See what great love the Father has lavished on us!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! – 1 John 3:1a

Happy September to you! As you read this, many families (perhaps yours included) are sending kids back to school – or off to school for the first time. The summer is coming to a close, and weeks of relaxation give way to the more standard rhythms of daily work and rest. At Hope, September marks an exciting time of ministry each year, with our Angels of Hope Preschool coming back into session, Sunday School starting up again, Confirmation classes, Bible Studies, New Member Classes in October, and opportunities for our youth to come together on a weekly basis.

With so much to do at home, work, school, and church, perhaps it’s wise to start by remembering what God has called us to be. St. John writes that, because of the Father’s lavish love demonstrated through His Son, we are called the children of God. What amazing news! We who by nature have no right to demand any good thing from God have received all good things as a gift – and above all, a place in the family. This is all grace; it’s given before we’ve done anything good, and it’s given despite our failures.

And because we are the children of God, we do what children of God do. We learn and grow in Jesus as we gather around His Word. We develop the gifts and talents God gives us. And we love God and one another as we serve with the strength He supplies – not so that we can impress God or balance out our bad moments, but because we are His children, loved lavishly for Jesus’ sake!

God bless you this month, and may all that you do flow joyfully from the truth of what God has called you to be by grace.

Christ’s peace and joy,
Pastor Baye