As we roll into November, or should I say fly, (the older I get the more time seems to fly by) my mind has turned to the idea of giving thanks. Giving thanks is a good exercise it causes us to look back at where we have been and to see how far we have come. Many times, reflecting on the past reminds us of who has been there with us. Psalm 95 is a great psalm to reflect on during the month of November as we give thanks. It starts out by saying "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation."
As I reflect on the past year, I see God's hand at work in my life in so many ways. I see so many blessings that he has allowed to come into my life. I see how he has protected my family. I am also reminded that he saves me from my sinfulness, and he brings to me a joy that is unexplainable. As I reflect upon the past year, I am thankful for God's presence with me.
I want to make it clear that my year hasn't been just all easy I have faced many difficulties. I have struggled with finances, work, loss of friends and loved ones. Some decisions have been very difficult, but as I reflect back over the year, I have a heart that is full of joy, knowing that God is my rock.
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Pastor Scott Mehlhoff
The words to the old song come to mind, "We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll, fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior's love." I guess when we reflect it causes us to want to sing. Maybe that's why David invites us to join him in song.
David invites us to talk about the greatness of God in creation, the mountain peaks and the mighty oceans and how God created them, and they are in his hands. God's hands are pretty big.
Many times I pick things up with my hands so that I can look at them, bring them close to examine them. David goes on in verse 7, "for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
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Reflections, a mini-sermon written by Minot and area clergy, will appear each Saturday in The Minot Daily News. Clergy interested in writing a mini-sermon should contact Religion Editor Loretta Johnson at 857-1952 or Debbie Sandvold at 857-1950. The toll-free number is 1-800-735-3229.
It is good to know that God is our God, that God has an eye on us. God is a personal God who cares about your life, your circumstances, your direction. Do you know him? Do you know his voice?
David goes on and says, "Today, if you hear his voice."
Recently my dad came to visit me and we were visiting, and, out of nowhere, Dad asked me. "When was the last time the Lord spoke to you?"
I stopped talking and started thinking. I know that God has spoken to me at different times sometimes through preachers, teachers, parents, books, his Word and sometimes with his own voice. I started reflecting on when the last time was I heard God's voice.
For some of you who are reading this, God is speaking to you right now. For others, maybe it will be as you reflect over the past year, but, to all of you, if you open up your heart and seek him, I know God will speak to you.
David said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts, but respond to his voice" In doing so, you will know the Lord in a personal way and that will give you just one more thing to be thankful for this year.
Pastor Scott Mehlhoff is pastor of Southside Church of the Nazarene, Minot.