You have been deeply faithful.
These are pretty tough times. Several of you have lost jobs, some to layoffs
that permit an eventual return to your employer, while others face a long wait
or not hope of return at all. A couple of families have undergone reduced hours
of work or work weeks, and most of the 401k's our retirees depend on have been
dramatically reduced. What's happened to our money is just plain scary.
Your faithfulness drives our fear - and you have been deeply faithful. You
bring our children and one another the word of God in Sunday morning and weekday
Bible studies. You work on quilts to warm the soul and feed the hungry at Community
Kitchen. You're planning a tea for girls of all ages, and a Sunday stroll to
clean up a mile or two along US 31. You're building a permanent home for this
church, and keeping your promise to pay for it. You're building a ministry to
share God's love, and keeping your promise to pay for the cost of this ministry.
You have taken up your cross and followed Jesus, and it has cost you dearly in money and time and energy. I believe you are due for a reprieve, due for a release from worry and fear; you are due for a resurrection. That is the promise of our God in Christ Jesus - that these long winters of the soul lead not to more darkness but to spring, that those who give away their lives for Jesus' sake will receive new life, that you have not been called in vain.
So I say to you, my faithful friends in Christ, do not despair. Just hold on
- Easter is right around the corner. No matter what happens to your job, your
church has work for you. No matter what happens to your money, your Christ will
provide. You have been promised a resurrection - just hold on, and watch it
unfold!
Pastor Jim
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind. 1 Corinthians 4:5
From the Shepherd's Song Newsletter -- April 2009
Copyright 2009 by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
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E-mail your comments and questions to Pastor Jim in care of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at gslc@sirus.com.