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When you hear the word tulip, you might thinking of flowers and spring. However, have you ever thought of tulip in reference to your assurance of salvation? The acronym TULIP is just that in the Reformed faith.

Tulip is an acronym derived from the Synod of Dort (1618-1619). The decision and actions of the synod were in response to Jacob Arminius, a theology professor at Lieden University, who questioned John Calvin and his followers on a number of important points. Arminius taught election was based on foreseen faith, universal atonement, partial depravity, resistible grace, and the possibility of a lapse of grace. However, the Synod of Dort, rejected these views and set forth the Reformed doctrine on these five points: Total depravity, humans are totally affected by sin; Unconditional election, it must be God who chooses (elects) to save us; Limited atonement, Christ’s death was limited in its effect to those who receive the gift of faith; Irresistible grace, the gift of grace is given to the elect that they can not refuse it; and the Perseverance of the saints, once the elect are drawn to God and realize their salvation, they will never lose it.

Do you want to know more? Do you have Questions? In the next five weeks we will review the doctrines of TULIP and discover what they mean for each of us as we live our lives worthy of God’s calling. I pray you will come prepared to learn more about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us.

When we work an eight-hour day and receive eight hours pay for our efforts, that is a WAGE.

When we compete with an opponent and receive a trophy for our superior performance, that is a PRIZE.

When we receive something in recognition for our service or achievement, that is an AWARD.

But when we can earn no wage, can win no prize and deserve no award -- yet we receive such a gift -- that is unmerited favor. That is undeserved kindness. That is GRACE.

What a wonderful gift God’s grace truly is. I pray you might feel and experience God’s grace every day. Remember to say “thank you” to God for such a gift.

The month of March for college basketball fans is noted as “March Madness.” We are now on “The road to the final four.”

March is an exciting time for college players and fans as the nation’s best 64 division 1 teams take part in a single elimination basketball tournament. When all is done, one team will have ended their season with a win, while 64 other teams will have lost their last game. Only one team will be able to chant, “We’re number one.”

Jesus had much to say about being first. He said, “The first will be last, and the last first!” (Matt. 20:16). Jesus’ words are noted in his parable of teh vineyard, whose workers were angry after having received the same pay as those who came later, much later. “Are you envious because I am generous?” the vineyard owner asked the workers.

Once again Jesus turns the expected into the unexpected. Are there times in your life that you find yourself saying, “Foul! That’s not fair!” In Jesus we have a model as to what fair should look like.

Was it right for Jesus to grant the thief on the cross a place in paradise in the last moments? Do you and I really deserve a place in heaven with Jesus? Fair? Is it fair that Jesus took my place on the cross? Talk about Fair! Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many. Who is number one in your life?

Today, as I write, is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Lent is a 40 day journey, excluding Sundays, in which we follow Christ, joining his pilgrimage to the cross. Lent is a time we are to reflect on our own spiritual journey.

Yet, I can not help but reflect upon what many call the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. I heard it a couple of times on television referred to as “Fat Tuesday.” I am assuming it is referred to as such on account of those who get their fill of certain foods they plan on obstaining from during Lent.

To me that totally reflects our human selfishness. “Fat Tuesday” says, let’s eat all we can today on account of going on a diet tomorrow. If we are truthful, most days are like a “Fat Tuesday.” In fact, we would like everyday to be a “Fat Tuesday.”

Yet, shouldn’t we be treating everyday like Ash Wednesday? Our whole life should be lived out in a spiritual journey and not just the forty day journey of Lent. Each day we are called to reflect upon our relationship with Jesus Christ. What is keeping you and me from getting closer to Christ? What stands in the way? Is it food? Is it your work? Is it about material possessions?

As each of us begins our own Lenton journey, let’s start with remorse over our “Fat Tuesdays.” Let’s be filled with sorrow concerning our sinfulness in order that we might experience the joy of forgiveness. Pray with me, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin... Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51: NIV).

 Editor’s Note : A good article about the origins of Fat Tuesday (better known as Mardi Gras) can be found here.

