Today marked our first Sunday in our newly renovated sanctuary! It was a day of dedicating not only our building, but also our lives in gratitude to God's faithfulness and mercy.
Who of us can fully count all of our blessings? They are simply too numerous to count. How are we supposed to be able to thank God? In Romans 12: 1-2. Paul reminds us: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
To paraphrase our hymn of dedication this morning, "Lord, for the Gift of Children:" for the gift of children, we came to give God praise, we brought them there before Him, as they begin their days. God loves each precious one, yet they are not our own, we give them back in faith, and trust God's grace alone.
We and so many other workers and contributors and pray-ers have worked so hard to make this day a reality. God has been our constant help along the way. "Under the shadow of His throne, we have dwelt secure" and we will continue to put our hope in Him. Our God is a mighty Fortress and our Helper.
As we enter this special season of Thanksgiving, let us offer ourselves anew as living sacrifices, dedicated to God.
