Five years ago this week our family received the call to come to Glasco and Delphos.  I have to admit that until that call I had never heard of either town.  I was sure, however, that they were in Kansas.  Now five years later I can't imagine being anywhere else.   It is truly our my.   God is at work in these communities.  The question is, "Is God at work in you?"

The question is for you because only you can answer.  No one can answer for you.  However, I can help.  First, know that God is at work.  He promised his disciples (and therefore us) that he would never leave or abandon them (John 14:18).  God may not be here physically in the person of Jesus, but his continual presence though the Holy Spirit guides, directs, strengthens and cares for us (John 14:26).  Second, God loves you.  Listen to this most familiar verse to the believer:

 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. " (John 3:16-17)

God loves you and desires to be in relationship with you.  In other words, God want you to return the love He so freely offers.

Now, for some of you this may seem like foreign ground.  It is like receiving a call that you are moving to Vineland Colorado.  Never heard of it?  I have, I grew up there.  It exists, its real, even if you have never seen it or been there.  It is the same with God.  God exists, He is real.  The difference is Vineland really does care if you visit or know where it is at.  God does.

Coming to God may seem strange and unfamiliar, but not for long.  God is the perfect fit for all of our lives.  As you search for meaning in life through money, drugs, alcohol, sexual pleasures, fame, power or whatever, you will always come up longing for more.  None of those things can bring the joy and peace and life that is in God through  Jesus Christ.  The reason?  God is the creator and redeemer of the world.  God knows you and knows what it takes for you to have a full life.

So, I invite you to answer the question.  "Is God at work in you."  If the answer is yes, Thanks be to God.  May you grow in salvation and holiness everyday.  If the answer is no, you can change that.  Ask Jesus to come into your heart.  Ask him to forgive you for your sins (those things that you have done to harm others, yourself or God).  Listen again to the scripture:

 If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.(Romans 10:9)

Then find pick up the scripture and read.  Pray daily.  Find a church community where you can worship, learn, grow and serve.  Before you know it, that unfamiliar ground will become home.  A real home with a loving God and a heart and soul at peace and a life full of grace and best of all the promise of Eternal Life.
 
 

Kelly D. Sipes
785-568-2221 (office)
785-523-4403 (home)
kdsipes@nckcn.com