Letter from the Pastor

From: Mel Dahlgren
Date: Saturday, January 5, 2002
Subject: Theme for 2002-EMBRACING THE TRUTH

Dear Family,

God says, "I find no greater JOY than to hear that my children walk in TRUTH." (3 Jn 1:4)

In 2001, our theme was "to love one another AS Christ loves us." 2001 has been like a dream for me as your pastor. There has been more peace, unity and love in our local family in 2001 than any previous year I can remember since we came to San Jose in July 1992. I THANK GOD for you, and I THANK YOU for loving one another. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

This year 2002, as we pursue a new theme, I want our church to focus on prayer. Four years ago in 1998, we set a goal or theme of becoming a house of prayer. I am pleased to see this becoming more of a reality each year. When we pray, blessings come. There has been a groundswell of emphasis on prayer reflected in our denomination as well as in the Christian community.

In his recent letter, Joseph Tkach wrote, “Prayer is one of the important ways in which we all participate… Authentic prayer flows out of a relationship of fellowship and communion with God.” We have been emphasizing prayer as the lifeblood of the church. We move forward on our knees. We cannot go forward, unless we fall down on our knees. It is never a battle we fight alone. We hold the Lord’s banner; the Lord fights the battle for us.

Dear family, sometimes we do not receive what we so desire, because we neglect to ask the Lord for it. Do you want peace amidst turmoil? Pray for it. Do you want joy in spite of the circumstances you face? Pray for it. Do you want understanding on matters that are hard to comprehend or difficult to accept? Pray for it. Do you want reconciliation in a failing relationship? Pray for it, pray together for it.

Our prayers should be constant, never wavering. The instructions and examples we see in the Bible are unmistakable. “Devote yourselves to prayer.” “Wrestle in prayer.” “Pray continually.” “Constantly pray.” “Night and day, pray.” “Be alert and always keep on praying.” “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer and requests.” “Pray for each other.” “Pray earnestly.” “Lift up holy hands in prayer.” Be authentic in your prayers. Take your frustration, depression, and emotions to the Lord. He can take it, more than your friends can. You can unload your burdens to Him, for He is willing to carry it for you. We need to fully know the true source of our help. God will be there for you - 24/7. Your friend may fail you. Your spouse may fail you. Your pastor may fail you. But the Lord, He will not fail you. He loves you more than you will ever know. He will wrap His arms so tight around you that you will know and feel His overwhelming presence and assurance. Never doubt His help. Just ASK in faith, SEEK His will, and Knock (make contact) with the Door Himself and invite His LIGHT and TRUTH into your life.

This year, 2002, I would like to ask us all as a family to pray for one special request all year: that we will collectively and individually seek to EMBRACE THE TRUTH in our personal lives. Jesus IS the truth, and He alone KNOWS the truth that we may be afraid to discover or uncover, let alone EMBRACE. Satan's greatest weapon is darkness, deception and lies. He's called the father of lies. And only when we EMBRACE the truth can we be set free so our lives can be filled with LIGHT!

Please read and study the 3 short books of John. This little treatise is a BIG tribute to the TRUTH. Pray fervently for the very understanding Jesus intended for us as He unfolds the TRUTH before us this year. And let's give Jesus Christ the biggest embrace possible every day, all year long, as we seek to EMBRACE THE TRUTH, Jesus Christ Himself.

Return to Letters from the Pastor Page