Tag Archives: Faith

Faith in Jesus Christ which comes through the presence of the Holy Spirit

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 24, 2016
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Do Not Be Discouraged — Rev. David J. Schreffler

January 24, 2016

“Do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

As this year continues, and we experiences the various ups and downs that life presents us, we soon discover we need more than a hopeful greeting from the people around us. Happy New Year – this greeting rings hallow the further we get into January. Happy New Year soon becomes “welcome to the same old year” in many aspects. So the words that G-d told Joshua in the text above, words G-d delivered almost 3,400 years ago, words to Joshua as he was about to lead the people into the promised land, they are words that will carry us through the entire year. “Do no be discouraged, for I will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua had a lot on his mind. Moses had just died – standing on the precipice of the new land G-d had promised so long ago. He was aware of the risk, the reward, and the expectations. It was an enormous responsibility. And so he was welcome to hearing words of encouragement from G-d. The creator of all things comes to Joshua to say “Don’t be afraid; don’t be discouraged.”

What happens in this coming year is still left for all of us to experience. We have no idea what may happen or where we might end up. But in all of the indeterminacy, we need to remember that G-d is in charge, and G-d promises to stay close: “The LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Many years later, the Lord Jesus made the same promise when he said, “I am with you always to the end of the ages.” (Matthew 28:20). That’s the reason we can wish each other a “Happy New Year!” all year long.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on January 23, 2016
Tags: , Faith   

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