Looking Forward

In just two short days we will be welcoming in the year 2009. First let me ask you if the year 2008 turned out what you had expected when the year started? For me, the year was a bit different then what I would have expected. Ministry here at church was a fairly typical year as far as ministry goes but there was clearly some unexpected events both positive and negative that happened in this last year. On a personal note we witnessed the birth of our third grandchild, our first granddaughter, but there were a couple of other events in our family that were rough to get through. I say that because I did not know what was going to happen but our trust in God helped us through them all. Without faith in the God who holds the future I do not know how I could have handled all that took place but with God all things are possible and He alone can bring about good and bad things happen to us.

Now to looking ahead to 2009. For us as a church I believe this is going to be a very fruitful, productive year of ministry. There is a sense of a mighty increase of the activity of God and we are looking forward to what God is going to do in our midst here at Bethel A/G. What all that might be I do not know and this is where trust in the Sovereign Lord is vital. Allowing God to be God among is clearly one of the keys in that God has a good plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11.

On a personal note Sharon and I are planning a trip to Alaska to see our son in the summer. What is going to happen in the six months before that trip? Only God knows but unless we do some planning that trip will never happen. I say that because though we may not know what may happen it is still important for us to plan. Once we have made our plans we place it into the hands of God and trust Him that He knows what is best for us. Following this biblical principle will help in our ups and downs of this year.

May the God of all love and grace be with you.

Pastor Backes

The gift that keeps giving

The overarching truth of the Christmas story is God's love for all of mankind. This one expression of love is still touching millions of lives every years as we celebrate Jesus coming into the world. This gift of love is still giving and will continue to give throughout all the history of mankind. This gift of love from God is an example to us in how to give a gift this year that will keep on giving. That is our expressions of love and mercy to another. In order for this gift to truly work I need to be giving this gift on a daily basis in all my encounters in all different types of circumstances. This is the gift that will keep on giving.

May God bless your holiday season and may it be filled with love and compassion.

Trust in God

The news about the loss of jobs seems to be an everyday occurrence. Just yesterday there were three major U.S. companies announcing layoffs in the thousands. The uncertainty of the future is clearly on the hearts of many people and of many Christians. So what is the response supposed to be for a believer in Christ? How do we handle the news of all the economic uncertainty? If you have a steady job it is important to be thankful and to trust in God. If you are looking for a job you need to be thankful and to trust in God. One may ask why I would give the same advice to both people? The answer is simple, this is what the Lord encourages us through His Word regardless of your present situation. Here are a couple of verses on being thankful. Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Here are just two of literally dozens of verses that encourages us to be thankful people and to be able to do that under difficult circumstances as well. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all yours ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Again there are many other verses that encourages us to trust God and that He will provide and take care of us. Trusting God is difficult because we want to be able to feel and touch the answer that we need. We want God to answer us now and not have to wait but God in His wisdom and timing will answer us if we are willing to be thankful and trusting. I realize that it is difficult to find work when there are many workers looking for the few jobs that may be available. I encourage you to not give up and continue to seek the Lord and trust that God is able to meet your needs through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Holiday Thoughts

Holiday thoughts now that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is just 24 days away. With Thanksgiving Day a little later then normal the time before Christmas is now just a little over three weeks away. Every year we need to be reminded that Jesus is still the reason for the season. John 3:16 clearly grants us a picture into the heart of God which is that of loving and giving. On the day after Thanksgiving Day a worker at a Walmart in New York was trampled and then he died. If that was the only incident there would still be concern but unfortunately there stories that have surfaced concerning other incidents on this very busy shopping day of the year.

Let's put that in perspective of what the truth spirit of Christmas is really about which is love and giving. Specifically God's love to us in the giving of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Are we willing to hurt others for the sake of saving a few dollars on a gift we are going to give? The thought in itself seems to be a contradiction. The shopping for most of us is not over but let us remember that love and giving ought to be at the heart of all that we do during this Christmas season. We have a responsibility as a Christian for show forth the same kind of love toward others that God has shown to us. If we would be willing to do that then I believe the true spirit of Christmas will begin to show forth in a greater way.

May the God of all love help you to enjoy this Christmas season.

Pastor John Backes