Pastor's Monthly Minute

The past several months has been filled with a great deal of uncertainty, loneliness and anxiety due to everything associated with the Covid virus which has been plaguing us. Satan’s way, is a way of pessimism, doom and gloom, yet God’s way is filled with promises and blessings along with overwhelming optimism!

Loneliness is not simply being alone, but I believe it is a fear of love. The best way to combat loneliness is to take the risk of reaching out to someone that we trust. God is the true source of real unconditional love as well as a friend that will always remain with us and to be available for conversation 24/7. Imagine that no matter what you or I do, God will remain constantly at our side.

As many of you know when I am faced with uncertainty or when things don’t turn out the way I had hoped or planned, I rely on the wisdom of God as He tells us in Romans 8:28

“And we know that for those who love God all things work 

together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Those aren’t idle words, but it is a true promise from God. I find confidence in the knowledge that if I allow God to handle the situation it will turn out for good. However, keep in mind, God determines what is “good” and what isn’t “good”. In our sinful flesh we become too self-centered and think we have all the answers rather than letting God be God to answer and work things out. In addition, you and I have a God who cares for us and our welfare, as He tells us in Romans 8:26

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not 

know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself 

intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

This means that the Holy Spirit is telling and asking God the Father for what we need BEFORE we even know what we need. Isn’t that amazing? So too these promises in Romans apply to us here as His Family at First Lutheran Church.

As changes are taking place at First Lutheran Church be careful to work together as partners not as a small circle of people. Ministry here at First Lutheran is a partnership and not merely one person, namely the Pastor doing it all. Ask yourself this question, “am I working together with the entire congregation to meet the congregation’s challenges”? “Or am I part of the problem”?

Under the guidance of the Lord as we work together we will overcome these challenges with a bright optimistic future for First Lutheran Church! At the right time God through the power of the Holy Spirit will provide an amazing Shepherd and not a Sherriff for First Lutheran!

Remember First Lutheran Church isn’t just a Pastor’s congregation but it is YOUR CONGREGATION under the guidance of the Lord!

To God Be the Glory!

Pastor Steve Breitbarth