PASTOR’S MESSAGE FOR SEPTEMBER 2007: 

“Hope: God’s Gift of Strength”

 Over the last few weeks I have been surrounded by people and situations that need hope just to keep going.  I have been talking and ministering to many families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.  I have also been in close contact with many people in the southeastern part of Minnesota who are dealing with the devastation of homes, businesses, and communities in the resent flooding.  I have even sat and cried with friends who are mourning the closing of their Church home.  All Minnesotans have felt the tragedy of the I35W bridge collapse.

In each of these cases, people need Hope!  People need many things, but what they cannot do without is hope.  This week I was in my hometown for our friend’s funeral service, but I also talked with people who lost their livelihood and they struggle with rebuilding.  My Aunt, in Winona, lost everything she had and doesn’t have the strength to start over.  I had long conversations with Billy Graham chaplains, who are ministering to flood victims, who told me that people are saying “what is the point” and “why bother…” We have all heard the same kind of statements from people in New Orleans, and in any other great loss.

The greatest tragedy is not the loss of stuff, but the loss of hope.  In some cases people could get all the money they need to rebuild, but it takes more than money to rebuild--it takes hope!  Hope that it is worth rebuilding.  Hope that your life is worth restarting.  Where do you get this hope?  You get real hope from the Lord!  The ministry of Holy Spirit can give you hope that goes far beyond stuff.  If your only concern is stuff, you can get tied to the fear of “what if this happens again?” or “What if I lose even more?”  But if you are focused on Jesus for your hope, you realize that all of your stuff will be gone in the end, but greater treasures will last forever.    

(Onto the back page…)

Most of us have suffered the death of a loved one.  Most of us in the church have the hope of resurrection to eternal life through the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Without the hope of Christ, words of comfort like, “he’s in a better place” or “she is with the Lord now” bring no hope, just uncertainty.  I pray that every one who reads this has the hope of the Lord.  Not only that, I pray that you will hold on to that hope in your time of need.  You can cling to the power, the love, and the strength of God no matter what this world brings.  When we are faced with tragedy or heartache we must remember to run TO the Lord and not to run FROM the Lord.  In our times of trouble, the Bible tells us to seek the Lord. 

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” -Psalms 59:16

All Christians must remember also to share this great hope!  When those around are hurting, do not be afraid to share the Lord boldly and in Love!  If you are known as a person of faith people will expect you to bring comfort, but if you do not share your faith, others have every right to question why…  Peter tells us,

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15b

Embrace your Hope!  Live your Hope!  Share your Hope!

(Pastor Phil)