Good morning, Forget everything you thought you knew! Sometimes circumstances are so different and unexpected that you need to totally forget old assumptions and gain a new perspective. The day may come when cars with internal combustion engines will be a relic of the past. If you are accustomed to filling the gas tank, changing the oil, and hearing the sounds of revving engines, you will need to forget all that and learn the new reality of batteries, charging stations, and silent operation. “Forget everything you think you know” is what God tells us. With our sinful nature we think we know what life is about, where we stand with God, and what is important for our ultimate wellbeing. We think this present life is what matters most. We see ourselves as basically good people. We imagine God will be pleased if we try to keep the Commandments, and that happiness and success are linked to our achievements and the recognition of others. “Forget all that,” the Lord tells us. “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Lk. 12:15). Our status with God does not depend on our own goodness. “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Is. 64:6). We have no accomplishments deserving God’s reward. We can’t trust our own reason. “The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer. 17:9). “Forget all that.” In His Word the Spirit opens our eyes and understanding to what is truly real. We come to see the harsh reality of our sin and its condemnation. Yet the Lord is quick to assure us of His love and that “where sin abounded grace did much more abound” (Rom. 5:20). Lasting happiness and success are not dependent on today’s weather or how our plans turn out. We are blessed eternally with forgiveness earned by Jesus on the cross. Meaningful purpose is not found in what others do for us, but in putting Christ’s love into practice in serving others. Forgetting self in love for Jesus, let’s look today for those opportunities to serve the Lord and our neighbor. Yours in Christ, Pastor Tomorrow’s services are at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. The Sunday school children will sing in first service. Sunday school classes begin at 9:15 a.m. and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. Voters, please remember the quarterly meeting which will get underway after second service. The participation of as many voters as possible is important to faithfully carry out the work the Lord has given us. Non-voters are always welcome to attend and stay informed of congregational life.
