From the Pastor…
As we enter the season of Advent, I would like to pause long enough for a few belated words of thanksgiving. Sandy and I are extremely grateful for each of you who provided assistance to us during my recovery from surgery. The meals you provided, along with other food items, gift cards, visits, phone calls, texts, cards, and prayers mean more to us than we can ever express. It has not been any fun just lying around for such a long time, but it has been necessary for my recovery. We are trusting the Lord for a clean report this month, and we ask you to continue to agree with us in prayer for this.
As we wrap up 2019 this month, we have so many reasons to celebrate! God has chosen us as the object of His affection, and He has demonstrated that love by wrapping Himself in humanity and coming to earth as a lowly, helpless child. We will observe numerous celebrations this month to commemorate the coming of Messiah. I pray that we will not make ourselves so busy with the worldly trappings of the season that we fail to pause in holy wonder and awe at Emmanuel – God with us.
As I have read and studied over these last few weeks, I have become convinced that the greatest problem with the church of Jesus Christ today is that we have lost our sense of awe. We sing about our Awesome God, but our lives don’t often reflect any sense of awe over Who He is or what He’s done. God’s Word tells us that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Do we really have a healthy sense of fear when it comes to God? Our lack of commitment and zeal suggests that we do not. This is why I plan to emphasize awe and fear of the Lord in the coming year. My prayer is that we will continue to do the things we do well, but with a greater sense of awe, and that we will dream new dreams and dare to be bold and zealous for the Lord as the Holy Spirit restores our sense of awe.
I am convinced that while we live in the most difficult days for ministry in the history of the church, these are also the most exciting days of great opportunity. May we be reminded every day this month of the greatness of our God and His love for us. And may we close out the year on a strong note of faithfulness and gratitude.
Sandy and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and New Year filled with unmatched commitment to our Heavenly Father and His church.
In Christian Love,
Pastor Billy
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