GOOD NEWS

What a crazy world we live in! Our elected officials are being shot at; over much of the country, police officers are being killed at an alarming rate. The unemployment rate in northeast Michigan is “down to” a little over 18%. Alcohol is too often the answer that people who are suffering are turning to. When alcohol becomes involved, relationships are too often put into second place and spouses and children become punching bags. Our children are rebelling against all authority. There must be less painful answers to the problems that we are facing than addictive behavior! 

There are, Neighbors! Actually there is ONE answer; and the answer to the world’s problems is a person. His name is Jesus Christ.  Notice that I didn’t say that the answer is going to church. Church attendance might help you to become acquainted with the answer but in itself will only give you temporary relief. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

This Jesus, who is God, who  came to earth as a man so that He could live among us and identify with our day-to-day suffering, calls us from His throne in Heaven to look to Him and His book, the Bible, for answers to our suffering and concerns.

The Bible also tell us, “… be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely. Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times. So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do. Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit.^” (Ephesians 5:15-18)

Do the apostle Paul’s words resonate with you? Do they make even a bit of sense? If they do and you’re hurting right now, why don’t you seek out a pastor or church leader in your community and find out how you can begin the process of making the pain go away? There are no quick fixes but with the help of a good Christian leader and engaging God’s Word, you can find your way out of the pain and misery that hold you captive into a life of fulfillment. Jesus came to show us the way to a more abundant life. All that we have to do is reach out and receive Him and His love.