11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.

-Romans 12:11-12 (NRSV)

Another page of the calendar has been peeled back as we move on to the month of May. While the month of May holds a special fondness for me (if you wonder why check the ‘Birthdays’ section of this newsletter, particularly around the 16th) I also recognize that the month sort of sits in a weird in-between period. We have had our Easter celebration and what a celebration it was, Spring has made an appearance but Summer is not yet here, the School year is winding down but not yet finished, it is a time that we can find ourselves asking “Now What?”

Within the Church we may find ourselves sitting back and relaxing a little. Looking at the calendar there are not many “big” events in the months ahead. Perhaps we are off the hook until the Advent season rolls around and we start the Christmas preparation all over again. But then God has a way of reminding us that the work is not done…it is never done.

The verse above from Romans was in a devotion I read just the other morning. To me it was a reminder that we should live out our faith at all times. There is still work to be done, souls to be saved. While the man-made calendar we follow does not specify any special occasions God has other plans. God wants us to joyfully serve each and every day, to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.”

That is my hope for us here at Emmanuel. To take the joy and hope that we remembered on Easter morning and to apply it to our lives every day, to serve wherever and whenever we are needed.

We serve the Risen Lord, let us all rise to the occasion and live in a way that brings honor and glory to Jesus this day and always.

Blessings,

Pastor Devin

For the rest of the May newsletter, click here: May 2017