During my time in college, I used to work out almost every day. I made it point to set aside time for a heavy dose of cardio and weights. As I was in this flow of daily workouts, I knew something was missing if I ever was to miss a day. My body would be lacking and soon enough I would be at gym yet again. However, this practice has waned over the years and as I fast forward 25 years, oh! how I have forgotten the importance of exercise and fitness!

And so it is with the Word. When we are in the Word, that is, week in week out attending Sunday and mid- week services, bible study, daily prayers and reading of scripture, we are partaking faithfully in our spiritual calisthenics. As we meditate upon scripture, how full we are in the promise of God and His Word. However, when we miss a Sunday, we know that something is missing. And soon enough the next Sunday rolls around and we tell ourselves, “I will get to church next time because football is on TV, or have too many other things to do”. Soon the habits of hearing and studying His Word slows and fast forward 25 years, oh! How I have forgotten the importance of God’s Word.

This is how the devil works as he downplays the importance of God’s Word. The devil who always casts the lies, “the Word can wait another week”, or “you have a better place to be”.

In this season of Lent, it is a time to unfurl and examine the priorities in our lives. What is our priority? When we miss church, do we actually miss it? or has Sunday become another ho-hum day in our lives? Yet the deeper question is, what are you are actually missing?

God promises to be with us in His Word. As you confess your sins, our Lord is faithful and just and He indeed forgives you of all your sin. Hearing the words of Absolution, how comforting this is to rest upon the forgiveness of sins. As you sing and hear the words of the Kyrie, the Gloria, the Prayer of the day, the read- ings of Holy Scripture, the Sermon, the prayers of the church, and the receiving of the Lord’s Supper, the treasure trove of God’s grace is outpoured onto you. After communion, singing the Nunc Dimittis, “Lord, now let your servant, go in peace”, as these words are followed by the benediction, how important we realize this time is as our Lord is with us!

These are the gifts that you need and thus as we gather together Sunday after Sunday this is the best place to be. Thanks be to God for our Lord’s faithfulness, for where He promises to be, He is. “Take, eat; this is My + body, which is given for you... Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My + blood, which is shed for you for the for the forgiveness of sins...” Indeed, this is the best place to be.

Have a blessed March

✝️ Pastor Jeong

The full newsletter can be found here:
https://FLC.ms/files/pdf/2023/2023-03-Newsletter.pdf