Monthly Archives: January 2016

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 23, 2016
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G-d Needs Nothing from Us — Rev. David J. Schreffler

January 23, 2016

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (Romans 7:18)

As we continue into 2016, we reflect on what we have done in the past year and wonder what, if any, of our habits we should continue in the New Year. Along with the habits we consider, we also wonder what we should be doing for G-d in the New Year. Maybe, just maybe, instead of wondering only about what we should be doing for G-d (though this is worth our time) we should be wondering what G-d might be desiring to do and accomplish within and through us this New Year.

Consider this – G-d does not need anything from us (“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” Acts 17:24-25). Though G-d created you and me, G-d does not need anything from us – anything material, mineral, or vegetable. And yet, G-d seeks a relationship with each one of us so that we can be instruments of G-d’s love, mercy and Grace – so that G-d can accomplish great things in and through each one of us.

Getting something “from” us and doing something in and through us is entirely different. Again, G-d needs nothing from us – G-d does desire our whole selves and our whole attention so G-d can accomplish great things through us.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 22, 2016
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G-d Has Your Back — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

January 22, 2016

Here’s a story from one of the Guideposts devotionals titled “Encouragement For The New Year”, written by Carol Kuykendall:

“Who can think about new beginnings or inspirational goals in the midst of old concerns?” I asked my lawyer-husband Lynn as he came in the door after a quick trip to the office to complete a couple of year-end responsibilities.
“Let me show you a gift I just received,” he said, pulling an attractively wrapped package out of his briefcase. On it was a card: “To Lynn. May this gift encourage you in the coming year.” It was signed by a friend in his Bible study group.  Lynn tore off the paper and lifted out a beautifully framed message, penned by a professional calligrapher. The message read:

Lynn,
Trust Me. I have everything under control.

Jesus

He set the frame down amidst the clutter on the kitchen counter so I could see that simple message as I went about my tasks. Slowly those words began to change my frame of mind. If I needed something to help me carry my old concerns into the New Year, I’d just found it … the determination to face each day’s concerns, trusting in the words of this promise from the Source of all comfort and strength.”

I know it is hard to forge ahead into a New Year of trying to complete “old tasks” while hoping to begin some new habits. I like this devotional because it speaks to the message I have been trying to pass along these past three weeks – in the midst of change, we need to remember who is in control – who has our backs. Worrying is a profession in my family. It has been passed down for generations. Recently I have been sitting in vigil with a family who has an elderly member who has been diagnosed from an un-recoverable medical condition. As they sit vigil, the elderly relative who is dying is worrying about them – worrying about what they are talking about, worrying about what might happen to her, and to them, and worrying about, well, everything. I spent one afternoon reminding her that Jesus has her back, that G-d has everything under control.

If you need to write it down and put it in a frame, remind your self daily that G-d has everything under control.
Pastor Dave