6-3-2017

Good Morning All,

         Matthew 21:21; “And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.”

    We are going through a time that is tough on many people, especially farmers and ranchers.  We are quite dry and have had above normal temps, no rain and lots of wind.  The grass and the crops are in need of life giving water.  You hear in every conversation that is spoken.  It weighs in in every sigh.  We looked to the skies tonight and saw clouds but only dust blew.  The cry goes up, “how long?”

    We are entering the time of year when rain tends to be hit or miss.  One spot may get a lot of rain and a few miles away may get none.  It is definitely a time when faith will be tested and yet faith is what is needed.  Trials and struggles occur in every life and take many forms; weather worries, health battles, job struggles, relationship struggles all serve as a trial, a test or a battle.  Yet it is crucial to remember that every trial is an opportunity of faith.  It is a time to say and live “Father, I place this in your loving hands.”  That is our aim and it sounds good but the devil has different plans.

    The devil will do everything he can to cause you to doubt, to question God’s grace for you.  He will attack every weakness you have.  You worry about your child going off to college; the devil will lead you to believe that every college is the devil’s den.  Are you worried about rain and the crop outlook?  The devil will lead you to think it will never rain again.  Do you feel your relationship with your spouse is not what it was or could be?  The devil will whisper to you that no one loves you.  The devil will lie to you at every turn and try to convince you that you are in this all by yourself.

    Yet here we see God’s great mercy.  He sent Jesus to give us hope.  Jesus came to destroy the devil’s lies and to give you the certainty of his love and mercy.  Even though we will fail, we will doubt; God gives us Jesus to always cling to.  Even though we fall short, Jesus never does and it is his strength that we lean on.  It is Christ that gives us hope; it is not our strength but His and His alone.  Look to Christ for your hope, your comfort and your peace.  He will never fail you.  Our prayer is one that Martin Luther wrote.

Behold Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled.  My Lord, fill it.  I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.  I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.  I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether.  O Lord, help me.  Strengthen my faith and trust in you.  In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.  I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.  I am a sinner; you are upright.  With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.  Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. Amen

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret