Be Thankful 

As we come to the home stretch of this year, let us bid 2023 farewell with grateful hearts. Although it has been a very difficult year for many, to say the least, where economic hardships and global conflicts rage, let us choose to be thankful as Scriptures admonish us: 

1 Thess. 5:18 – in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

We, as a biological and spiritual family, have experienced great loss at the passing of Mommy Irma. Despite the sadness and mourning, we can focus on the wonderful memories and be grateful to God for the privilege of knowing her and being impacted by her life and ministry. We can choose to give thanks to God for her life and the blessing she has left us. We also thank God that we were able to carry on the ministries despite the changes. 

In this Advent season, let us be thankful for the coming of the Savior. The great mystery is revealed, the Son of God became a son of man so we sons of men might become the sons of God. 

There is no better way to finish this year and start off the new year than to be in the presence of God. The key is thankfulness, for it ushers us into the presence of the Lord. 

Psalm 100:4-5 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” 

No matter what, let us be determined to be grateful people, thanking our good God. In doing so, we will live up to our motto: “Being lovers of God and bringing His presence to others”. 

By Pastor Reggie Ocampo