A Thought From Your Pastor!
What makes you happy? It is probably not this lock down we have been in. Watching the news sure doesn’t make you smile. Carolyn is a great cook and I have been eating better than I ever have but I miss going out to eat. It is such a fun social time and a chance to spend time with people. I even miss going to the Chicago Outlet Mall and walking around watching people. I am going to miss a concert that we were going to go to April 4th, it is rescheduled. I have had to cancel some coffee meeting with friends too, I miss that uplift.
I’ll tell you what does make me happy; I know my name is written in the Book of Life. No matter what happens, I will spend eternity with not only Jesus but also my family and friends that have received Him as their Lord and Savior.
Listen to what scripture tells us: Philippians 4:4-6 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
We can’t let this world depress us because our God is in control. Jesus never wants us to go around depressed without hope. We don’t want to act stupid and not follow the government guidelines, but we are not to live in fear either.
Scripture tells me (which is the true Word of God) in 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
There has been some good things happen because of the lock-down. Carolyn and I have been taking walks, working together around the house and enjoying things we never had time for before. We even listen to a couple of old cassettes with messages on them.
Once again, I think Charlie Brown has some good insights. Take an accounting of your life and make a list of all things you are blessed with. Take time to thank God and rejoice in His blessing.
I agree with Charlie that our lives are not perfect, but without Jesus it would be so much worst. So remember one thing: Matthew 6:21 (NIV) 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Think about it this week: “Where is your treasure—Where is your heart?”
Hang in there just like a statement I heard long ago “This too shall pass.” Keep a smile on your face and appreciate what you have.
As always: Keep praying but also keep rejoicing in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Hopefully we will be meeting together again in the near future.
God’s Blessing, Pastor Gerry and Carolyn
St. Petrie Lutheran Church AFLC 