Monthly Archives: January 2016

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 15, 2016
Tags:   

Old Baggage in a New Year — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

January 15, 2016

Happy New Year! When you hear those words, you are reminded that it is a new year, and the possibility of a new start is placed at your feet. The start of a new year is always interesting. It is full of people making resolutions and plans and generally hoping for the best, but just because it is new does not mean that the old is immediately removed. Some of us had awful years last year, and nothing would make us happier than to forget about everything that happened last year. But that is just not possible. We come into the New Year carrying a lot of heavy, unwanted baggage.

So the New Year brings anxieties in two spheres: one, we are anxious for what the New Year will bring – and two, will it be more of the same we experienced in the old year?

One thing we need to remember as we move forward in this New Year is this: The love, mercy and grace of G-d for all people is the same as it was yesterday, as it is today and as it will be tomorrow and into the future. We do not know what this year will hold for any of us, but just as was true in the old year, the blessings and love of G-d for G-d’s children remain in the New Year. And one way that we can live into the knowledge of G-d’s constant love, mercy and grace and forgiveness is to learn about the limitlessness of G-d in the words of scripture. The love of G-d for G-d’s children will never change, even though our luck, health issues, our financial troubles, our work headaches, our family problems and our relationship issues may not change either. So, even if this year is more of what we experienced last year, one thing we can change is our connection with G-d. Stay with the reading, the praying, and the trust – it is one way that we have a chance to exchange our old baggage for new……….wine skins. Look it up…….

The baggage we carry into the New Year may slow our journey, and impede our steps, but G-d’s word will guide us through the journey.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 5:37 pm on January 14, 2016
Tags: ,   

G-d Likes New Things Too! — Rev. David J. Schreffler

January 14, 2016

Everybody likes new things – and coming off the Christmas season we have received our fill of new things. But even God likes new things, don’t you think? He created all things, but He also says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Even the beginning of the bible begins with G-d creating everything – and it was new.

We so far have focused our time on how we are trying new things, learning new things, and experiencing new things in reading the bible. The thing we need to talk about now is how Our heavenly Father wants to do new things in the lives of G-d’s children. In reading the bible, we receive the word of G-d who desires to teach us new truths, provide new opportunities for ministering to others, and take us to higher levels of worship and deeper levels of trust. Now, trusting G-d is not something new, but wholly relying on G-d’s mercy and trusting the promises of G-d may be something new for you. But, as humans we do not have a good track record for “Fully Relying On G-d”. From the time of the Israelites wandering the wilderness, to our own meanderings in this life, we tend to follow our own thoughts and feelings rather than G-d’s guidance.

Of course, I’m like that sometimes. G-d wants to do the new, the fresh, the challenging in my life and in my ministry. But often I try to hold on to yesterday’s comfortable. I don’t want to let go of what is comfortable and familiar—some old way of thinking, a certain way of doing things, my usual area of service to Him. I may miss new and exciting things G-d has planned for me if I don’t fully trust His guidance, even when He seems to be leading me down unfamiliar paths.

One of the best ways to keep our faith fresh and new is to develop and to keep going with the new habit of daily Bible reading. G-d’s Word is timeless—old and new at the same time. When we find something new in the bible, especially a new way to show our love to G-d or each other, I believe G-d smiles and says “Well done faithful servant”.

Pastor Dave