Pastor’s Corner for January 17-18, 2009

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a Nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character … This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning, `My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.''' Martin Luther King, Jr.

We are facing a historic week in the United States. On Monday, January 19, 2009, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. In the Proclamation of the day, President Ronald Reagan challenged Americans “of every race and creed and color work together to build in this blessed land a shining city of brotherhood, justice, and harmony.” Remarkably, on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, we will witness the inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama, where he will be sworn into the Office of President of the United States. His chief duty is to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” And Thursday, January 22, 2009, marks the thirty-sixth anniversary of Roe v. Wade. As you know, the case resulted in a landmark decision on life. As a covenant community, we have and will continue to support Life-Chain events, adoptions, etc., to save lives. As we support the right to life, we also need to pray for the salvation of souls. Without the gospel message proclaimed, we will not witness life transformation in America. Martin Luther King, Jr. summed it up well with his speech. The content of our character is what matters. Let’s pray that God will change us - as believers, as a community, and as a nation - from the inside. Let’s pray that God will continue to mold us so that we can be people of character. Let’s pray for our new president - that he will lead this “blessed land” with character and wisdom for God. And let us celebrate and remember the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who made it possible for us to be people of character.

Pastor Jay R. Lee

Pastor's Corner for January 10-11, 2009

“Under Construction” denotes ongoing work, action and activity. Faith requires that kind of response. God desires for us to respond with our lives. For many of us we typically begin the path to believing in God by receiving the head and heart knowledge of His love for us. It then becomes too easy of a routine to see our Christianity as sitting, standing, listening and talking. During 2009 especially, the world will be paying close attention to those among them who profess faith in Christ. First they will observe whether our faith makes a difference in our every day lives. Secondly, they will look to see if there is anyone who cares for the needy, hurting and disenfranchised. One of the great benefits to our short-term missions trips is that our youth begin to see their faith as real, themselves as a valuable contributor to society not only because of what they know but what they do. What is God putting on your heart to do in 2009? What has he given you a passion for? What has he gifted you to do? Goodwill Church and the larger Body of Christ need your contribution to the Kingdom of God and the World. There are many new opportunities on the horizon to seek His purpose for you this year. Take the next step and propose to commit to our one group, one service and one ministry philosophy. Begin by considering assisting in our Food Pantry or with the Angel Food Ministry. Care ministries like Stephen’s Ministry will be kicking off in 2009. Teaching, praying, serving blessings await you and others through you as you step out and respond with action.

Pastor David Kniffin