THE TABLE OF KINDNESS

 

September 8, 2023

2 Samuel 9:13

 

“So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he ate always at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.” 

 

The Old Testament book of 2 Samuel details the life of David. After David, as God’s own choice, assumed the throne as Israel’s King, he asked if there were any other relatives of Saul still living, Saul, the previous king who, in jealousy, had tried to murder him. In those days it was common for a new king to kill the rest of the royal family, so there were no other challengers to the throne. David reasons for seeking out Saul’s relatives was not to eliminate them, rather he wanted to show Saul’s family kindness because of his relationship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, who had died in a battle.

Johnathan had a son who was crippled and living in hiding because he was afraid that David would kill him. Can you imagine what Johnathan’s son Mephibosheth, must have felt emotionally when King David sent for him. He did not know David’s reasons as is evidenced in his response before the King. When Mephibosheth came to David, (expecting to be killed) he fell on his face and paid respect to the new King. David responded and said, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Johnathan and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father and you shall eat at my table always” (2 Samuel 9:7).

This story, at a first look, just looks like a nice little story, but it holds much more than that. This situation described is like our relationship with God. We are vulnerable, weak, fragile and broken and yet God has a place for us at His table, regardless of our flaws and shortcomings. He loves us so much and wants us to get to know Him.

This story seems small and short but it is full of love and reflects God’s amazing love. David’s promise to Johnathan’s son is like what God’s grace gives to us. In other words, if you will allow me to say it, we are like Mephibosheth.

·         We were in hiding.

·         We were separated from our Creator King.

·         God then took the initiative to step toward us, seek us out as recipients of  his kindness.

·         Our separation from God was because we didn’t know God’s character and His love for us.

·         God extravagantly blesses us with the gift of abundance that goes beyond anything we had before.

·         Now we have an open invitation and place at the King’s table.

·         No matter who we are, what we have done, God’s  unconditional love is extended to us.

I invite you to read 2 Samuel 9 and read the story with a fresh pair of eyes and see how David’s kindness is a reflection of God’s kindness to us. It’s a beautiful image to read and realize that God comes to us in kindness and invites us to eat at His table always. Our response is to sit down, and get to know how great our God is. 

FRIENDSHIPS and FELLOWSHIP

 

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

 

 

For those of us who have them, strong friendships are blessings in our lives. These relationships can help motivate us closer to Jesus and bring us joy. I believe we all know from experience that developing strong Christian friendships does not happen instantly. Fellowship is an important quality in pushing one another closer to God while building close bonds with each other.

In the New Testament, we find a very important word, koinonia. This Greek word roughly translates to fellowship. What is fellowship in the Bible? Well, fellowship relates to community and coming together with a common goal, to bring glory to God. Ultimately, fellowship is about God.

Now on a practical level fellowship involves us loving, caring, and looking out for each other. As we serve Christ, we can also look for opportunities to be there for one another. You may think of other examples of Fellowship, but here a few that came to my mind.

·         Going to Church and Worshipping together

·         Praying together

·         Studying scripture together

·         Eating together

·         Doing tasks together

·         Playing together

I have come to understand that at the heart of it, Biblical fellowship comes back to Christ and pursuing him in all of life.

When it comes to friendships and developing relationships with other Christians, fellowship allows us to connect and unite. Biblical fellowship allows us to encourage one another and push each other closer to Christ. It is possible of course, to have friendships with non-believers and we should, these relationships keep us sharp too. Yet those friendships formed through a common love and a mutual respect for Christ and his word can be so rewarding and enriching.

It is also important to remember that strong friendships do not just appear. They take effort and consistency on our part. It is so, so, worth it!

 

“… if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,

  we have fellowship with one another . . .”     1 John 1:7

LET IT SHINE

 

SEPTEMBER 6, 2023

 Matthew 5:14-16

 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

 

You run your hand across the wall, struggling to find the light switch in the pitch-black room. After some searching, your fingers graze the switch, and you inwardly celebrate finally finding it. As the switch is flipped, the room is engulfed in light. Every aspect of the room that was hidden moments before is suddenly visible and the darkness, is gone.

