church - Cutler Bay, FL