The truths we hear and learn at church, in Bible Class, or as we read our Bibles are not theoretical truths that won’t matter until we die. To know Jesus as your Savior changes the way we think and therefore the attitudes that can control us.

Here is one example from Proverbs 19:23: "The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble." (NIV)

I’m fairly certain that many of the members of Good Shepherd’s Lutheran Church can think of a few reasons to be anxious. While thoughts of meeting God at death cannot be totally erased from our minds, it is often the daily troubles that get more attention. We have lived for two years with fear and uncertainty as constants – in truth, fear and uncertainty have always been around, they are just far more obvious now.

As the Proverb above says, trusting in the Lord can calm our fears. God’s love for you is so complete that he did everything to take away your sins. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the completed story of our forgiveness and the sure promise of God’s unending love. 

As you see reasons to be anxious, don’t lose sight of God’s love for you. Everything he does in your life is because he loves you. Even hardships and trials are based on his desire for you to remain in faith and to be his child. In the certainty of God’s love, you can rest with contentment and know that troubles cannot change who you are. 

You may not like the recent paths that God has chosen for you; that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t care about you. In his perfect wisdom, he knew that the difficult path was the right path for you. And he loved you enough to lead you in the right direction! 

Grow in your faith and you will see life with new eyes and renewed confidence. You will rest in quiet peace, regardless of the situation.

Pastor Tim Wempner

Snow is one of those things that we both love and hate here in Wisconsin. It can be a hassle to shovel and drive in, but there is no denying the beauty that comes when the world is blanketed in a layer of fresh, clean snow. This is how David describes what forgiveness is like before God.

"Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Turn your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt. God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:7-10 NIV

David writes Psalm 51 after he has been confronted by Nathan the prophet over his sin with Bathsheba. David confesses in this Psalm that the weight of his guilt was something that caused him great grief and torment. But after he confesses his sin and is forgiven by Nathan he rejoices. David found great joy that all of his sins no matter how great or terrible had been cleansed and purified by the blood of Christ. The blood of Jesus Christ has purified us from all of our sins. Unlike the snow, which merely covers over the dirt of this world and doesn't stay clean for long, we remain clean and pure in the eyes of our God. Our forgiveness removes s the burden of our guilt and cleanses us from all our sins.

Because of Christ's sacrifice, we can live in peace with God. We can approach our Father in heaven boldly in prayer knowing that he does not hold our sins against us. So, the next time the world is blanketed in pure white snow, remember this is how you are in the eyes of God. You are pure and clean of every spot and stain. So, rejoice that your sins have been completely forgiven by the blood of our Savior.

Pastor Tim Wempner

Pastor Joshua Zarling