Thoughts from our Community Spiritual Director

In John 12:48 Jesus is speaking following His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem and just prior to entering in to celebrate the Passover feast with His disciples. He is speaking of His purpose for entering the world-to save the world and to bring the light. Jesus then declares: "The one who rejects me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day."

Two of the great realities central to the Christian existence is the promised presence of God among us and the testimony of His eternal Word. By the "Word of God" I am speaking, not just of the Holy Scriptures that we carry with us on Church on Sundays, but to the entire expression of the Word of God. More specifically, to the still small voice that is within us that speaks to us of God's will for us as individuals. The voice that warns us when we are creeping a little too close to the edge of worldliness, or that illuminates areas in our lives displeasing to God. I am speaking of the booming voice of God that speaks of His great power in the sound of the rolling thunder, or in the brilliance of a streak of lightning. I am speaking of the voice of God present in the hugs of a child or grandchild or heard through the testimony of one touched by the presence of God.

A.W. Tozer notes, "Most of the things men and women talk about cannot be counted among the great realities of life. In October, people talk a great deal about the World Series as a great reality, but by December they have forgotten who pitched and who struck out. People spend their entire lives in the pursuit of those things that can only perish and fade away. But when it is all over, they are still going to be faced with the reality of the eternal Word of God, the revelation of Truth which God has given us!"

This time of year, as we are nearing Christmas, there are so many things, so many voices that would drown out the voice of God. Things that would seek to distract us concerning what is really important, not only now, but throughout the year. Things that seem important for the moment, but will fade into obscurity over time.

There are many around us daily who are hearing the siren song of the commercialism of "the holiday season" or "yuletide". Yet they too will be held accountable-judged by eternal Word of God. Think of the changes that would come to this world-think of the truly awesome Christmas season we could have if all people everywhere would stop and hear the Word of God! It can happen! And it starts with each of you doing your part to spread the true gift of Christmas-the gift of salvation. Won't you do your part?

Pastor Jim Muhlenkamp

FE #40