"A Word"
From Your Shepherd

Dr. Leland (Gus) O. Flaherty

Past "Words"

E-mail Pastor Gus

     If you were to spend too much time focusing on the economy, you could get a little nervous rather quickly. Michigan's unemployment rate hit 7.4% this past November - a full percentage point worse than the state with the next highest rate - Alaska. Last week a state agency predicted that unemployment would reach 8.2% by the end of this year and climb to 8.9% by the end of 2009!
     Add to that the "sub-prime" mortgage policies that have backfired, resulting in record numbers of house foreclosures…and most recently, the plunge in the stock market, with Dow Jones now settling in below the 12,000 point level, it would be easy to become anxious about our circumstances.
     But Jesus provides some helpful insight to help calm some of those fears. In Mathew 6:25-33, Jesus tells us not to worry about our life - what we eat or drink or what we will wear. Our life is more important than this. The birds don't sow or reap, and God takes care of them. We are much more valuable than they are. We are not to worry saying such things as, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" The pagans run after all these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. The main thing that should occupy our minds is this - Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
     It's easy to get our eyes focused on circumstances around us, instead of keeping our eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus. Do you remember the 2 memory verses from last year that focus on God's provision? Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will he not also along with Him, graciously give us all things?" and Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
     God is very aware of the circumstances that are facing us in our Nation and in the State of Michigan. He is also very aware of your need. As you do all you can to seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness - as you learn to submit to God, you will discover that all the things you need, God will supply.
     In 2008, let's look more fully to Jesus and not become overly anxious because of the economic "forecast" that is in the news. Let's see what God does for us - as a church - and as individual Christ-followers - as we submit ourselves to Him.

Blessings to you!

Pastor Gus Flaherty