United Church of God

Letter From Dan Preston - April 10, 2020

Letter From Dan Preston

April 10, 2020

Greetings brethren and Happy Sabbath!  Last week's memory scripture was John 6:48 (NKJV), "I am the bread of life." Read the words spoken below that you may find clues to this week's verse!

A memorable week

This past week we observed the New Covenant Passover on Tuesday night, followed by the Night To Be Much Observed and the First Day of Unleavened Bread.  Although social distancing required us to be physically separate, it was good to see and hear from many of you via social media, phone calls, texts and letters!

Finding something to smile about

During this time, it's all too clear how easily we can be robbed of joy.  Being separated from our brothers and sisters in Christ is tough. Examining ourselves to find the sin that needs to be removed from our lives is hard work.  If we're not careful, we can let things rob us of all our joy!

Joy is fruit of the spirit we are supposed to have.  It's different than happiness. Happiness is a momentary feeling that fades in time.  Joy is an attitude that can - and should - last a lifetime!

A real source of joy

Physical things come and go.  When we try to tie our joy or happiness to them, we quickly learn that they can come and go as well.  We need something that will be a permanent source of joy. Something that will remain in us, no matter what.

Much like the bread of life we spoke about last week, Jesus Christ is our main source of joy.  Through trials, tribulations, fear, doubt, worry and concern, through Jesus Christ, our joy can be truly fulfilled!