Merry Christmas

The Christmas Season and New Year's holiday, for many, signifies new beginnings. For the last several years, I have titled my blog "Preacher without a Pulpit." because I was a wandering minister not regularly preaching from any church. Suddenly, I find myself as an interim Pastor of a Free Methodist church. In this season, I take a step with my family into regular ministry. But I know that it is God who has put together this transition for me.

When things go wrong or things come together, we have to understand that it is God "the author and finisher of our faith" who is truly in control. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good, for those who love the Lord and are called to be conformed unto His image. In other words, God can use all things for good in the lives of those who keep seeking and keep going. The Bible also tells us that "we shall reap in due season if we do not grow weary in doing well." This time of my life is a moment of reaping, because of God's faithfulness more so than my own. He has been true to me and my family, and has never relented on his call for my life to become a pastor. True, I am not a full-time pastor, but I am on that road.

Christmas is also a season of giving, and I like to remember the greatest gift that was ever given to us: God's only Son. As my two sons grow up, I learn every day how awesome it was that Jesus became flesh for our sake. There are days, when I feel like I have had enough as a father, but I would never give up any one of my children. But God, who so loved this world, gave His one and only son, so that anyone who believed in Him, would not suffer in Hell, but would have eternity with Him (John 3:16 paraphrase). Wow! Nothing in this world will ever match the great love that God has for each and every one of us. Don't let the world tell you that you are not important or that you are worthless, because that is so not true. Even if everybody forsakes you, remember that God loves you and will always be ready to come to you. He is one who never takes a nap, and He is always watching over us. In this time of celebrations, let us remember how important Jesus' birthday and God's love are to us all.

Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Pastor Ryan