A Thankful Heart
Are you characterized by thankfulness? True salvation produces a heart that gives thanks for the gifts and praises God as the giver. And when you consider what you deserve (judgment) and recognize what Jesus offers (a salvation that includes cleansing, healing, and wholeness), you will affirm the gift of salvation you’ve received in Christ and affirm God as the source of that salvation.
That’s what produces a thankful heart – reflecting on our great salvation moves us to fall down at Jesus’s feet, like the Samaritan leper in Luke 17:11-19, praising God and thanking Jesus for our glorious salvation. May we be marked by thankfulness!
The good news is that we can grow in thankfulness by practicing thankfulness. So, as we go about our week, let’s do so:
In our private devotions (Psalm 7:17) – count your blessings, name them, and give thanks.
In our prayers for one another (Ephesians 1:15-16) – look for evidence of grace in one another’s lives. Look for how God is working in your brothers and sisters and give thanks.
In our gatherings (Ephesians 5:18-20) – as we rehearse the gospel in our gatherings as we pray the word, read the word, sing the word, preach the word, and see the word in the ordinances, give thanks to God with your voice, in song, with your body, lifting holy hands.
As we’re scattered (Psalm 57:9) – as we go about our day at work or recreation, let us be marked by thankfulness to God. That will allow us to be faithful witnesses in a cynical and thankless world.
We’ve received the greatest gift of all. We were unclean, separated from God, deserving judgment. But by faith in Christ, we’ve been cleansed and brought near to God and his people. We cannot help but praise God and give thanks!
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.
Resources of the Week
Christian Thankfulness: What It Is ( and Isn’t) – Desiring God, John Piper
What Does It Mean to Praise? – Modern Reformation, W. Robert Godfrey
Book Recommendations on Thankfulness:
The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks – Dustin Crowe
Practicing Thankfulness – Sam Crabtree
Growing in Gratitude – Mary Mohler
Life at High Pointe
Spring Life Classes We will offer a joint Life Class from May 17th to May 31st. Over three weeks, this combined Life Class for adults, students, and children will explore why HPBC is a Baptist church and why that matters for our worship, leadership, membership, discipleship and life together as a body. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and deepen your engagement in the life of our church family.
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline
May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline
June 7 | Luke 18:1-8 | Persistent Prayer | Pastor Juan Sanchez
June 14 | Luke 18:9-14 | The Pharisee and the Publican | Pastor Juan Sanchez
June 21 | Luke 18:15-17 | Let the Children Come | Pastor Juan Sanchez
June 28 | Isaiah 63:7-64:12 | Yahweh, Hear this Prayer and Come Down to Save
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Middle East Ministries It is our joy to support one of our High Pointe families serving in the Middle East. We will not refer to them by name to protect their identity and location, but you may pray for them as you work through our membership directory.
Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord may send a like-minded and similar life-stage family (or two) to serve alongside them. And pray that we would care for and encourage them well.
On-Call Pastor To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
