Pastor Erik Sanders

Tonight we had our G.R.O.W. training. I appreciate the members that attended the training. God has given us such an important task in this generation. We need to make sure we are maximizing our "witness" in our community and around the world. In order for us to make a difference we must have compassion, and committment to reach out. We truly are rescue workers, pulling people from the very flames that will consume them for eternity.

I received an email from one of our families in church this afternoon. It is truly remarkable to see how God is weaving our theme (“Having compassion; making a difference”) into the lives of our membership. The focus of the email was on how they could help others, from giving gently used toys, to getting to know others in the church. Some might say, “big deal”. But I say, “Praise the Lord.” God is working in our midst! Please allowing God to use you in His divine plan.

The holidays came and went so quickly! And then you throw the snow in the mix, what a crazy end to 2008. It was a wonderful year, and I look forward to 2009. I wanted to add a letter that I sent out to all of our church members this last week just challenging us to follow the Lord in 2009. I hope this letter finds you excited about the New Year. I wait with great anticipation to see what God is going to do. I am aware that there are troubles and struggles in our society and homes, but I know that God is greater than any of our difficulties. But it is through tough times that God shows Himself mighty. A new year means a fresh start, a new beginning. It is a year that God has given to us to use for His Glory. So, what will you allow God to use you for in 2009? I would encourage you as this year begins to stop and reflect on 2008. Visit the victories, and give God the glory. Look at the struggles and see the how God has brought you through each step along the way. Look at your Christian walk…are you closer the lord and the end of 2008 than at the beginning? Our theme for 2008 was “Forward in Faith”. List the ways you moved in faith, and thank the Lord for those victories. Next, I would encourage your to refocus your heart and mind for 2009. Ask the Lord what He wants to use you for this next year. Our lives naturally tend to go out of alignment. But a new year is a great time to put things back on track. It is a time to refocus priorities, attitudes, and lifestyles. Do what is most important to the Lord, not to you. Here are some ideas to focus on this next year. Know Your God. There is a difference between serving God, or knowing about God, and actually knowing Him. It doesn’t matter if you have been saved for 5 days or 50 years we can always seek to know God a little more each day. It might mean turning off the TV, or saying no to community commitments. But this year please make it a priority to not simply know about God, but to actually know Him! Have Compassion. Compassion is a selfless expression of God’s love toward others. It can take many forms, and actions. We live in such a “what benefits to I get” society. We sacrificially love and serve others not because it fits into our busy schedules, but because that is what Christ would do. Make a Difference. God has not saved us to sit. He wants us to make an impact in our communities. He wants us to be salt and light. Every believer to have a part in God’s great work of reaching the lost! Will you do your part? Will you make a difference in 2009? Lastly I would encourage you to rekindle the fire for God and His work. Our hearts need revival, and that can only come by rekindling our walk with the Lord. Please, let’s take time everyday to rekindle our walk with our Savior. 2009 is a gift from God! The question is… How will you use it?

This last week was absolutely wonderful!! On Thanksgiving my family and I went to my sister's house for dinner. Before we went to my sister's house I was able to spend some time alone with the Lord just thanking Him for His goodness, and grace. As I thought my mind went to Psalm 34:8 which says, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." As I have put my trust in the Lord this last year I can say without any doubt that I have been blessed. I began to count my blessings, and it was just a wonderful time of remembering how good our God really is...Praise The Lord.

I cannot believe it is Thanksgiving week already. Truly, this is my favorite time of year. I love the fall colors, the cool nights, but most of all I love the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is a holiday that hasn't been commercialized, because you can't really commercialize thankfulness. I love what the Psalmist wrote in Psalm 107:22 "And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." Even though 2008 has been a hard year...it has been wonderful. As a man, God has grown husband, father, pastor, and me into a stronger Christian. In our church, God has blessed us with seeing souls saved, and a growing thriving ministry. In tough times it amazes me how good our God is. So, this Thursday lets not focus on our situations in life, but focus on the Savior that has given us life.