A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR…
I must admit, I struggled this week to finish the message. I had planned out the current series and I was confident that my preparation would be very manageable this week. Yet, it wasn’t. The pieces didn’t seem to fit together. The story I prepared for the back of the bulletin didn’t fit the message I had on my heart for this Sunday. But the bulletin was already printed, and I had a busy weekend planned doing work around the church and parsonage and shopping with my wife. Maybe it won’t matter? Maybe no one will notice? Maybe I’m just worrying about “nothing?”
If you’re reading this now – then you have probably guessed I decided to rewrite the article on the back of the bulletin and ask our church secretary to reprint it, (thank you Linda!). I don’t know that too many people would have noticed it, or questioned it, and I am probably the only one who would have worried about it at all. Yet, when we do something for God – He deserves our best! When we are serving in the Kingdom of God, the family of God, or the family that God has blessed us with – we want to give our best!
In our message this week, the father in the story puts his best robe on his son, a ring on his hand, and shoes on feet. He restores him wholly and celebrates his return. We must also realize that our Heavenly Father, thru His Son Jesus, lifts us to a place we do not deserve because of our faith in Christ. We experience Love, Mercy, and Hope – all thru His Wonderful Grace!
As I am rewriting this article, an old song keeps going thru my mind – “The Family of God” by Bill & Gloria Gaither. The message of the second verse rang true for the prodigal son – and it rings true for us today. “No longer an outcast, A new song I sing. From rags unto riches, From the weak to the strong, I’m not worthy to be here, But praise God I belong.” May we each bring “our best” to God because He has given us His best. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life,” (ESV).
Pastor Chris
Rev. Christopher Murphy – 785-202-1119 hristopherjmurphy1@gmail.com
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