On my walks recently, I can’t help but notice, on account of the fragrance in the air, the beautiful blossoms. The lilacs are in bloom; so too are the flowering crab trees. Likewise, our own apple trees and strawberry plants are blossoming. The colors that accompany such blossoms are breathtaking. While some are snow white, others have deep hues of pinks or purple.

The down side to all this is that in a matter of a week or so, the blossoms will be gone for another year. With the first hard rain or strong wind, the blossoms will give way and take flight. It is all part of the process. The blossoms need to give way in order for fruit to appear. If it were not so, there would be no harvest in the months to come.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. When is the last time you blossomed? What fragrance are you giving off? What color are you radiating? Like the spring blossoms, it is important that you and I blossom too. It’s part of the process; our blossoms too must give way to the wind and rain. It is necessary in order that we produce fruit.

The Bible teaches that we are to live by the Spirit, bearing the “fruits of the Spirit.” Those fruits include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So this summer soak in the sun and rain; withstand the winds, so you might bear His fruit.

Have a great summer!

The month of March brings with it the return of Spring. Isn’t it great to see the Robins back? I’m always amazed when they come back, especially when it is not that warm out. The old saying seems to have a bit of truth to it, “Spring is not official here until the Robins are snowed on three times.”

The migration of birds, insects, and other animals is simply amazing when one considers the effort and miles they travel. How do they do it? Why do they do it? Why do some birds stay while others leave? A bird’s migration pattern reminds me that no matter what, God takes care of his creatures. And that includes us.

However, knowing that, why do I still worry when I know God will take care of me? Because there is a battle going on inside each of us :

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. {Matthew 6:25-34}

Still, we are not to be discouraged on account of the battle. In reality that is a good sign. It means that you and I are aware of right/wrong; good/evil; the gospel/world. Our battle is protected with a promise. Christ said, “I will never leave you “ {John 14:18}. So the next time you are pressed from all sides, remember “our God reigns.”

As I sit in the sun writing this letter to you, I am mindful that this will be our fourth Christmas in Greenleafton. Wow! The time sure flies when you are having fun. I just cannot help, when I think about Christmas, to revisit Christmas when I was a kid.

Our Christmas Sunday School program was always held on Christmas Eve. The night itself was always a hurried one. Barn chores and milking always needed to be finished before we left for church. Supper would be put off in order that we could make it on time for the line-up in the church basement. Once lined up in the correct order, our teachers would lead us upstairs to the front pews. Later, class by class, we would parade out of our pews with memorized lines in our heads. Some of us too had those big letters in our hands which spelled out the word “CHRISTMAS.” One by one we would take turns leaning into the microphone, “C is for the Christ child. . . M is for Mary . . . S is for the Saviour of the world.” Singing and candles were also part of the night; as a kid, who could ever forget the song “Away in a Manger.”

I have to admit, the fun really began afterward as we hurried downstairs for our apple and Hershey’s Chocolate Candy bar. Gifts were handed out and received from both teachers and students. Then off we went for home huddled into the back seat of the 67 Galaxy 500. The nights were often frigid on account of the crystal-clear skies above. Though it was cold, we three boys hardly noticed. We had all we could do to be still; we knew our presents were waiting for us once we got home.

I still love Christmas Eve; it only seems right to spend part of it in God’s house. I am thankful that my mom and dad placed such an importance about coming to church on that night. This Christmas I pray you too will experience Christ. Whether you celebrate an old tradition or start a new tradition, give Christ first place in your heart and family.

Along the way though we did put forth some extra energy. At the junction of the river, where the South Branch and North Branch join, a biker yelled that the washed out section of river from the flood was just across the bank. Since the river seemed fairly calm, we decided to turn upstream following the North Branch’s bank. It was not long before we found the task to be harder than first thought.

The river’s current became stronger and stronger and stronger the further we went upstream. At one point, as Brenda and I were paddling, we actually lost momentum, which caused us to be pushed downstream backwards. Perhaps someone with more canoeing experience might have made headway; but we, on the other hand, were no match for the swift current. After twenty to thirty yards of struggle, we retreated to the nearby bank. All we could do was look upstream at the washed out area.

