Dear Partners in the Gospel,

Little choices and big choices confront us. How will I begin this day? What will I do for the rest of my life? God gave us the gift of choice. This gift was a part of the “package deal” when we were chosen by God to be God’s holy people. Because we are chosen, we have the freedom to choose. Each of us has control over our thinking, our actions, our bodies, and the expression of our emotions. We have power, and are empowered, to grow and develop in grace. We have the power to become more than we can imagine and to become all that God meant us to be.

We can choose to make a difference in our family, or community and our world, every day.

On Confirmation Sunday I shared a portion of “On the Anvil”, a book written by Max Lucado entitled “Today I Will Make a Difference.” Because I received so many requests for a copy of that reading, I am sharing that article with all of you in this edition of the newsletter

 My prayer is that this will become a daily inspiration for you to make a difference too!

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of their thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble – I will get up. It’s OK to fail – I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

Let’s all strive to make a difference in our families, our community and the world for the sake of the One who called and commissioned us to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Blessings,

Pastor Sue

May 2011

Dear Partners in the Gospel,

In shaping us to be His disciples, Jesus contrasts two approaches to life. The one approach is the way of the majority. It has a wide gate, a broad road and is well traveled by many. It is marvelously tolerant. Anything goes! People can treat people anyway they choose. Alternative lifestyles are just choices one makes. And the gate is wide enough to accommodate all. The road is spacious, with room for all. “It is “easy”, not difficult, free from constraint. It’s popular! Everybody’s doing it. But it leads to destruction, to God’s ultimate judgment on sin. (2 Peter 3:7)

The other way is the way of the few. The gate is small and the road is narrow. It cramps ones style. It’s restrictive. It’s “hard,” difficult, even harsh. It may bring distress and suffering. It certainly isn’t popular. It goes against the grain of society. It is through much tribulation that one enters the kingdom. (Acts14:22) But we choose this path, because this road leads to life! Abundant life on earth and eternal life with Christ!

And this way is well charted for us. Jesus has walked the narrow and hard path in our place. He choose the nails for us. He bids us to follow to take up our cross and follow. What he commands and expects of us is therefore not burdensome (I John 5:3). “For His yoke is easy, and burden is light.” As we come to the month of May and continue our celebration of Easter, it is in the Word and sacraments that his Spirit provides the strength we need to follow the narrow path….the path to abundant life!

May our May 2011 prayer be; “Lord, by your grace keep us on the road that leads to life with You forever and ever. Amen!

In Service to Christ,

Pastor Sue Sheffer-Meyer