Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ, and children of God,

Praise you, oh Lord, that my car broke down. Praise you, oh Lord, that my spouse can no longer work. Praise you, oh Lord, the water heater exploded this week, and we need a new one, along with replacing the carpet in the hallway. Praise you, oh Lord, for the financial burden, our poor health, and our marital and family challenges.

These are not the kind of praises you would expect, would you? However, should we not give the Lord praise for the challenging times in our lives? Why not thank God for the times of suffering? Many in the scriptures praised God during their times of despair: Paul, from prison, demonstrating faith and strength despite his circumstances, Peter, in his depths of despair, praised God, showcasing his unwavering faith, and David, during his trials and battles 

In Psalm 34:1, David writes, “I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” He did not say only in the times of good, but always, which would also be in the bad times. James, a servant of God, writes in James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  Peter tells the church of Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

God has a plan for you, and part of that plan is for you to go through suffering. It is the sufferings that we find what God truly has for us and what He teaches us. Whether teaching us patience, humbleness, how to love and show compassion to others, or simply giving us another chance to correct our ways and do it right. We, at times, must go through troubling circumstances to appreciate the times of greatness that God brings to us. 

We are to praise God for the burdens that we must carry and suffer through, which test our faith and produce perseverance (James 1:3). We are to give thanks in all circumstances and about everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Philippians 4:6; Romans 5:3-4). This Thanksgiving, as you are thanking God for all the blessings you have received, remember to thank him for the struggles and burdens that He allowed you to encounter on your journey, and of course, thank Him for being right there with you along the way.

Last week, the little lambs learned more about the Sermon on the Mount, including the teachings of Jesus on the Beatitudes, giving our worries to God, the parable of the two builders, and the importance of building a house on solid ground, rather than on sand. This week, we will not be having children’s church due to a special service, as it is our last Sunday in this building. God has opened a door to a new chapter in the journey of New Day Church and the little lambs. 

Also, to note, next Sunday we will not have a service or children’s church, but I ask that you pray as we turn the page of this new chapter and settle into the new place of worship. Our first service will be on December 7 at 10:00. The building is located at 3455 Cliff Shadows Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89129, Suite 220.

I look forward to sharing fellowship with you tomorrow and worshipping the Lord God Almighty with songs of praise and joy, and dancing before the God who is deserving of our praise and thanksgiving. If, for whatever reason, I do not see you, may the Lord bless you with joy, peace, and may He comfort you, guide you, and heal you when you are in need.

God Bless you,

Your brother in Christ

Michael (Mr. Michael)