I have been blessed to have many wise people and good counselors in my life. My parents and in-laws have given me guidance over the years. They have helped me to make plans and see them through to completion. To say nothing of the importance of prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit (see Proverbs 1:7). I was also blessed to be exposed to some very wise teachers at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Dr. Norman Nagel reminded us to daily, “receive the gifts!” of God. Dr. Jeff Gibbs reminded his students to “when in doubt, repent!” which is very wise advice!
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, St. Paul has two words of advice for us. “Rejoice always”. What great words for the church. We have much to be thankful for – family, country, church family, and our eternal life given to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. We all know that life can be difficult and sometimes even painful. Worries can devastate us and Satan can tempt us to despair. But the Word of the Lord endures forever (1 Peter 1:25) and that word is one of forgiveness, grace and life that never ends. Never forget – Easter morning resurrection is your future!
So how can we rejoice together? This month we celebrate the work of LWML and the Lutheran Reformation (502 years!). Bible study continues and we gather every week to “receive the gifts!” of God’s Word and Sacrament. Invite your friends and your neighbors to come and hear the Good News.
Former SELC District President Rev. Dr. Carl Krueger once gave me some great advice. He said. “Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! Find an excuse to have a party. Make up a holiday if you have to, but find a way to celebrate.” Good advice for us all. Celebrate every day that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and that by grace through faith, we will live also.
Christ is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia!
Come to Holy Cross – Jesus is here – for you!
Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Jeffrey Stone
Proverbs 3 Verses 5 to 6. [5] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
|