Anyone who has been in a dark room or outside at night knows how powerful a simple light can be. Even one light can change the entire environment. In the Bible, Jesus calls us to let our lights shine. I have found a good way to remember this is to recall the children’s song, "This Little Light of Mine." You know how it goes right?

“This little light of mine

I’m going to let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”

This means that we reveal Jesus love and reflect his light in the world. Shining our lights does not have to be a big extravagant gesture. In fact, most times it is the simple everyday things we do and the way we live that show Jesus light to those around us. It could be as straightforward as staying positive when other people have a negative attitude. Or perhaps, praying for someone who is struggling through a difficult time. Or feeding the hungry, or helping our neighbor. When we do these things, we are reflecting Christ and glorifying God.

In the world, there is goodness and people glorifying God. However, there is also the opposite. There is darkness, suffering and sin. John 1:5 reminds us that the “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” The light of Jesus, and that light in us, dispels the dark places in our world.

With the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help, we always have an opportunity to be a light. We can choose to pursue peace, hope and love in a time when there seems to be none. We can care about others when they might not care for us. We can follow Christ when the world is going the opposite way. Our lights can consume the darkness, with Christ our lights will not go out, but will glow and shine.

Let our response today be to sing with the children, “let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

 

A FRESH START

 

SEPTEMBER 05, 2023

Lamentations 3:22-23

 

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 

 

Today marks the beginning of a new season. At least that’s what many people feel, summer holidays are done, a new school year begins for Children and Parents, for College and University students, for those beginning a new life stage – new career, marriage, maybe retirement. Let’s be honest: We all need fresh starts and new beginnings at times.

The wonderful reality about being a Jesus follower is that we are given a fresh start every day. Every morning God is calling us to deeper places, providing us with the opportunity to start Fresh. Each new day, his love, wisdom, and forgiveness are waiting for us. His mercies (compassions) are new every morning, as our text says.

Maybe between last September 5 and today we can say that it was the best year ever for us, or maybe it was the hardest. Either way, our verse today gives us the promise of something new. The invitation is for each of us to take the time to reflect on what should remain in the past, (stop here make a mental list of things to leave behind) and pray for what we want this year to be filled with, we then move forward in hope.

So, as you take the time to reflect today, I want to challenge you to think about what you need more of in your life moving forward and ask God to help position you toward those things that will strengthen and make for a life full of hope.

Remember, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

LET US PRAY

Lord, help me to leave what is in the past in the past. I ask for a fresh start today. Would you please reveal to me the things that are harmful in my life that I need to leave behind, and give me eyes to see what you want this new season to be about? Thank you for your faithfulness, that you never give up on me. Thank you for new beginnings. Amen.

 

ABOUNDING in the WORK of the LORD

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

 Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters ….

1 Corinthians 15:58

“therefore...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

I know that Labor Day is a secular holiday, yet I believe it is a holiday that Christians should easily embrace and celebrate. Not simply because we desire a day off, but because within the scheme of God’s creation, labor is one of the primary ways in which we express our likeness to God and our love for neighbor. As we participate in building a world in which human beings thrive and flourish across all areas of life.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58, we read “therefore...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” Paul isn’t just talking about his own work, or that of those who assisted him in ministry. Labor within the Christian Community is not just about ministry, although its is about ministry. Christian labor is larger than ministry purposes. I feel that Paul is talking about the ordinary work of all the people that would have first heard the letter read in the context of worship, the wealthy and the poor, the powerful and the powerless. Our labor matters - within the Christian community, and as part of world, in both contexts work matters. Jesus’ resurrection anchors our lives within a  new way of taking up any type of work as one in the Lord and in the way of the Lord. 

Reflect on the teaching below in our contemporary Testimony about work and labor.

Our World Belongs to God  

Contemporary Testimony CRCNA

Our work is a calling from God.
We work for more than wages
and manage for more than profit
so that mutual respect
and the just use of goods and skills
may shape the workplace.
While we earn or profit,
we love our neighbors by providing
useful products and services.
In our global economy
we advocate meaningful work
and fair wages for all.
Out of the Lord’s generosity to us,
we give freely and gladly
of our money and time.

