In this Thanksgiving week, I have been pondering on what I am grateful for.  There are of course many things that I thank God for, but somehow good as they are, they appear to be dim compared to the gratitude I feel toward the assurance and the revelation that once I pass on this world, I will live in the Kingdom of God.  To be more specific, in the glorious Kingdom of God.  Somehow that is what has been on my mind lately, that not only will I be in God’s Eternal Home, but I will also live in the glorious Kingdom of God. 

During our latest Bible Study Fellowship where we just praised God with songs and testimonies, my mind just kept going to one central theme: I am grateful to God for saving me from sins and for giving me a new life, where in this new life I can have a personal relation with Christ Our Lord.  I am grateful to God for opening my eyes that I can see Him—specifically the traces of His presence and work—in my life.  I am grateful for His grace, Grace that has brought me thus far.  I am grateful to God for extending His hand of fellowship to me.

Last week I shared the news about Budi and Tante Els, who had to undergo surgery for their medical problems.  Today I’d like to share the good news with you that both are home, healthier and stronger. I know for Widya, for Peggy and Brian, Michael and Lupe, Donald and Rendy, along with their children, this Thanksgiving is different from any other Thanksgivings.  This Thanksgiving they saw God, how with His loving hands He wove the lives of their loved ones in ways they could not have imagined, let alone planned for.  Glory to God!

But life is not always this wonderful.  Our sister Katharin and Tante Sophia still suffer back pain, Tante Elvier continues to face health issues, but knowing that God loves us and has prepared, not only a home but also a Kingdom for us to live in, makes our days glorious.

Pastor Paul