Pastor's Corner

New Years Emmanuel Presents

At the beginning of each new year it gives me the chance to pause, look back and look ahead. This year since New Years Day was on a Sunday we focused on the Emmanuel's presents (God's gifts to us) and the Emmanuel's presence. When the angel told Joseph that Jesus is Emmanuel he specifically said Emmanuel means God is with us. The word with can also mean "in" and "for". In worship in the first week of the year everyone had the chance to look back and look ahead. If you didn't get that opportunity, take some time now to do that.

How have you experinced God with you in 2011?

How have you experienced God for you? If God is for us who can be against us? Romans 8:32

How have you experinced God in you?

Now looking toward the New Year 2012-How would you hope to experience God with you, for you and in you?

Eugene Peterson wrote a book called Eat this Book in which he describes the way we are to view the scriptures. The holy scriptures are God's words to chew on, ingest and have become a part of us. Reading scripture and praying daily is the best way to have God's word get in us. As you begin this New Year, get a copy of the Daily Text to read and pray each day. Get involved in one of the many bible study opportunities, the Financial Peace University and/or the Mission festival. Let God's word empower you for service and let God in. May you have a joyous and happy beginning to the year of our Lord 2012!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Jeff Teeples