Dear Lebanon, I know that many of you are BIG STEELER fans. The Steelers have played many memorable games, and their fans have always been steadfast in their support, even when a particular season wasn’t going well. The eternal hope is always, “If only we can make the playoffs, then we have another chance at a Super Bowl. In my reading of football history, I discovered that with the Steelers trailing 7–6 in the 1972 playoffs, on fourth down with 22 seconds left in the game, Terry Bradshaw threw a pass targeting Steelers John Fuqua. The ball bounced off the helmet of LA Raiders Jack Tatum and Franco Harris caught it and ran for a game-winning touchdown. The Steelers didn’t win the Super Bowl that season, but that play seemed to start the Steelers dynasty that won 4 Super Bowls before the end of the 1970s. Fans didn’t lose heart in the Steelers, and that is great, but let’s now talk about something more important. Not losing heart in our salvation.
When have you lost heart in God? Things going in the wrong direction at work, at home, in life! C.S. Lewis says that our lives are lived in the Shadowlands, because all of this is a shadow of what God intends for us. God is strengthening our spiritual bodies everyday as we come to know Him in His Word made Flesh, Jesus Christ, and in His Word found in Scripture. As Christians, we are renewed in the Spiritual baptism of the Holy Spirit through the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. Understanding this reality is the balm that allows us to grow spiritually, even when our physical selves may be diminishing. I find it interesting that it is easy to find a die-hard Steeler fan who NEVER loses heart, even when the team is not doing well, but at the same time, loses heart in God, and actually blames God for all of their misfortunes, regardless of their own culpability and actions. Nevertheless, God’s love for us is so immense and intense, God continually opens His arms to us, and always seeks for us to understand the renewal He offers everyday. Therefore, let us open ourselves to this renewal, especially as we enter 2026. Peace and Blessings!
In the Love of Jesus Christ, Pastor Bob – church
