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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
You have probably heard the saying, “There are only two things you can be sure of – death and taxes. Actually that isn't quite true. There are more things we can be sure of -like the changing of the seasons. And, yes, this winter has gone on far too long, but we know eventually spring will arrive. Soon the days will be warmer, the snow will stop flying, the birds will begin singing, the flowers will start budding, and the crops will get planted. It's just that when we have to wait for something ( like the arrival of spring) longer than we had planned, we can get discouraged and even say things like, “I don't think spring will ever come.” Well, sometimes, we also feel that way when we have to wait on God. When God calls us to wait for an answer to prayer, we can get discouraged. We might even say things like, “I don't think God is ever going to answer me.” God understands our tendency to become impatient and discouraged when we are called to wait, so God offers Words of hope and encouragement, beautiful Words like- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lamentations 3:25) This month we celebrate Easter. When Jesus died on the cross, the disciples thought it was all over. They had waited three years for their Lord to turn things around - to free the oppressed and save the lost. And now, all was lost, or so they thought. The disciples lost hope. It happens to all of us sometimes, and that is why we need to always remember the Good News of Easter morning – sorrow turned to joy, despair turned to hope, death turned to life everlasting. Always remember : 1) For which reason, because we have righteousness through faith, let us be at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2) Through whom, in the same way, we have been able by faith to come to this grace in which we now are; and let us have joy in hope of the glory of God. 3) And not only so, but let us have joy in our troubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting; 4) And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope: 5) And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us. (Romans 5:1-5) Have a Blessed Easter, Pastor Karen
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I recently attended the memorial service for a very good friend of the family. On the life and times folder for this young man's service were written the words, Get Busy Living. This was the philosophy of the man being remembered on that day. This special person was remembered for his love of God and family. He lived life to the fullest. He had the biggest smile you have ever seen. When you were around him, you could not help but smile, too. The phrase, Get Busy Living, was a line from the popular film, Shawshank Redemption. Now I'm not sure when or where that phrase first originated, but the thought has been around for a long , long time. The scriptures remind us that life is short and that now is the time to act, now is the time “to live.” So how should we live? In his letter to the Colossians. Paul tells us to live in union with Christ Jesus. Keep our roots in him. Become stronger in our faith. Be filled with thanksgiving. Don't be enslaved by the old life, the life before you accepted Christ Jesus as Lord. In other words Get Busy Living. When Jesus died on the cross, he destroyed the power of sin in our lives. We have been resurrected along with Christ. We are new creatures. Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to the power of God to do the impossible. Are you claiming God's power in your life? What holds you back from living life to the fullest? Give it to God so you can Get Busy Living. This month we remember Jesus' death and resurrection. Easter is a celebration of life, new life, when it was least expected. Even Jesus' closest followers didn't get it. Mourning the loss of their Lord, they hid behind closed doors, afraid and confused. And then Jesus appeared to them and told them not to be afraid. He gave them the great command- “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day.” In other words Get Busy Living! May it be so for us all! And All God’s Children Said, “Amen.” Pastor Karen Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Hallelujah! Winter is over and Spring has officially begun. Although when we look outside and see the green grass and budding trees we are reminded that Spring came early this year. Actually , Summer came early, too, at least for a few days. Records that had been in place at least 90 years were broken by our extended 80 degrees weather in March. Des Moines’ high temperature reached into the 80s for five consecutive days, and the National Weather Service said it’s the first time that has ever happened in March – in fact, it had never happened for four days in a row before this year. And while it is true there have been a time or two in the past when the snow has reappeared in April, even if that happens, it usually does not stay around too long. Spring is definitely here! We can look forward to all that Spring brings. In fact, as Christians, all of us can look forward to what is to come this month, the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter is on April 8. Like our unexpected spring/summer like weather in winter, Jesus’ resurrection was unexpected. Even though Jesus told his disciples he would rise again, they did not understand. They were lost and devastated at the time of Jesus’ death. They thought Jesus’ death was the end, the end of Jesus and the end of their hope in a Savior who would save the world. But they were wrong. In fact, the best was yet to come! Jesus triumphed over death and today we worship a Risen Savior! Thanks be to God! Yes, we can all look forward to what is to come! The seasons change, but the promises of God do not. We have the promise of Jesus’ daily presence to comfort and to guide and the promise of eternal life. 1 Peter 1: 3-5 tells us, “What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven.” The Good News is: “We serve a Risen Savior, and He is in the world today!” Have a Blessed Easter! Pastor Karen |
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