From the Pastor's Desk...Summer, 2008
By Hal Polk, BraceBeagling 
June 18, 2008

In Luke 4:16 we read that it was Jesus' habit to go to the synagogue.

Summer is nearly upon us. It's a season almost all of us look forward to with its relaxation or normal routines, enjoying the outdoors, traveling and vacations.

As you plan your times away from home I urge you to remember the importance of worship. I fully understand the frustrating difficulty of finding a church where the services are challenging and satisfying. But I also understand our obligation to be faithful to the God who has redeemed our souls and called us to honor Him.

Jesus went to church (or the synagogue). In His hometown, and in other places where He happened to find Himself, He was faithful. Do you suppose that He went because He found the teaching instructive or insightful? Did He go because He found there models of holiness to imitate in His own life? Knowing the hearts of those around Him, do you think that the fellowship was uplifting to Him?

Why did He go? Because He knew that it was His duty and responsibility. And in this He set an example we who call Him "Lord" should follow. This is particularly true for those who have children watching and learning from their lives.

We live in a culture that makes the satisfactions of the individual the measure of all things. We claim a religion that makes God that standard. Every Sunday...at home or away...we choose between these competing systems.

In this and all other choices life sets before us, may it be our intension--this summer and always--to serve the God who has made us His own.