New Hope Lutheran Church
Many people trying to live one message of love
| New Hope Lutheran Church - 4801 Sun Valley Drive, El Paso, TX 79924 - Office 915.821.2079 - Jeff St. Clair, Pastor |
CONTINUE!
Myron runs five miles a day. Some days he looks forward to the run, some
days he doesn't - but he always runs every day. His persistence in
training has given him strong legs, a lean body, and a healthy heart.
Gordon and Betty have been married 51 years - that's 18,615 days - and
not all of them good, but they've stayed together, committed and devoted.
Their tenacity has given them a lifetime of shared memories, children
who have learned and loved by their example, and joy in knowing they've
worked hard to fulfill the vows they made to each other on an August day
long ago.
Earl has worked on the same piece of land his whole life. He has come to
know every inch of soil, every hill and meadow, every tree. He has seen
how that farm responds to the changing seasons, the weather, the planting
and harvesting. He treats the land well. His harvests are usually
plentiful. It's a dance he and that particular piece of earth have perfected
over time.
The key is often found in persistence. The years teach us that some of the
greatest treasures can only be found if we completely give ourselves in
time and energy to a pursuit or vow. In the same way, Jesus tells us that
the key to faith is to continue in God's word. When we continue in God's
word, we are truly disciples, we will know the truth, we will be free.
What does this mean? It's not about eternal life - that is God's alone to
give. Rather, it's about experiencing the fullness of grace in this life.
Continue pursuing God even when you feel most tired. Continue seeking
nourishment in the word, especially when you are feeling spiritually
starved. Continue being open to God's voice, even when other voices are
tempting. Continue following God as the years unfold. Continue. It's
worth the trip!
God's Work. Our Hand. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Myron runs five miles a day. Some days he looks forward to the run, some
days he doesn't - but he always runs every day. His persistence in
training has given him strong legs, a lean body, and a healthy heart.
Gordon and Betty have been married 51 years - that's 18,615 days - and
not all of them good, but they've stayed together, committed and devoted.
Their tenacity has given them a lifetime of shared memories, children
who have learned and loved by their example, and joy in knowing they've
worked hard to fulfill the vows they made to each other on an August day
long ago.
Earl has worked on the same piece of land his whole life. He has come to
know every inch of soil, every hill and meadow, every tree. He has seen
how that farm responds to the changing seasons, the weather, the planting
and harvesting. He treats the land well. His harvests are usually
plentiful. It's a dance he and that particular piece of earth have perfected
over time.
The key is often found in persistence. The years teach us that some of the
greatest treasures can only be found if we completely give ourselves in
time and energy to a pursuit or vow. In the same way, Jesus tells us that
the key to faith is to continue in God's word. When we continue in God's
word, we are truly disciples, we will know the truth, we will be free.
What does this mean? It's not about eternal life - that is God's alone to
give. Rather, it's about experiencing the fullness of grace in this life.
Continue pursuing God even when you feel most tired. Continue seeking
nourishment in the word, especially when you are feeling spiritually
starved. Continue being open to God's voice, even when other voices are
tempting. Continue following God as the years unfold. Continue. It's
worth the trip!
God's Work. Our Hand. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Isaiah 25:6-9; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44