By Pastor Bill Gaube

Many of us seem to have a hard time accepting God’s forgiveness. That is in spite of verses like 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

So what is our problem? I rediscovered the answer in an old classic book called “Practicing the Presence of God.” It is about Brother Lawrence, a humble 17th century kitchen worker, who radiated God’s presence.

He gave this testimony. “At one point in my life I asked how can I serve and be devoted to God, yet feel condemned and lack joy in God?” Then he saw that he kept placing his sins between himself and God, even though God still continued to bestow liberty and joy.

That is so like God; He sees us as forgiven even if we can’t accept His forgiveness and forgive ourselves. It takes humility to admit we can’t earn forgiveness.

Brother Lawrence said the closer we live to God, the more dependent we are on His divine grace. Our responsibility is to acknowledge our inability and rest on God’s grace. Then without anxiety, we can expect His pardon through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Brother Lawrence testified how that looks. He gave each day and task to the Lord, asking to show God’s grace in his life. Then regularly he would review how he had done. If he had done well, he rejoiced in God’s faithfulness. If He had failed, he begged for God’s forgiveness. He accepted God’s forgiveness, rejoicing in God’s grace and love. He learned by his failures how better to follow God. Then, without being discouraged, He gave himself no further uneasiness about it.

WOW! What a model. Let us ask God’s help not only to ask for forgiveness, but also humbly take it and learn to go on in God’s love and strength.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

BREAKFAST CLUB, every Thursday at 10:00 AM

The every Thursday format gives greater opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel & Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

PEP MEETS THE MISSIONARIES, Thursday, February 9 at 10:00 AM

This is part of our Missions Weekend. You will have an opportunity to not only hear Rev. John LeTexier from the Alliance Arab field, but also to question and interact with him. We will meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel & Folsom Blvd. Order what you like. We’d love to have ALL those 55+ join us

POTLUCK DINNER, Sunday February 26
We will meet in Rudat Hall, across the foyer from the Sanctuary following the 11:00 Service. The menu will be soups, stews, salads and breads. So think of your favorites in these categories and share one of them with us. These are always fun times of fellowship and encouragement. All those 55+ are invited! Bobbie Robbins is our hostess.

PEP GOES TO THE THEATRE , Sunday, March 4 at 2:00 PM
* The play will be presented by the El Dorado Musical Theatre. We have enjoyed polished performances before.

* We are going to see 42nd Street, a classic light hearted Broadway Musical. It is full of tunes like “Lullaby of Broadway” and “I Only Have Eyes For You.”
* It will be given at the beautiful new 3 Stages Performing Arts Center at Folsom Lake Community College.
* Tickets are $23 and will be on sale Sundays in Rudat Hall. Tickets are limited at this price.
All those 55+ are cordially invited to join us.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

I have a nasty habit of trying to domesticate God. It’s hard to keep him on a leash so he will not get into certain parts of my life. I certainly do have to put a muzzle on him lest he say something embarrassing. He is terrible to walk with because he often wants to go different ways than I do. And teaching him tricks is so hard because he seems more interested in training me.

Let’s face it: God is hard to understand. He created the earth and threw the stars into space. He set in motion laws of the universe we still are trying to figure out. His power is beyond our comprehension and his justice is so pure that we fall before it. We start to boast and explain ourselves and he reveals he knows our inner hearts already.

Maybe we should just bow before this one who explodes with power, wisdom, righteousness and justice. How? By hearing his heart of love. He revealed his love in his son Jesus. Be captured by the truth that “God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son.” Hear Jesus’ heart of love when he cried over Jerusalem saying how oft he would have gathered them as a hen gathers her chicks … but they would not.

True, we can’t fully understand God, but we can know him because he invites us through the cross of his son Jesus Christ. Be humbled that the great God who molded the earth and flung the stars in space, says to you “Come unto me … and I will give you rest.” His great grace, mercy and love motivates him to forgive us. Then Jesus said I will give you life and life more abundant.

Breakfast Club meets at 10:00 AM every Thursday. The every Thursday format gives greater opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

Sunday, January 22, after the 11:00 service, we will be going out to eat at Brookfields Restaurant, 11135 Folsom Blvd on the corner of Folsom and Sunrise. You can order off the menu. Come for a good time and get to know others better. Rusty Bloomquist will be our host.