 

 

 

Let us pray to the Lord of all creation, from whom comes life and work and purpose.

Almighty God, when you formed us lovingly out of the dust of the earth, you breathed into us the breath of life and gave us work and purpose for living.

 

Through our work, you made us co-creators with you, shaping the world in which we live.

You gave dignity to our labor by sending your Son to labor with us.

 

By our labor, you enrich the world.

By our labor, we enjoy the fruits of creation.

 

By our labor, we find direction and purpose.

By our labor, our families are made secure.

 

For providing varieties of work and for blessing us by our labor:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

For those who plow the field and those who make the plow; for farmers and farm workers, for steelworkers and machinists; for those who work with their hands and those who move the earth:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

For those who tend the sick and those who seek new cures; for doctors and nurses, for scientists and technicians; for those who keep notes and those who transcribe:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

For those who think and those who create; for inventors and explorers, for artists and musicians; for those who write books and those who entertain:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

For those who work in offices and those who work in warehouses; for secretaries and receptionists, for stockers and bookkeepers; for those who market products and for those who move them:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

For those who inspire our minds and those who motivate us; for teachers and preachers, for public servants and religious servants; those who help the poor and those who work with our children:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

For those whose labor is tidiness and cleanliness; for janitors and sanitary workers, for drycleaners and maids; for those who produce cleaning products and those who use them:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

For those who sail the waves and those who fly the skies; for captains and attendants, for astronauts and deep sea divers; for those who chart and those who navigate:

We give you thanks, O Lord.

 

You bless us all with skills and gifts for labor.

You provide us opportunities to use them, for the benefit of others as well as ourselves.

 

Guard and protect those who labor in the world.

Bless the work of our hands, O Lord.

 

Look kindly upon the unemployed and the disabled.

Give health to the sick, hope to the bereaved.

 

Keep us from laboring only for greed.

Make us loving and responsible in all that we do.

 

Creator Lord, you are the source of all wisdom and purpose, you are the blessing of those who labor. Be with us in our labor to guide and govern our world. Give all men and women work that enhances human dignity and bonds us to one another. Give us pride in our work, a fair return for our labor, and joy in knowing that our work finds its source in you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

I JUST WANT TO BE A BRANCH

 SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 

I believe today’s passage offers an important encouragement: don’t give up!

You might feel worn out, or you might wonder if you’re accomplishing any good thing for the Kingdom. But be reminded that outcomes are not in our hands and God has promised that good things are to come if we continue to be faithful. We are sowing the seeds that God promises to harvest.

We are sowing the seeds 

that God promises to harvest.

I just had to repeat that for us. 

If you are finding yourself lacking the energy or strength to serve, take the encouragement from our verse today, and then tap into the source of all the strength we need. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Don’t overlook God’s power working in you that will produce fruit.  Truly we can do nothing apart from Jesus. Staying connected with Him is essential for us to carry out the work He’s called us to.

 

REFLECT

 

In what ways are you staying connected to “the Vine” as you faithfully serve?

AN OVERWHELMING REVELATION

 AUGUST 31, 2023

2 Timothy 1:9

 “It is He who saved us and chose us for His holy work, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan long before the world began.”

 

Have you ever reflected on the notion that we are not simply saved from something, but we are saved FOR something? According to today’s verse, we have been saved and chosen to do God’s work, the really powerful thing to me is that this role has been God’s plan all along. What a revelation that is!

I don’t know if we grasp this as fully as we should. Just think with me for a moment, God provided a  rescue (salvation) on our behalf so that we could then turn around as Christ’s Ambassadors and do the same for others, tell them about God's amazing grace, help those around us to learn and see that God is the rescuer we need.  The best way for us to carry this calling out is to eagerly serve God for Kingdom purposes.

What does that look like? Scripture demonstrates an abundance of ways that this can take place in our lives. As we noted a couple days ago, as members of the body of Christ, we have talents and giftedness that God will use for Kingdom work.

Teaching, giving, encouraging, leading, and showing mercy are all highlighted in Romans 12. Matthew 25 highlights the significance of offering food to the hungry, hospitality to a stranger, care for the sick, visits for prisoners, offering clothing for the naked. Jesus emphasizes the importance of bringing children to know and experience Him in Mark 10. These are just a few examples we encounter in God's word.