The river that day reminds me of life. Sometimes life is calm, while other times it is wild. Sometimes we too might be surprised by the swiftness of the under-current, which drags us downstream. Every now and then we may enter into events and situations well prepared, only to make little headway. It is at that time one might actually entertain thoughts of retreat.

In the next few weeks before Advent, I want to begin a new series on “Weather Proofing Against Life’s Storms.” Our thoughts will center upon our need to be proactive instead of reactive in everyday events, which may enable each of us to make greater headway in strong current, instead of going backwards like Brenda and I.

The end of another school year, marks a transition period for many of us. Where will the summer take you and your family before it ends? For the Lokker family, this summer will mark a significant change.

The latter part of July will bring about our daughter, Carrie and Loren’s wedding. Suddenly, our family dynamics will shift from that of being that of six to seven. Hey, I finally have another guy around! Long ago an individual told me (on account of my four daughters) that though one can not choose their sons, they can choose their sons-in-law. I think I did pretty good the first time around!

August too will bring about further change for our family. In light of Carrie’s absence her change at the table will be taken by Hanna, a foreign exchange student from Indonesia. Hanna, will be with us throughout the school year. According to her profile, Hanna is seventeen years old. She speaks four languages and enjoys reading, singing, playing piano and swimming. And yes, church life for her is very important.

We look forward to Hanna’s arrival. Becca has already been communicating with her via e-mail. Hanna, is somewhat concerned about her ability to converse efficiently with us. Yet, if her English speaking skills are comparable to her writing skills, she will do just fine.

Just as God is at work within our family adding to our numbers, I too realize God is at work adding to our church family. I praise God for each and every one of you: both old, familiar faces and the many new faces God brings through our doors; our listeners on the radio broadcasts from Preston and Cresco; and those who watch our services on cable in the villages of Chatfield, Harmony and Spring Valley.

I continually thank God for his expressed love through my immediate family, church family, and faith community family. I pray we might all grow in greater love for God and with each other over the course of this summer.

The other day I was talking with Barb in the office and she brought up the fact that I had prayed for all th ecommunities our congregation represents: Preston, LeRoy, Harmony, Spring Valley, Wykoff, Racine, Cresco, Chester, Chatfield, Lime Springs, Ostrander, Fountain and Rochester. Did I miss anyone?

In the course of our discussion, I wondered out loud how many miles does our congregation travel (collectively) on a Sunday morning to and from home. How many miles do you think we travel? How might we come up with a figure? The more I think about it, I know I need to keep all of you in my prayers every Sunday morning. What a commitment many of you make coming to Greenleafton.

This Easter might I ask you to make an even far greater commitment. Commit your life to Christ in a new way. As we each make our journey to the cross, remember to LOVE. Love as Christ loved the church, Love God, his people, and his children; let love rule your hearts. Recognize just as we come from different directions, we too will have different opinions. Please obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit in your life. Also value prayer. I believe prayer is the vital part our church which needs to grow if we are to grow in discipleship. Finally, we must work to equip one another to become even better servants in our communities. Remember, you are God’s ministers called to serve him in your communities.

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is th elove of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:14-18).

Lent is a time when many of us come face to face with our sins. When we think of th edeath of Christ, we may consider times when we have betrayed the Lord andtherefore bear the burden of guilt.

Lent is also a time when we can consider how to get rid of guilt, how to find peace of soul again. Dr. Curtis Nigh, a pastor and psychologist, offers these suggestions about handling guild and receiving forgiveness:

1. Consdier that Christ Jesus died for our sins. We don’t have to put ourselves on a cross of self-punishment to get atonement. The Scripture affirms: ‘By his wounds you have been healed’ (1 Peter 2:24).
2. ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9).
3. Let at least one other Christian brother or sister know what has been done. The appropriate Scripture reference is from James 5:16: ‘Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.’
4. Insofar as possible, try to make restitution for wrongs done. If acts of penance and restitution only acerbate the problem, move on, knowing that at least God forgives you.
5. Take your eyes off yourself and begin to look for ways of serving God in your community. Service to others brings healing and therapy.
6. Always remember that Christ came to give us abundant life not a guilt-ridden, self-effacing, meaningless existence. Receive the gift and appreciate the joy of it.

