10-4-2017

Good Morning All,

        Numbers15:40; “So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.”

    One of my new favorite commercials on the television today is the one where two little boys, looking very old and using a walker, complain about the easy way these new third graders have it made.  They bemoan how hard they, now fourth graders, had it so much harder in the old days.

    I am not sure exactly why, but each time I see this commercial I think of all the discussions that go on when we talk about the confirmation program.  Invariably, someone goes into the “you should have gone to confirmation when we had to.”  It was so much harder, so much more in depth, so much tougher.  At least they stop short of walking in waist deep snow uphill both ways for six miles.  Yet I must confess, I wish we would spend more time and effort on catechesis than we do.  I understand the pace of life today and the amount of “things” that go on today.  I empathize with our kids; they are exhausted but that really has more to do with priorities than anything else.

    We keep trying to convince everyone, parents, children, folks who have completed confirmation, young, old, new or mature Christians to always study the Bible, engage in some form of worship/devotional time and prayer.  There are many reasons for this.  First and foremost, it will keep your hearts and minds focused on Jesus and his wonderful gift of salvation.

    Secondly, this gives us peace.  As Paul tells us in Philippians, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   

    Lastly, a continual and constant devotional life will cause us to draw on our faith first in all that we do.  Scripture passages that remind us of God’s good grace will give us comfort in the turmoil that is this life.  By drawing on our memorized or frequently read verses we remember what God has done and is doing and will do for us.  Without simple reminders, we would forget essential truths.  Simple reminders to trust in God’s mercy upon us.  Simple reminders that Jesus came to give us peace.  Simple reminders that God loves you.  Keep these in front of your eyes and the essential truth about your salvation and being a part of God’s holy family will guard and protect you.

Father, your grace and love abound down on me.  You wash me daily with your mercy.  Keep me ever mindful of your love.  Remind me to think on you first and to look to only you for our truth.  Keep us safe from the attacks of the devil.  Be with those who have forgotten your mercy; return them to your arms.  In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret