Friends, summer is coming to a close and I want to wish you all the best on this Labor Day weekend. I often mention that work was around before the Fall of Man is recorded in Genesis chapter 3, but it is after the Fall that work become toil. We need a break from our labors and I am thankful that the Lord has provided us a way to take that rest. I hope that each of you get some well deserved time off tomorrow and will take that day to thank God for the blessings that he has provided for us this summer.
When we live is such a commercialized society, it is easy to think that we “need” more things than we do. It is easy to feel dissatisfied because we don’t have all the things that we want, while also seeing others seemingly getting all that their heart desires. I confess that I too feel dissatisfied and discontent with certain things that happen in my life. However, it is during these times that we can really begin to thank God for the provision He has made in our lives. We do not have all that we want, but we have much more than most people in the world today. We do not have all the nice things that our neighbors have, but we also have far more physical possessions than the Apostles or the early church. It is human to fail in being content all the time, but it is also obedience that recognizes God’s provision and can thank Him even when we do not have as much as everyone else.
More precious than any physical possession we can have is the blessing of Jesus Christ. Part of our sanctifying faith is becoming comfortable in knowing that God has provided for us everything that we need and more than we deserve. We will always face times of discontentment and "want" in our lives, but even in those times the Lord is patient with us. And even in our sinful envy or discontentment, the Lord loves us. It is His love that provided us Jesus in the first place, and every day, whether we are working or resting, every day is an opportunity to share the love of Jesus and thank God for His great work.
It is a blessing to serve with you,
-Pastor Lance-
