Nov 30 2008
Archive for November, 2008
Nov 27 2008
Peace in our Hearts for Christmas
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6-7)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I used to think prayer was asking for what you want, and then waiting for God to answer my prayer the way I wanted. But I need this daily reminder from the Apostle Paul, that when I pray and give thanks to God, I am not given what I want, I am given what God knows I really need, namely His peace in my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
During our Stewardship Drive, “Running the Race,” I was praying that in spite of the economic crisis, we would continue to grow in our giving. Anxiety and concern about the future is strong. People in our church family have lost their jobs, have had their salaries cut, and their hours cut. Retirees have had to reassess their retirement after seeing their savings for the future get slashed. And while the election is over (thank the Lord, no more political ads!), there are still large local, national, and international challenges to deal with, that will not be quickly or easily fixed. It is at such a time as this that we need to increase our prayers and our seeking after God in our lives. We need a Messiah, and not one of our own making or design.
Over 2,000 years ago Israel was a little territory called Judea, occupied by the Roman Army, and governed by King Herod, a puppet of the Roman Empire. The Jewish people had been praying to God for a Messiah to come save them and deliver them from their oppressors. They knew what they
wanted, but God surprised them by giving them what they really needed, in the form of a little baby born to a virgin named Mary, and they named him Jesus. This baby, whom they called Emmanuel, which means, “God with us,” grew up to give his life for the salvation of the whole world. He is Jesus Christ, my savior and Lord. God has already answered our prayers and has given us the Messiah we need, if we will welcome Him into our hearts and lives.
As we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift God has ever given us, please join me in praying for Christ Jesus to come into our hearts and lives anew this Christmas season. I believe God has already given us everything we need to accomplish our ministry and mission of Serving the Lord, with Faith, Love, and Open Arms. With the leadership of the church council, we will together seek to discern God’s Will for our church and the next steps we need to take to continue our Gospel work here at Christus Victor (which means, “Christ the Victor!”).
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Kent Claussen Gubrud
Nov 26 2008
