Pastors's Message Do the Right Things for the Right Reasons    When you ask people what they think about when a new calendar year rolls around, one of the things that comes up frequently is “making New Year’s resolutions.” The chances are pretty good that you who are reading this article have already made some resolutions. Making resolutions can be a good practice since most of us want to make some positive changes in our relationships, lifestyle, habits or behavior.    Christian stewards make a wise decision when they resolve to do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do. A good beginning point for any resolution is to recall the two great commandments that Jesus referred to in Matthew 22:37-40: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”    Actually the beginning point goes back even farther than that. St. Paul said it very well in Ephesians 2:8-10: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” As Lutheran Christians we are very good as pointing to the grace [undeserved love] of God as the real source of power and strength in our lives. And that is fitting; however, verse 10 is crucial because it reminds us of the truth that God is at work in our lives so that we do the good works He has prepared in advance for us to do. Christian stewardship is more than believing; it is also about doing.    Consider adopting these statements as part of your New Year’s resolutions for living and giving: “Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God’s family, the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes. Therefore, maturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do.” A blessed New Year to you all! (From LCMS Stewardship) Glad to be in Christ’s service,    Pastor Lyle Hansen

Home | Pastor's Message | About Us | Schedule | Organizations | Youth Activities
Education | Missions | Location | Contact Us | Links| Cong. News