Pastor Roger’s Mission Statement for Greenleafton Reformed Church

L – Love God, his people, and his children.

O – Obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

V – Value prayer and its effectiveness.

E - Equip people within the church to be servants in God’s ministry throughout Greenleafton and its surrounding communities.

The fact that “The building of a church is never done,” highlights the importance that we must love at all costs, listen to the Holy Spirit, value prayer, and always be mindful that we have been called to serve God and his people. 

On that somewhat cool morning, both men and ladies stood on the ground wearing overcoats and hats. The kids too were present; they can be found standing and sitting as they watched the proceeding from above on scaffolding. In the center of the picture stands a man at the microphone whom I would believe to be Rev. Kolenbrander, who was pastor at that time. Everyone’s eyes are fixed on another man wearing a suit and tie, who appears to have a cement trowel in his hand.  

I reiterate this picture to you on account of the following words Tracie had printed near the bottom of the picture. “The building of a church is never done.” Those very words serve as a reminder to me that we are not finished building yet. 

In addition to those words, having recently attended a Transformational Leadership conference at Bethel Seminary, one of the speakers highlighted the importance of a church knowing its pastor’s vision and mission. Therefore, I submit to you my mission and vision statements for this ministry and church.

Pastor Roger’s Mission

My life purpose is to walk in the light as God’s disciple. It is my desire to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I too, want to love others, sharing God’s love with them through Word and example.  

My motivation comes from Christ’s example, his birth, life, death, and resurrection. Christ showed us his way as a pattern, and we are to follow his “perfect” plan, just as Christ was perfect. 

Pastor Roger’s Life Vision

My vision is to assist God’s people as they actively seek Him, challenging and encouraging others to come forward, joining their brothers and sisters of Christ who are willing to move upward, constantly striving to live a life of discipleship for Christ.  

I want to establish strong relationships within and outside the Christian community. God has called his church to be an active body, one that is visibly seeking Christ, where promises are faithfully made and kept, and where love and honor flow freely testifying to the person of Jesus Christ. 

To be faithful in and to the church involves reaching the lost in one’s community. We are to be actively engaged in service. We are called to live out our faith as Christ’s disciples assisting individuals who are seeking God’s direction and to uphold the workings of the Holy Spirit within these individuals as they live out their lives according to God’s calling.    

1) Your thumb is nearest to you. Begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To Pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty;”

2) The next finger is the pointer finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers;

3) The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.

4) The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5) And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you,.” The last shall be first. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.Last week, I set out to hoe the garden, not on account of the weeds, rather, because the recent rains had left the ground with a hard crust. It was not long before I would give up the hoe for something larger. So I headed back to the storage room under the garage for the tiller. I pushed it out the door, turned on the gas, set the choke and the throttle, and proceeded to give the rope a pull. Generally, the tiller will not start on the first pull but on the second or third pull; as I gave the rope a second pull, I ended up with the rope in my hand. The rope had broken off in the recoil. So much for a quick till job, I thought to myself.

It was a good thing I had some time on my hands. There I sat in the sun on the north side of the house, taking apart the tiller’s recoil. The rope itself was not bad. It had broken off just above the knot. All I would need to do was rethread the rope, tie a knot, and put tension back on the recoil spring; it was a job I had often done for others years ago in the shop.

The whole job took about a half hour. As I repaired the tiller, I thought about the importance of a recoil rope and spring. The rope’s purpose, when pulled, is to turn the motor over. Yet, without the recoil spring, which rewinds the rope, one would never be able to pull it a second time. [Some of you might even remember rewinding a rope around the flywheel pulley by hand] In order for the rope to be pulled back, the spring needs to have the correct tension. If the tension is too loose, the rope-handle will dangle, which is similar to a tape measure that will not retract.

