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April is a month that has stress written all over it. Everyone knows April not only brings showers and May flowers, it also comes with tax time. Taxes are easier for some because they get “money back.” For others it is a time that brings anxiety. This anxiety is real. Today, financial strain takes its toll on individuals, couples and the entire family. According to one source, Americans owe a lot of money. In December 2023, Americans owe $986 billion on credit cards, $11.92 trillion on mortgages, more than $1.55 trillion on car loans and $1.60 trillion for student loans. The debt of 40 to 49 year-olds average $27,838, 60 to 69 year olds average $16,661 in debt and 70 year olds and older still average $9,827. 1
Debt often becomes an overriding factor in many areas of life. It guides decision-making for both the good and the bad as well as in our walk with the Lord. I know that when I face problems, financial or otherwise, it makes it hard for me to focus, relax or even read my Bible. The other day as I driving back to work from Dairy Queen, my mind was on my “taxes.” It was then as I was driving down 79 getting to I-45 it hit me. I looked there on the side of the road……. and there it was….. all around me…. Wildflowers. Bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes and whatever those yellow flowers are all around a beautiful green patch of grass. It was pretty and then I remembered what Jesus said in Matthew 6. Jesus says,
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers 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- 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: 28-34) (NIV)
Isn’t it amazing how in the midst of life’s events, God often brings scripture to us. It did not mean I don’t have to pay taxes, or that it still may be tough to face whatever we face, but it does put things in proper perspective. The old saying “Theres only two things in life for certain- death and taxes” has a different meaning for us as Christians. First, Christ conquered death! Unless Jesus comes back first, we will all die but we have the assurance that Jesus will be there and as we cross that river. So we can be comforted and know we have confidence others don’t because we can ask “Death where is your sting?” Taxes may not be so easy to explain, but this is all temporary so we can look forward to what God has in store for us and rejoice even at tax time!
As you go through this month, I hope you take a moment each day to face your worry or anxiousness with this thought-God is creator, provider, sustainer and comforter. Our worry may be here but our trust in the Lord can help us to face it with courage. Thank God today for whatever you are worried about and then get ready to watch how God can lead us to conquer our fear!
In Christ,
Brother Alan
I have been blessed beyond measure these last few weeks. I loved leading the choir in our Easter cantata, titled “My Easter Story” and I had the honor of baptizing my daughter Kadence on Easter Sunday. I have learned more about faith and Jesus through my daughter than anyone or anything else. She is strong, confident, talented, knowledgeable in God’s Word, and a servant.
Right before she was baptized, I was overcome with emotion and cried. I told Kadence that her grandma, my mother, would be so proud of her. Kadence being baptized is something that I know my mother prayed for before her passing. My mother was a prayer warrior. I know she spent countless hours on her knees talking to her Savior. It was her faith that brought me back to God after wandering away.
When I see my daughter and my son, I am reminded of the faith that my mother had, which she lived out as an example to my children and is a big part of why they love coming to church and know about their Creator. 2nd Timothy talks about the faith of family members and how it influences the younger generation.
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
2 Timothy 1:5
In Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy, Paul mentions the faithfulness of these women who raised Timothy to have a deep faith himself. Paul mentions Timothy’s upbringing again in chapter 3.
“But as you continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been aquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 3:14-15
I love how Paul mentions that Lois and Eunice didn’t just know the Old Testament scriptures because it was something all Jewish people knew, but they taught Timothy that he had to have salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Lois and Eunice didn’t just go to church, have a nice bible and wear Christian shirts, they lived out their faith. That faith influenced Timothy to make the right choice in following Jesus’ teachings.
Lois and Eunice are examples of a powerful influence that family can have in the life of children and teenagers. I want to challenge you, whether you are a mom, a dad, an aunt or uncle, grandma or grandpa or just a close friend of a child/teenager, be an example of Christ to them. Bring them to church with you, not just for service but for Sunday school as well. Pray for them in front of them, read your bible, have them read along with you. If they see you not taking your faith seriously, they will not take it seriously themselves. The best way to get children and teenagers to live a life after God is to show them by your example. You can make an eternal impact in the lives of kids and teens, don’t take it lightly.
God Bless.
Eli Lopez
Remember when news articles could be trusted as fact and schools taught children unbiased curriculum and colleges educated without agendas? Those days are gone and have been replaced with "personal truth" and "equity." There are very few trusted sources in our society as everyone takes sides and slants the narrative to their view. Technology and artificial intelligence can even trick our eyes and ears with altered truth so that what we see and hear can sometimes no longer be trusted.
Now think of your children and grandchildren who are living in this world where lies are accepted as truth and even held up as beacons of fairness. How can we shield them from the lies and equip them to navigate the treacherous waters of growing up in the world today? We can only do this by proclaiming God's truth as the only absolute truth and the Bible as the only authority by which we live our lives!
Our Vacation Bible School theme and studies tackle this issue this year. Set in the beautiful vistas of the Pacific Northwest, Breaker Rock Beach takes inspiration from the sea stacks that stand sentinel along the rocky beaches. They are the rock towers that the wind and waves have been unable to wear away. Kids will learn "God's rock-solid truth in a world of shifting sands" as they focus on Romans 12:2,
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
VBS is always an exciting time in the life of our church! But this year I believe God is preparing us to make a marked difference in the lives of children and families. Not only do we get to sing songs, play games, and make crafts. Most importantly, we get to tackle the half-truths of "some people say..." and replace them with the REAL TRUTH...what GOD SAYS!
Pray about how you could play a part in VBS this year. Make plans to attend our VBS Preview and Training on Sunday, April 28. Share with me about what God is leading you to do and let's see how you can show families that God's truth never changes!
In Christ,
Marie Dittmar
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Sundays Bible Study at 9:30am, Worship at 10:45am