A new year is upon us, yet again! It seems like just a few months ago we were ringing in 2010 and here it is 2011. Time takes on a whole new meaning as you get older. Time is fleeting, you but have to look at your children to see this. It makes you a little sad, but if you have been faithful to the things of God, it can make you proud as well, as you look at all you have achieved and accomplished throughout the years. Do your children reflect the love of God that you have in your heart? Do they reflect our willingness to serve in our church and our faithfulness to Gods work? Look back over the year 2010 and ask yourself these questions: Did I make a difference for the cause of Christ? Is there a family in church today because I had the courage to invite them? Was I diligent in my efforts to be faithful to church? Do my children consider me a good christian?
The last question is one that has me worried. Sometimes, when we are in the comfort of our own home we tend to let loose more than we should. We feel free to whine or complain, not thinking of little ears that may be overhearing. We don't realize the impact it has on them, but we are showing them our weakness, our lack of faith and trust that God is going to handle our circumstances and work all things out for good. When we worry or complain in front of them, we are surely showing them our lack of faith. One of my goals this year is to completely surrender it all to God. My worrying does nothing but weaken my faith. No matter the situation, I want to trust Him completely, and by doing so our children won't have to wonder about our strength as a christian, because we won't be worrying and complaining! With trust comes contentment. I want to be a contented christian. I want my children to see faith in my actions. Not just my children, but other christians, and most importantly, the lost and dying people in need of a Saviour may see His light shining through me. Might I make a difference in this way?
In matters of the church, we have seen growth that we never would have imagined, and I'm not talking about numbers. I'm talking spiritual growth in men,women, and teens, many souls have been saved this year and all this has kept our excitement and drive alive. You can't possibly know how encouraging this is to your pastor. Its the stuff that lets him know that what he does it worth the cost. I can say this because I live with your pastor! He cares for you and your family and wants to make a difference in your lives. He gives his whole life to this ministry. When we look back at our church and everything that has happened over the last year, we stand amazed at what God has done, and how He has changed hearts and lives. We have at least 3 men that have surrendered to preach and have been preaching in nursing homes and rescue missions. I can't tell you how excited my husband has been about this. We have seen people take on ministries, participating in ministries and building up others' ministries. This is what makes us say, "wow, we are accomplishing a mighty work here!!" That's what its all about! With a great year behind us, we look forward to seeing what the new year brings. We are very thankful that God has chosen for His perfect plan, to use us at LBC. You all have been so kind and gracious to us and it has made the beginning of our ministry (now in our second year!) a happy and successful one. We love each of you and are honored to serve with you. We look forward to many happy years together with our church family!
Happy New year, and may each one of us come together as part of the body of Christ to bring glory to His Name!
In HIS Service,
Lynn Burrell
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