The power of forgiveness is remarkable. When we think of the grace we have received from God through his forgiving of our sins, we are left speechless.

Ephesians 1:7 says, "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."

Gone are the excuses, the pretense, the masks. We can do nothing to wash away the ugliness of our sins, or even earn our cleansing. But we come in humility to Calvary and we find freedom! We discover that his forgiveness has the power to transform. This Sunday we will look at Psalm 51 where confession is taught and God's forgiveness is celebrated.

The following quote is from musician Rich Mullins, who wrote 'Our God is an Awesome God'.
"I think I would rather live on the verge of falling and let my security be in the all-sufficiency of the grace of God than to live in some pietistic illusion of moral excellence. Not that I don't want to be morally excellent but my faith isn't in the idea that I'm more moral than anybody else. My faith is in the idea that God and His love are greater than whatever sins any of us commit."

Ever feel like your life is so mundane and ordinary, wondering, "Does anyone really notice the things I do?"
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Colossians 3:17 says "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
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May this quote from Mother Teresa encourage you today: "Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. Nothing is small for our good God, for he is great and we are small. That is why he lowers himself and cares to do small things, in order to offer us an opportunity to show him our love. Since he does them, they are great things, they are infinite. Nothing he does can be small. Again: practice fidelity even in the least things, not for their own sake, but for the sake of what is great – that is, the will of God."

It's good to stand in amazement of God's greatness, majesty, holiness and power. And to think that this same God loves us and pours out his mercy upon us! As Romans 11:33 says, "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! It is impossible for us to understand his decisions and his ways!"

For people of faith, to stand in awe of God is to give him glory. All glory to him forever!

I've been really encouraged by the message of 1 Corinthians 15 that speaks of the resurrection of Jesus, and our hope of resurrection at His return.  It's the heart of the Good News, and the hope we stand on.  The chapter ends with a word of motivation for us all:
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"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

Did you know one of the most important ways to demonstrate your faith to others is simple gratitude? Over and over in the Scriptures we are urged to be thankful. It is not a hard command, but we can often forget to give thanks to God.
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This week we celebrate Thanksgiving, the only long weekend that comes with specific instructions. How about going to our church's FB page and saying what you're thankful for.  God is GOOD!