Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent

Perhaps the heaviest burden we try to carry is the burden of mistakes and failures. What do you do with your failures?

Even if you’ve fallen, even if you’ve failed, even if everyone has rejected you, Christ will not turn away from you. He came first and foremost to those who have no hope. He goes t those no one else would go to and says “I’ll give you eternity.”

Only you can surrender your concerns to the Father. No one else can take those away and give them to God. Only you can cast all your anxiety on the one who cares for you. What better way to start the day than by laying your cares at His feet?
“Walking with the Savior” by Max Lucado

 Whether you are burdened today with regrets and remorse, burdened with the tyranny of the immediate and all you have to get done, or burdened with the financial challenge of “more month than money” we have an avenue of escape from the crushing load. Recently in my devotions (Experiencing the Heart of Jesus) God has given me such words of encouragement and hope that I could not wait to share them with you. Like each of us, I struggle as I lift and shoulder the burdens of life – all these I’ve mentioned above and many more. Early mornings seem to be the toughest time – lying awake in bed before the dawn and thinking about the school, or my family, or finances, or even failures – past and future ones.

I can’t seem to clear my head and face the day…until I call on God to take these burdens that He never intended me to bear. Most mornings I’m out walking the neighborhood while it is still dark, and I pour out the concerns which stirred me from my sleep. As I mentally hand them over to God I hear Him saying to me “That’s right. Now you’re getting it. Give them back to Me because I’ve got this…and this one too…and that one, I’ve already settled it.” God’s got them under control – all of them. Not the slightest or greatest care of ours escapes His loving gaze.
Read these verses, and if necessary take a moment to unburden your heart and mind, and then go forward in this day refreshed and renewed and released, as God intended you to be this day.

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit.

Job 10:12

For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Psalm 95:7

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.

John 14:16

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Psalm 23:1

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33