The Joy of God’s Blessing Comes From the Inside

Dear Friends in Christ,

2023 is long gone, and 2024 is here. I am so excited about the new year and the opportunities for ministries that this new year brings. In the next two months, we will see some great opportunities for ministry. 

Confirmation is a time for our younger teens to learn about the faith and prepare for baptism and becoming a new member. The class starts February 4. If you know a teen that might be interested, please let Pastor Jana know by January 21. 

We are bringing back the Lenten dinners that will begin on February 21. Watch for more information about the opportunities for adult studies as well as activities for children and teens on these Wednesday evenings. 

We are expanding our activities for children and teens on Sunday morning. We will be dividing the Sunday morning children’s classes into age levels. And… be looking for more information about the restart of Sunday morning Junior High Sunday School in the first quarter. God is moving among us. Pray that we will be faithful to those walking through our doors searching for a faith family. 

The latest get rich game show is called The Floor. Produced by FOX, this new show is expected to be an instant hit among TV viewers. The Floor will feature 81 contestants competing against each other in trivia duels. In the end, only one contestant will win the ultimate prize of $250,000. An additional $20,000 can be claimed each week by the contestant that owns the most territory. The Floor and game shows like it, are some of the most popular shows on television as they feed our dreams of being rich. 

We're suffering from millionaire angst. Gambling in America is at an all-time high. Credit card debt grew by almost 10% last year. Bankruptcy filings increased by 20%. We all want to live like a millionaire but don’t realize that real joy and contentment does not come with dollar signs. 

A poll done in 2009 asked the question, “What are you willing to do for $10,000,000?” Two-thirds of Americans polled would agree to at least one, some to several of the following: Would abandon their entire family (25%). Would abandon their church (25%). Would become prostitutes for a week or more (23%). Would give up their American citizenship (16%). Would leave their spouses (16%). Would withhold testimony and let a murderer go free (10%). Would kill a stranger (7%). Would put their children up for adoption (3%). 

We are trying to save our lives by building bigger barns. But Jesus says we've got it all wrong, and He poses a question that the contestants on these “get rich shows” might find hard to answer: "For what good is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36).

Jesus knew what we should know - that we're often too busy “greeding” each other instead of greeting each other. The Old Testament philosopher says: "The greedy person stirs up strife, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be enriched" (Proverbs 28:25). 

This Sunday we continue our journey through the Beatitudes or Blessings of Jesus from Matthew 5:1-12. From the words of Jesus, experiencing the joy of God’s blessing comes from the inside – the condition of our heart. 

This week, we look at “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” It is important to note that the traditional understanding of “meek” is not what Jesus is speaking to in this blessing. We see “meek” as weak, cowering, and powerless. The Greek word traditionally translated “meek”, means far more. It means unlimited strength under control. In other words, strength that is given to protect the weak. 

Jesus wants us to know that it is not the powerful, rich or influential that will have the things of this earth (inherit the earth), but rather those who are gentle in spirit, who work for the betterment of others, who are dependent on God’s strength and power in love. 

While our society offers empty promises wrapped in dollars, Jesus offers the world a different approach. It’s called love. In God, we experience the incredible divine love that can change the world.

See you Sunday. 

Pastor John Allen