January 2012
(Note:
Pastor's Pen is published on a monthly basis)
FROM THE PASTOR’S PEN…"Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosom,
for with the same measure that ye deal out it shall be measured to you again."
Luke 6:38
Dear Northwest Family:
The Christmas Season reminds each of us that it is all about giving. God has
always been a Giver; He began creation by giving. He gave the earth for His
people to inhabit. He gave Adam a wife made just for him and their address
became the Garden of Eden; He even clothed them when they sinned. But most of
all He gave His greatest gift to all mankind His Son Jesus to be the light of
the world. Jesus modeled His Father giving of Himself everywhere He went and
finally giving His very life that we might be saved which was the greatest gift
the world has ever known.
Our spirit of giving must continue. Regardless of the world’s economic situation
at this time we are still responsible to be givers. When we give God will see to
it that the returns are greater than we expect. Our heart’s desire should be to
give to see souls saved. I believe NW is striving to do so by being a Light
House sending out the solid message of hope for a lost world. We owe the Father
our very best gift as He gave us His very best. Let’s remember to put the church
at the top of our Christmas List of giving this year that we may continue to
give to others even as Christ first gave to us. Christmas time is a great
reminder of what giving is all about. Give and it shall be given unto you. Thank
you for mirroring Christ by your faithful giving this past year, financially,
spiritually and physically. “Thank You” for your sacrificial giving to the Heart
of Florida Youth Ranch’s “Christmas Wish List.” We are happy to announce that NW
was able to purchase every item listed on those “Wish Lists” because of your
monetary contributions as well as actual individual gifts given.
The scriptures admonish us to take care of the orphans; this was an opportunity
and honor afforded us that we might take part in fulfilling the Word this
Christmas. No greater gift has ever been given than the gift of eternal life
from Father God when He sent his precious Son, Jesus. Living by example we must
now become givers and pass that precious gift of eternal life on to others. Our
prayer is that you and your family be truly blessed with unexpected blessings
this Season and throughout the New Year. May your life be filled with peace and
love as together we celebrate His birth.
Pastor and Ann Roberts
Love and prayers,
~ Pastor Roberts
Copyright © 2012 Northwest Tampa Church of God