As I reflect on that recoil, I realize that sometimes one’s life might feel that way too. Have you ever felt like you were just hanging on or dangling out there? Perhaps you had given so much of yourself that you felt spent, just like a rope which has been pulled. In order to be used more, one needs to return or be pulled back in for energy.

Just as a rope is connected to a hub, which in turn is connected to a recoil spring that supplies the energy to pull the rope back so it might be pulled again, we too need to be connected to a source of strength. Where might one find that source when they are dangling or just holding on? The Psalmist wrote, “I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and Earth” (Ps. 121:1-2). The next time you feel spent call upon the Lord; He is always ready to pull you back.

A tribute to my dad, Paul Lokker, and to all the saints who have passed on. I thank God for my father, who first taught me to love God, demonstrated how to love my spouse and family, and verbally told me he loved me. I pray for those who have not experienced that kind of relationship with their earthly father. The following poem, author unknown, was used in my father’s visitation remembrance.

I Did Not Die

Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond’s gift of snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the autumn’s gentle rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there: I did not die.

It is because of God’s grace we do not die. Because of God’s grace, we have new life. Because of God’s grace, we have eternal life. It is my prayer that all might come to know the true father who reigns above.

I first noticed the rust in the water while taking a shower one morning. I thought it was funny that my shampoo suds were brown looking as they swirled by the drain. ”Surely my hair can not be that dirty,” I said to myself.

Yet, what a difference a couple of weeks make. Just last week the well was pulled, updated, and fixed. The additional new pipes, pressure tank, and filters, have left us with clean water. As a result my outer nature is ”Squeaky clean”. It is too bad the same can not be said of my inner nature.

That is why Easter is so important; it is a time of inner, spiritual cleansing. Though we sin against God day after day, God assures us that he has forgiven us through Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. The death of Jesus was the ultimate expression of God’s love and grace for us. God graciously gave up His Son that you and I might receive ”new life“ and become a “new creation” (Gal. 2:20-21).

There is a practical significance for all who are redeemed by the Lord. As a child of God, one who has experienced God’s love and grace, we are called to reflect God’s love unto him and others. As Easter approaches, let us remember God’s gift as we reflect God’s love unto everyone, for all are created in God’s image.

Doesn’t it feel great to be “squeaky clean” inside and out.

In the book ”My House Shall Be a House of Prayer”, the authors state, “There is a distinct difference between a church that has a prayer ministry and a church that is a house of prayer... A prayer ministry involves only a portion of the congregation... In a house of prayer, prayer will be foundation to and saturate every aspect of its individual and corporate life.“

A Church That Prays A Church Devoted To Prayer Prays about what it does Does things by prayer Fits prayer in Gives prayer priority Prays when there are problems Prays when there are opportunities Announces a special time for prayer - some people show up Announces a special time for prayer - the entire church shows up Asks God to bless what it is doing Asks God to enable it to do what he is blessing Is frustrated by financial shortfall - backs down from projects Is challenged by financial shortfall - calls for fasting, prayer, and faith Is tired, weary, and stressed out Mounts up with wings like eagles, runs and doesn’t grow weary, walks and does not faint Does things within its means Does things beyond its means Sees its members as a parish Sees the world as a parish Is involved in the work of man Is involved in the work of God

This year let us continue to work at being a church that is devoted to prayer. Make it your way of life as you pray throughout the week for this church, its leadership, classes, and mission within our community. Pray too for wisdom, guidance, and oneness as we go forward. Be assured that I too will be working hard to be more devoted to prayer. May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

The Winter Olympics are just around the corner. Soon drivers will be steering their bobsleds down the icy course, skiers will descend down the snow-capped ridges, and ice dancers will be tossing their partners into the air while they twist, turn, and land with the greatest of ease.

