March Pastor Letter

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“I don’t have enough time.” Oh, we have busy schedules these days. Both mom and dad work all day just to try and make ends meet. Then there is the work that they bring home with them and finish up after supper, which is grab something on the run. Why? Because of the kids' schedule.  Johnny has practice until 5:00pm. Suzy has a game tonight in Hemlock, and in order to make sure mom and dad are there, grandma has to pick up the youngest from daycare. By the time everyone is home, the kids have enough time to dash through their homework and then head off to bed. Mom and dad then pass out in front of the TV and climb in bed at about 11:30p.m. Then they all do it again tomorrow.  Does that sound about right? Yes, I am empty nesting now, but I can still remember the days of chasing baseball bats and ballet shoes.  

So when a person says “I don’t have enough time to have family devotions, or personal devotions,” I’ve been there. A person can get pulled in so many different directions that they think they are going to come apart at the seams. Pressure and stress are constant companions and have a negative affect on you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Doctors have documented the effects of pressure and stress on our bodies and minds, and if we don’t take time to feed our souls how can our faith grow and be resilient?  

It is no accident that I’m talking about this at the beginning of Lent. So now in addition to family and personal devotions, there is an extra church service to go to. Sure, that is one way to look at it.  But have you ever looked at it this way?  You have another opportunity to worship, especially if your schedule didn’t allow you to attend on Sunday. Also, who said that family and personal devotions have to be an hour long? They can be as short or as long as you have time for and make use of today’s technology. You can use digital devotions and Bible readings and play them while you are driving, doing work around the house, while you're at the gym, or wherever. Don’t let Satan steal your joy and make you a frazzled wreck.  

Find a little peace with the Lord. He gives you the peace of forgiveness so that no matter what happens in this life you know you and your family have heaven to look forward to. You have the peace of knowing that the Lord is in control of all things. You’re going to be ok. You have the peace of knowing that the Lord will provide for you and your family. He may not give you all that you want, but he will give you all that you need.  

So when you are chasing those busy schedules don’t forget to get some daily peace and comfort from the Lord. Follow God’s advice in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  

Your brother in Christ, 

Pastor Muske