Pastor's Corner

A group of people were enjoying the thrill of a roller coaster in North Carolina when the train of little cars got stuck. For 45 minutes the people suffered, being strapped in the cars upside down. One fellow was quoted as saying, "I personally watched my tears fall from the sky. It was terrifying."

Happily, no one was injured.

Hopefully we will never get stuck upside down on a roller coaster. However, when we make more of the gifts God gives us than the One who gives them, it will end up turning our lives upside down. The gifts God gives us are intended to bring us into a richer relationship with Him. His goodness toward us is meant to move us closer to Him in gratitude and appreciation. Yet we must be cautious. His gifts are so good that if we aren't careful, we'll get stuck on worshiping the gift rather than the giver.

The answers to life don't come from idolizing the gifts. The answers to life come from putting the Lord and His Word above all else. His gifts to us are directional. They are intended to direct our lives toward Him. They are the practical touch of our loving God in our daily lives. James 1: 17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church