Pastor's Message
July/August 2013
To the People of God at Emmanuel:
The summer months are here. So, a question comes to mind for me as one who claims to be a spiritual director. Do you have a rule for life? I am not talking about another law that must be kept on top of those you already follow. I am talking about living a life that is directed toward a desired end. In the religious or spiritual sense, such a rule of life can shape us inwardly, motivate us outwardly, and relate us collectively. During the summer months, it is easy for us to refrain from going to church as we vacation, celebrate graduations, relax with friends and family or become involved with travel teams. Having or trying a rule of life can be a blessing to all and to every moment if we seek to practice it. Here are some suggestions about a rule of life that can deepen, transform and highlight your life:
- Form the habit of keeping holy some portion of each day for Bible reading and prayer. You might want to use a devotional booklet or book. I have used A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants from The Upper Room for the last 26 years. Make this your first business of the day.
- Form the habit of giving every week a definite portion of your time in special service to others in the name of Jesus Christ. It is in Christ’s name that you do the serving and this is what makes it enriching and transforming.
- Make attendance at public worship the fixed habit of your life. Allow yourself no excuse for nonattendance. If you would not make such an excuse in your professional life, family life, or leisure life, then make it to public worship each week.
- Form the habit of partaking in and receiving the Lord’s Supper every opportunity that is made available to you. This is when Jesus Christ lovingly embraces you and strengthens you with Christ’s presence.
- Form the holy habit of setting apart a definite proportion of your money for the work of God’s Kingdom. Make it the first draft upon your income; set it aside with prayer; use it carefully, remembering it is being used by God.
Behind all these rules is one’s desire to be with and for God. These holy habits will strengthen your resolve to grow more and more into a disciple of Jesus Christ. They will help you find meaning and purpose as you discover other holy habits on your journey.
Have a blessed summer. See you Sunday!
One of Christ’s servants,
Pastor David A. Hendricks - Child of God