The Pastor’s Pen

Second Quarter of 2008

In just a few short weeks the spring season will be upon us and before you know it summer will be here. Often times during spring in South Dakota we become very busy. We try to spend as much time as possible outdoors, going on vacation or simply relaxing in the warm weather. During this edition of “The Pastor’s Pen” I would like to remind you of a few things we should never forget to do during spring.

The first thing that comes to mind to just about every Pastor is don’t forget the house of God. When the weather warms, the sun shines and the clouds seem to pass, people often become more involved in daily entertainment and “forget” about attending church. Please keep in mind it is in the church that we learn about God, Fellowship with other believers and strengthen our faith. When attendance to the house of God is neglected the relationship between the child of God and the Heavenly Father becomes distant. I am not saying you will lose your salvation as this is not possible, just simply, the less time you spend with someone the more distant you become. After moving over 20 times in my life I know this to be true. The close friends I had in one place were soon distant memories, not because we did not care about one another but distance and lack of time spent together made our relationship weaker and weaker. I am friends with these people, we just aren’t as close anymore. So if you are vacation or at home be sure you are in your place worshipping God.

The second thing I would like to remind you of during the new season is to not forget our respondsibility as Christians to tell others about Christ. The Word of God is very clear that we are to “Preach the gospel to every creature”. I believe we are to do this at every opportunity. We as redeemed sinners or children of God must make an effort to see the lost won to Christ, baptized and trained. The world is on a fast track to hell and without, loving, caring and burdened Christians they will never get off of this path. This spring put a few names in your mind that you know are not save, Perhaps a parent, a sibling, a friend or a co-worker. These are the people who are heading to hell unless they receive Christ as their savior through faith and faith alone.

The Third thing I would like bring to your memory is to not forget your daily time with God. The Lord has given us an amazing book to study from. The Bible was written over 1500 years, by over 40 people and it agrees in everyway, Our triune God gave us this book for us to study and live by. When activities and sports come up on your schedule be sure you have taken time to meet with God. Not only should you read and study your Bible, you should spend time in prayer everyday. Praying for your lost loved ones, your daily needs, the concerns of your heart that you can only share with God. It will help you greatly in your Christian walk.

Finally I would like to remind you of one last thing, please do not forget who you are and what God has saved you from. We battle our old nature everyday, the flesh wants us to please the body and ignore the spirit. The flesh & Satan would like nothing more for you to forget who you are and go to places that a Christian has no business going. I know this has been said a thousand times but it is a good question to ask when you go to places that might be questionable, Would Jesus go to such a place or who would get the glory by you attending a questionable event? Would it be Christ or Satan? If you can’t answer the question it may be best to find a different activity to attend and not risk offending our Holy God.

I hope this quarterly edition of “The Pastor’s Pen” has been a help to you and please never forget the theme for this year “Serving For The Glory Of God” I Corinthians 10:31. May the Lord bless and please enjoy the short time we have of warm weather.

Eternally His,

Pastor Mike Wheeler