Recently, Today in the World, highlighted American Olympic archer Jenny Nichols, who competed in Athens at the Summer Olympic games in 2004. Insider her quiver Jenny stored passages of Scripture. Jenny said, “I memorize or recite them while I practice and then during tournaments, when I get nervous or my head gets too much into the game where I’m worried too much about my results, I’ll start reciting these versus.” Jenny, who went to the Olympics ranked as the number one person on the women’s team also said, “I want it to be like worship to him. I give God my best, but if that doesn’t measure up to what other people are doing, I have offered my best. And that is all that counts.”

The race has been set before each of us. Yes, your race is different than mine. Are you up to the challenge? God has called us to give him our best. Are you taking God along with you as Jenny does? Be assured God desires to go with you.

Christ set the greatest example for all of us to follow. It doesn’t matter if we measure up to what others think or do. What matters is if we have given God our best. Therefore, whenever you get overwhelmed or “too much into the game,” remember to focus on that which is most important. Take God with you as you do the race set before you.

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What gifts are you giving this Christmas?

The Christmas rush is in full force. Have you experienced the anxiety of Christmas shopping while standing in long check out lanes or waited for a parking spot?  Many retailers claim the Christmas season makes up 25 - 50 percent of their total year’s business.  Because of that, many stores are staying open later, and they will continue to do so right up to Christmas Eve.

What are you giving for Christmas? Everyone likes to receive a gift from under the tree at Christmas. But isn’t it equally enjoyable to watch someone open a gift that we have picked out for them? I have always loved watching our children open their gifts on Christmas Eve.  As I ponder gift giving this year, I wonder if all my gifts need to be material gifts.  Should some of my gifts be intangible such as time and love for others?

Jesus lived out his life in service to others. The Bible never records an instance of Jesus buying or giving a material gift to anyone, although one exception might have been when he fed the four thousand in the Gospel of Matthew and the five thousand in Mark. If Jesus never gave material gifts to his people, shouldn’t we too look at how else we might give by following his example?

Jesus gave the gift of time to his disciples and others. What a worthwhile gift that so many could enjoy. Solid families are built on time spent with each other.  Husbands and wives can always use more time together. Likewise, children desire and need more time with their parents and grandparents.  Jesus said, “Let the little children come unto me and do not hinder them . . .” (Matt. 19:14, NIV).

Another gift we can give is that of love.  How can we put love into action?  It may not always be easy.  Again Jesus’ example is best.  Love goes beyond feelings; it is action. Jesus humbled himself as he took our sin to the cross. Love begins by developing a servant’s heart, one that will continue long after Christmas has ended.  Should not our love for others be displayed beyond words too? Love does not need to be expressed on a large scale. Very small acts of love have been known to bring blessings to others.  Love put into action proves that we genuinely care about others.

Christmas is a good time to think about gift giving. I am not suggesting that you quit giving material gifts. Rather, add time and love to your gift giving this year. One can never go wrong following Jesus’ examples.

Merry Christmas!

Some ideas were adopted from Jay Reenders, "Facts" December 1998  letter.

Last month Carrie, my daughter, called from Preston, on her way to work, saying her car would not start. “It started fine after my first two stops. But when I was ready to leave One Stop, the car just clicked when I turned the key and now it does nothing.”  She assured me that she had it in park and that nothing she tried worked.

I told her it was not her fault and that it sounded as if the battery was dead; it was one of those days, 90 degrees plus, that can take a toll on a marginal battery.  Yet, who could complain; Carries car is a 1995 model and the battery was still the original. 

It was nearly 5 p.m. when I made it up to Preston. We switched vehicles so Carrie could go to work. After a quick check I determined it was in fact the battery. So I ran across the road to Preston Service Plus to see if I could get a battery before they closed.  Don and Dorrie Besse were so nice.  Don maintained that it was too hot outside to change a battery and he insisted that I bring the car over (he would supply me with a booster battery) even though they were ready to close.

It was after the fact that Don installed the new battery that he questioned whether or not the alternator was working correctly. Sure enough, the analyzer showed that the alternator was hardly maintaining the battery. Thus, the battery, though old, was not the real problem, it was the alternator.

