May 2008

Dear Friends,

Summer is almost here.  What is your idea of fun? The world is fast to fill in that question with many activities, many ways to spend time and money.

Much of the world’s pleasure is centered on self-gratification.  At all ages we are to pursue pleasures in our own directions never mindful of self-sacrifice, even in the world of marriage and family.  Our culture sometimes tells us that doing what we please, when we please, will bring us joy.  Commercials tell us as long as we drive a decent car and know how to spend our time off, we will be happy.  We get caught up in watching television that is not God honoring or longing for the next great toy.  So how come so many people end up penniless, single parents, or worse, with broken hearts, and shattered lives?  

Our Savior gives us an entirely new perspective.  God uses all of His vast creativity to bring us pleasure and we can spend time enjoying all the things He has provided.  God insists on boundaries to protect us from the world’s version of “fun” and offers an entirely new world for us to explore and enjoy.

There are the forests, lakes, parks, for us to spend time outdoors.  We can stroll closer to home taking in the blue sky and budding trees, or get lost in the warm summer night fragrance breezes or the stillness of a snow covered landscape.  We can play goofy games with family and friends focusing more on others than ourselves.  We can spend time in God’s word and with God’s people, thankful that Easter comes every year to remind us of the way of Love Jesus came to bring us, along with the joys of the Kingdom of God.

We too have many opportunities to grow, learn and share our abundance.  Sometimes we have a tendency to focus on what we do not have, what God has not given.  But, as disciples, we are called upon to make the most of what we do have and be grateful.  We have to be willing to risk a little, to step out in the faith God will supply and God will uphold.

There are many opportunities to find this enjoyment in the way we think of and serve others.  As the door to summer opens, pray for God to lead you in ways to share in the pleasures of His Kingdom.

Pastors Art and Carolee

“The Historic Church on the Move!”