[Bslc-dist] Pastor-Gram

[Pete Luedemann]

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

Happy New Year!

 

Melissa the girls and I enjoyed a busy visit last week with family in
Rockford Illinois and Chicago.  It is however a joy for us to be back with
our church family.  I am deeply proud of our response to the Elder need
fund.  The Fund now stands at a little over $8,000.  Thank you for living
Christ's love for our family.

 

I am also proud of the response of many members to the needs of my friend,
Pastor Kalyan, in Bangladesh.  Thank you for living Christ's love for our
world.  Pastor Kalyan sent an update this week, you can read about it and
see some pictures of his ministry in the family update.

 

We are excited for the start of the 40 Days of Purpose this next Sunday.
Our excitement is not because this is the "in" program, but because we
believe the simple promises of God that where two or three gather in His
name He is there too (Matthew 18.20) and the promise that His word will not
return to Him void or without accomplishing His purpose (Isaiah 55.11).
Since we are meeting together in His name to look at His words, we can
expect Jesus to be present and doing His work.  That is exciting enough for
anyone.

 

For my personal time with Jesus I am now reading through the prophet Hosea.
I read chapters 9-11 today and was thick into God's anger at Israel and the
coming judgment on them for their rebellion and refusal to repent.  And then
I hit verse 8 and following of chapter 11.  God does a 180 degree turn.  He
changes His mind and says I am not going to destroy you I am going to
deliver you.  The reason for the change? "For I am God and not man." (v.9)
There is no change in Israel at this point.  It is because God decides that
He wants a different path than judgment.  There is so much caught up in that
simple statement "For I am God and not man."  Today I am very thankful that
God is unlike me.

 

 

Pastor Pete

 

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