Thoughts and words of wisdom from Pastor Gail

2/10/2011

             But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.   1Peter 2:9-10 NKJV

            “The Greatest Generation” is a book written by journalist Tom Brokaw, and a term used to describes those persons who lived through the Great Depression and fought in World war II, as well as those who supported them on the home front.  Indeed they were and are great.  My parents were among that generation and some of you, unlike my parents, are still with us.  But even greater than this is to know that you are a “Chosen Generation”.

            Peter writes, “you are a chosen generation…”  To be part of this generation is to walk in the Light of God.  It is to believe in the One who was rejected and yet was a chosen and precious cornerstone of our faith, Jesus Christ.  Peter quoted Isaiah when he wrote these words    “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 1 Peter 2:6  How wonderful, the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.  We can trust our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.   He is the Light that has come into the world, and he calls us to walk in that Light, to live in that Light, to let that Light shine through us into this dark world. 

            Living in the Light and having that Light within us brings with it a responsibility.  We are called as Peter writes, to live such good lives among unbelievers that they will see our good deeds and glorify God at his return( 2:11).  Jesus put it this way in Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  You see, we have been called out of darkness to be witnesses to God’s love and grace, to declare his praises, and to shine for Jesus!”

            God needs us to show others His love.  He needs us to take his message and proclaim it in the darkness.  The sincerity of our belief will do more to win others to Christ than lofty words.  How we live with others, how we react and act among others will be a witness.  In Ephesians 5:8-9 we read these words: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.” 

            May God use all of us to shine forth his message of love and grace, and hope, the message that “God so loved the world that He gave his only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.”  John 3:16.  Remember, whoever trusts in Him will never be put to shame.  Let us live in the Light.  

                                                                        Blessings,  Pastor Gail

PREVIOUS MESSAGES

6/9/2010

Oh well, I did exactly what others have done that I complain about, haven’t kept up with my messages and left an outdated one on for months!  Sorry about that.  But here I am, Greetings to you. I hope that you are enjoying the rainy weather today.  Yeah, I know, we need the rain, but the South Hanover kids are probably a little disappointed, today was field day!

Disappointments are a part of life though and we learn to live with them.  I always appreciated Paul’s outlook found in Philippians 4:11b-13  “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Attitude makes a difference.  But Paul got to that place through much adversity, and through it all he learned who he could depend upon, the Lord Jesus Christ.  May you find your strength today in the one who is faithful in all things and who’s presence will see you through, Jesus our Lord.  Blessings,  Pastor Gail

2/17/2010

We are in the midst of the month of February, a month of valentines and candy, homemade and store bought cards, sweetheart dinners and roses.  It is the month we celebrate love.  It is also the month the marks the middle of the winter season, and so we begin to look forward to Spring with renewed hope. 

Just a reminder though, we already have a hope that will not disappoint us.  That hope is found in Jesus Christ our Savior.  We need to take a look again at all we have in Jesus.  The Lenten Season, which also falls mid February, is the time set aside for us to contemplate our glorious hope. 

In Jesus we have all that we need, life, hope and peace.  Jesus came that we might have life, and he came to save us.  “In hope we are saved” Romans 8:24.  So as Paul writes we are “debtors, not to the flesh, to live by the flesh but we are to live by the Spirit.”  “Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:12-14) 

Living in the Spirit means we seek the things that are above.  We are to put our minds on heavenly things.  We are to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, first.  Are you seeking (making a purposeful search) for God’s kingdom or are you tied too much to earthly things? 

Take time this Lenten season to reflect on this question and to seek to know Jesus Christ better.  We begin our Lenten journey Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010, @ 7PM, with an Interactive Service with Holy Communion and Imposition of ashes; please join us in the journey. 

The Lord Bless you always and in all ways, Pastor Gail

12/16/2009

Christmas Greetings,

Wow! How quickly the month is passing.  We are looking forward to Christmas.  The tree is up, the decorations are in place, the waiting has started, and the clock is ticking.  Our minds are preoccupied with so many different things, Christmas lists, guest lists, shopping lists, don’t forget Aunt Mary!  It is a wonderful, exciting time for some and for others it is a lonesome time, an empty chair reminder that the one they love will not be with them this year.  Each of us will approach Christmas from a different perspective. But where should our focus really be?

Maybe the reminder we need right in the words we repeat back and forth to each other, “Merry Christmas”. Christ’s Mass, is the celebration of Christ, not only his birth but his death and resurrection.  It is the celebration of Emmanuel, God with us, now and forevermore.  So let this Christmas be “Merry”, joyful, peaceful, and festive all at the same time. Let it be joyful because Christ was born for us, let it be peaceful because the Prince of Peace reigns, let it be festive, for our response to this great gift should shine out in all we do and say!  Let Christmas be what it is, the celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ!