Around our dinner table each Thanksgiving, my wife Elaine asks our family to share what we’re thankful for. As I looked back over this year, I reflected on my opportunities and responsibilities to speak and to share my book, Tragedy Transformed: How Job’s Recovery Can Provide Hope For Yours. I thanked God for the privilege last year of sharing Scripture. In January, May, and October, I brought messages from Job on depression to three different congregations.
I also thanked God for the privilege of future presentations of Scripture. In December, I will share with a nearby congregation the process of writing my book, in this case, of course, the book of Job. In January, I also share with my home congregation new archeological evidence amassed by filmmaker Timothy Mahoney on the Exodus (www.patternsofevidence.com), who asked, “Is the Bible true?” Mahoney spent 12 years researching the answer. I will work with our pastor and a few other men to share the six episodes of the video with the entire congregation on two Sunday evenings. In January also, I will teach a five-week series at another nearby congregation on Jesus in the Gospel of Mark (Son of God).
Professional Groups
Again, in January, I have two opportunities to share my book with two professional groups, one a minister’s gathering for support and sharing (TIM/Together in Ministry) face-to face, the other a video conference with professional pastoral counselors for Oregon members of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).
In addition, I’m in the process of preparing another four-week series teaching on Daniel, a dark, mysterious book of the Old Testament. In March, I hope to help my own Sunday school class understand, interpret, and apply the life-changing lessons of this often-neglected Bible passage (much like Job). I will share it with classes in other churches as well.
What’s Your Thanksgiving Message?
Teaching Job, Exodus, Mark, and Daniel in just a few months, what a privilege! My Thanksgiving message: I am grateful to God for the opportunity to lead people to better understand and to profit from applying major portions of God’s word to their daily lives.
What is your Thanksgiving Message? For what do you give God thanks?
