The apostle Paul says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  During this season of “Thanksgiving”, as Christians we have much for which we can give thanks. We thank God for who He is and all that He has done for us.  We thank Him for His loving character, His goodness and mercy towards us, His sovereignty, and His mighty power. As a conference, the Lord has been faithful in His promises to provide continuous blessings despite our adversities! He has faithfully brought us through another Conference Session, and for this, we are grateful and thankful for HIS leadership. 

Ellen White states the importance of gratitude: “Nothing tends more to promote health of body and soul than a spirit of gratitude and praise.  It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings—as much a duty as it is to pray.” 1 Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 251.

As followers of Christ, we must strive to stay connected to the vine.  This will ensure that our thoughts and feelings are not discontented. The presence of God is always with us. It is only when we neglect our duty to remain in Him that we begin to stray away from God and become melancholy.  We must be intentional about building spiritual habits in our lives, including prayer, bible study, and an attitude of praise.

When we praise, it shows our gratitude to God. Praise is vital to our spiritual lives as it lifts our spirits. Psalms 42:5 says, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance”. This passage reminds us of what God has done for us when we are downhearted.  Jesus is our only hope; therefore, praise helps to enlarge our perception of God and to keep our focus on Jesus. The more we magnify Him, the smaller our problems will become. So, continue to remain in an attitude of praise so that we can remember the many ways in which He has blessed us.

As we near the close of 2022, I encourage you to end the year on a spiritual high!  Historically, December has been identified as “Square Up with God” month.  We can square up with God in our Time (Church attendance), Talents (Church service), and Treasury (Church giving – Tithe and Offering). Most importantly, let us commit to winning at least one soul for Jesus Christ!   Jesus says, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto Me” (John 12:32). Therefore, I invite you to talk to Jesus, walk Jesus, share Jesus, and live Jesus as we seek to draw others to Jesus!