Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

From spending time exploring and learning in Wittenberg, to tropical trekking in Ruidoso for Vacation Bible School, I have been blessed to be bathed in God’s Word these last several weeks.  It is an infectious and incredible joy to hear God’s Word.

One of the things I was reminded of most when Rebecca and I were on our retreat in Germany was the remedy to spiritual lethargy is leaning in and being present to hear more of God’s Word. The temptation is to say, “I don’t feel like hearing God’s Word,” “I don’t feel like praying,” “I don’t feel like going to church.” 

This is when we need to push ourselves even more to do these very things.  It is only in these very things that we encounter God’s comfort and promises.  It is in these things that he restores our joy and energy for hearing and loving the Word of God.  The promise is that losing our joy for the Word of God is seasonal.  He will restore His joy for you.  He sustains the joy of hearing the Word. He gives us promises and gifts that do just that.  We must show up to receive them.  

If you are enjoying a season of great joy in the Word and a spiritual vitality, God be praised.  May you be sustained in this joy through all of life’s situations.  If you are persevering through a season of spiritual lethargy, where joy and vitality for God’s good gifts are absent, Lord have mercy.  Come and receive the Word.  Sing the deep and profound hymns that teach and catechize our souls.  Take the Lord’s Supper knowing that the promises of God which He attaches to this sacrament are true for you.  It might feel like you are just “going through the motions”, but fear not.  It is in these very motions that God will also restore your joy.  

Come.  Gather.  Receive. Be satisfied.  I’ll see you all in service where I promise to deliver to you those things that God has given me to share:  His Word and His Sacraments.  In this we find great joy.  

Please continue to pray for our work this week at VBS as we surround ourselves and these kids with the joyful Word of the Lord.  God be praised!

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust