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Dear Friends,
It’s been a long road since I first came on staff as a director here at CRC and at the same time a relatively short one. There have been ups and downs and many things that I’ve learned about myself and my relationship with God and others, chief of which is how important fellowship is.
What a difference it makes to have a friend who is near and able to listen to your troubles and hurts, who’s honest and full of integrity, and who calls out your flaws, not to hurt you, but to help and encourage you, to bring your life into order and purity before God and man. If you find such friends, you ought to hold on tightly and listen to them very carefully, and what better friend could we have than Jesus?
He offers the truth and loves us to the point of laying down His life for His friends (John 15:11-17). We are not alone, if we have Christ. It’s so important to draw near to Him. Let’s not lose hope, for our faith is placed in our best friend, the One who never forgets His promises, who has chosen us and asks us to abide in Him (John 15:1-10).
Let’s do what He tells us to, for He’s much wiser, kinder, and more just than we are. This is something I’ve been reminded of in recent days. It can be incredibly tempting to give into the world and lose sight of the Lord's promises to us about His kingdom.
But I hope and pray that as you go, you will also find friends in the body of Christ who will minister to you the renewal you need and that you will offer them the same. Abide in Christ’s love, showing it even to your enemies, for while we were still sinners, God sent Jesus to save us. (Romans 5:1-11) I’ve grown a lot in the last few months and I pray that the Lord will bless your growth in Him this upcoming season too!
In Christ,
Peter Hansen
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