Be a Pillar of Positivity

November 19, 2025

Leadership Notes

     Every Tuesday, I read a book selected by Mrs. Hilton to read to her lovely class of kindergartners. This week’s book was about three turkeys who hosted all their animal friends for Thanksgiving. At its heart, we heard about being content where you are. It was a perfect story for the week before Thanksgiving. Be happy, gracious, and kind where you are. There’s nothing better in the world.

     This brings us back to Philippians 4:4-13:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your

reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not

be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and

supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known

to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is

commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything

worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned

and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things,

and the God of peace will be with you.

 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived

your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you

had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I

have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know

how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and

every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty

and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him

who strengthens me.

     We’d do well to make this our Thanksgiving passage, prayer, and worldview. When feeling unsure or unsteady, turn to Philippians. Paul had every reason to be dejected and downcast, yet he remained a pillar of positivity. Why? Because of his relationship with Jesus Christ. No matter what you experience or go through in life, can you carry that attitude with you?

     Here’s another passage/prayer for Thanksgiving:

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from

whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that

according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be

strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you,

being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength

to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length

and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that

surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness

of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we

ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be

glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,

forever and ever. Amen.

-      Ephesians 3:14-20

     Regardless of your life circumstances, let these affirmations fill you with hope and promise. No complaining. No whining. No sighing. No feeling sorry for oneself. No victimhood. Simply bold, courageous confidence because Jesus is your Savior. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Let that be your Thanksgiving watchword.

     Here are two thoughts from Charles Spurgeon to help us keep calm and

carry on:

> “You say, ‘If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.’

You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you

have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled.”

…AND THEN THERE’S THIS…

> “The constant tenor and spirit of our lives should be adoring

gratitude, love, reverence, and thanksgiving to the Most

High.”

     With Abounding Love and Thanksgiving,

                         Richard