Pastor Bruce's Message - January 2015

Dear Friends,

By the time you read this Newsletter, Christmas will be over, and the dust will have settled, and we will be looking forward to the New Year. I hope with great anticipation. The dictionary defines the word anticipation as: “the act of looking forward; especially: pleasurable expectation.” The opening words to the song “Anticipation” sung many years ago by Carly Simon, and also used as a theme song for Heinz   Ketchup, say; “We can never know about the days to come. But we think about them anyway.” The Bible term for this word anticipation, that we focus our lives on is FAITH. The Bible even defines it. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 ESV.

We spend a lot of time living with anticipation. We have goals, we have plans for our lives, our family’s lives, our work and our plans to better ourselves. So we live with those thoughts in mind. And by the way, there is certainly nothing wrong with that. I would submit to you that as Christians, the terminology should be FAITH. We should being living out our lives in faith.

The Liberty Street Church of God, made up of all of us individuals and families, took what we would consider a major step of faith in planning and now building the new facility, the Trinity Point Church of God. We have plans, we have blueprints, we have the material and someday in the near future this will be a reality not only for us but also for our community. A much needed addition to our community. We are doing this by faith. We are believing that this is what God is calling us to do at this point in time and we are trusting in Him to inspire us to see it through. We are hoping for a good result, we are believing that many lives will be affected as a result of the sacrifices called is calling us to make. We have a conviction for God and the work of the Kingdom and we have a conviction that God is going to do more than we could ever ask of imagine. In fact the Scripture verse says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)

I am looking forward, with anticipation, to what this New Year will bring with respect to ministry. I am and we are walking in FAITH!

Judy and I, and our children, want to thank you all for your gifts and expression of love to us over the Holidays. We continue to be humbled by your love for us and you are great encouragers to us.

I know that many in our congregation are struggling with many issues that life brings us. But I hope and pray that you still have the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” I am claiming that today for you and for me.

God bless you all and Happy New Year!!!

Pastor Bruce