I relate this story to you because it reminds me how vital it is in life to be connected to something that is alive. Just recently I read an article that stated many Americans can’t even find time to use their vacation days. If that is the case, what do people do to stay sane?  It is just impossible to keep running from one place to another without running out of energy at some point in time. Sooner or later, your well will run dry. One can only go on for so long by themselves. Just as a car’s battery requires a functioning alternator, so too our lives need a trustworthy power source.

The Bible reminds us that God’s Spirit was given for the work of regeneration. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27, NIV).

For most of us the summer has been anything but relaxing.  Now that school is starting, maybe it is time to get reconnected, as an individual or a family, with God. Why not start by attending church? Maybe that is just the spark you need in your life to get things going again.  The end of the school year not only signifies summer, it means vacations.  Are you going any place special?  Are you taking the family camping, biking, or canoeing?  Perhaps you are headed away from it all, up into the mountains or into it all, by taking in the sights of the city. Wherever you are going on vacation this summer, don’t take a vacation away from God.

In fact, I want to encourage you, if you are out of town on a given Sunday, to attend another church.  I think it is always enjoyable to worship with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

There is also another reason that I want you to attend church when you are away from Greenleafton. I believe we can learn from others. Thus, when you are gone, bring me back a bulletin from the church you attended.  It would not only be fun to see where all of you have been, but it will be interesting to see how others worship.

So this summer, wherever you are headed, take time to look around. God has placed so much before our eyes.  Remember to take it in, and to take Him in.

Have a great summer!Lately I have been having trouble with my 1994 Ford Explorer.  For one reason or another, the transmission refuses to shift into overdrive. The problem has become progressively worse over time.  When it is cold the transmission shifts normally; however, as it warms up it will not lock in.  This results in the engine turning over too many (RPMs) revolutions per minute. If I were only to drive down country roads this would not be a big deal.  Yet, on occasion, I need to drive to Rochester for visits.

The problem is also heightened with the added price of fuel. The more rpms the engine turns, the poorer the fuel economy.

Lately, it seems as if there is always something to fix on the Explorer. In the last couple of months, I have replaced the front ball and universal joints. Within the last two years, I also replaced the heads, because the old ones were cracked, and put in a new radiator. Altogether, I have a little more than $3000 dollars invested in repairs to a vehicle that is worth about the same amount. I have come to the point that I am beginning to ask myself, how much should I continue to stick into this vehicle.

Since Easter, I have been reflecting on God’s grace in relationship to my sinfulness.  Because of my sin, I no longer live in a right relationship with God. Sin can best be defined as missing the mark. I have missed that which God desires of me; God desires that I live for him.  A right relationship puts God before my job, vehicle, home, or hobby. After looking at my own relationship with Christ, I invite you to do the same. How is your relationship with Christ? 

We have no hope or possibility of ever winning God’s approval based only on our good deeds.  You and I are unfit for any saving good. Without God’s grace and the work of the regenerating Holy Spirit, we are not willing or able to turn to God. Our hope is found only in God’s love and grace.  Out of love and affection for his children, God made us alive with Christ.  Because of our union with Christ, our old way of life is gone.  Having been raised with Christ, who bears God’s divine image, we have become new people.

When I think about Gods grace, I am so happy that God overlooks my past mistakes or faults. Not one of us can stand blameless before God.  Sin dwells within us. Instead of keeping record of my mistakes, misgivings, and failures, God’s grace forgets, bonds, and saves. God doesn’t keep track of what I have cost him, not like I keep track of my Explorer’s costs.

I am going to keep my Ford Explorer. I have had it repaired by Dan, and I know that this will not be the last time that it might need repair.  Like me, my Explorer is not in perfect shape. With timely maintenance and periodic repairs, it will still last many years.

Likewise, remember, God has not given up on us.  God has extended us.  God desires that we live in relationship with Him.  Won’t you respond today by filling your heart with Him?  Christ has made the first step; now it is our turn.

Greenleafton Reformed Church premise is alcohol, tobacco and fire arms free.