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Oahe Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) Message from The Pastor The New Year has begun. How are your resolutions going so far? I have several that I’m working on. This year I’m going to lose weight, by sticking to my diet and exercising more. Second, I’m going to grow more hair and be less bald. Third I’m going to read my bible in a different way. I’m going to read a Leaders bible I’ve had laying around for awhile. I fully intend to keep my first resolution, but if history repeats itself, my chances of success in this area may be limited. I often think of the Apostle Paul when he talks in Romans the 7th chapter about his struggle to do what is good. “ I want to do what is good, but I can't. 19 I don't do the good things I want to do. I keep on doing the evil things I don't want to do. 20 I do what I don't want to do. But I am not really the one who is doing it. It is sin living in me. “ Yes, I need to lose weight to be healthier, and honor this, God’s temple. This will continue to be a real challenge. I doubt I’ll accomplish my second goal. Nature has the upper hand. I just need at least one resolution I can abandon and not feel guilty about it. Reading the Bible more, or in a different way is a good goal for any of us. Reading one that is different from our normal bible can help bring greater understanding and clarity. I should accomplish this one. If you have never read a Chronological Bible, perhaps you would find that interesting. Having the stories of the Bible organized chronologically brings them to life and helps us understand God’s involvement in human history better. This may be a good goal for you in this new year. I advise you to live out your resolutions, a) keeping your past failures in perspective (diet), b)don’t set yourself up with impossible and silly expectations (hair growth), c) but do discipline yourself to daily deepen your faith through some additional study, service and prayer. I was just thinking, maybe that’s good advice for a Church to think about as they start a new chapter in life. Have a great New Year. ---Rev Rolly Kemink |