Let me ask, What is the holy work to which you’ve been gifted and called?

 

REFLECT

Perhaps you are unsure of your gifts, and how God might want to use you. Let me suggest as a beginning point, that you pray and ask God where and how He would have you carry out the holy work to which you are called. And then as you listen for God’s voice,  respond in faithful obedience, to his call.

 

YOU ARE NEEDED

 AUGUST 30, 2023

Romans 12:4-8

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

 

Romans 12 gives us a great picture of how God has designed us to operate as followers of Jesus, as the church, the Community of faith. He compares it to the body, which has lots of parts and various functions, but which all work together harmoniously to function in a healthy way.

You will note it teaches us that if any part of the body is dysfunctional or not operational, the whole body suffers. Which means, if we, as part of the body of Christ, are not using our gifts to serve the body of Christ, the body is suffering.

Do not misunderstand your place in the Community of Faith. You Are Needed!

So, let this be your encouragement to engage in what you’ve been created to do.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” You may not feel you have a contribution to make. But God says you do. And the best way to discover what that may be, if you’re unsure, is to begin to engage. Give serving a try. And keep trying until you find that thing that helps you experience both fruitfulness and fulfillment. 

You’ll be glad you did. And so will the body of Christ.

 

REFLECT

 

In what way can you begin to engage in serving in the body of Christ. To answer this think about what things concern you, where your passions lie, what you enjoy doing, what talents and gifts has God has given you.

 

A HEART OF HUMILITY

AUGUST 29, 2023

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

 

Often, we can view serving as a duty.  But let us remember that the kind of serving God desires initiates from the heart. A heart of humility.

I believe you will agree that humility is countercultural. If you think about it from an early age, we are conditioned to think and believe that “it’s all about me.” Child-centered parenting, a continual bombardment of media messaging, and our own natural inclinations shape us toward a “me first” perception.

Jesus demonstrated a life that is always countercultural. A life that goes against the flow. And to follow Him faithfully, you and I must intentionally seek to cultivate humility in our lives.

The humility that the Bible calls us toward is marked by these three characteristics,

Complete dependence on God’s mercy              Luke 18:10-14
Unconcern for power, prestige, and position    Matthew 23:8
Wholehearted acceptance of God’s Word         Philippians 2:6-8                                                                                                                       

 

Reflect

Read through today’s passage a couple of times, and as you do, reflect upon your own heart. Ask God to reveal your motivations in the things you choose to spend your time doing, and to lead you toward greater humility.

GO AHEAD MAKE SOME NOISE

 AUGUST 28, 2023

Psalm 150

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty firmament!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with clanging cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

Praise the LORD! Where?

“ … in his sanctuary.” Not in some confined place, but wherever we experience God in life, as we gaze from our own yards into the heavens; as we walk along the pavement by the river; on a excursion to Point Pelee, as we listen to a music as we do our chores; as we pray in the solitude of our homes or sing in a congregation of worshipers. We praise God whenever and wherever our hearts are inspired to do so.

Praise the LORD! Why?


“ … for his mighty deeds, according to his surpassing greatness!” Praise the Lord for the rain, which nourishes the earth; for the wonder of a sunrise; for the cry of a newborn child; for the questions from the inquiring minds of young children; for healing bodies through the medical community; for comforting hearts as the Lord works through his servants.


Praise the LORD! How?


With some noise!! Make some Noise. With a diversity of instruments! 


Praise the LORD! Who?


Everything that breathes is to praise God! Breath is a sign of spirit, of life. Let’s all take note of the goodness of God in our lives today. Let’s be instruments, ourselves, and praise the LORD!


LET'S PRAY

"Give us pause, today, O God, to breathe in and out, to look, to listen, and so to notice and celebrate your goodness. Move us to applause, to song, to prayer, to smiles, to words and acts of gratitude, which praise you with our whole selves." Amen.

PUTTING OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

 

August 25, 2023

 

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

 

Putting Our Best Foot Forward

 

 The Bible makes it clear how we should approach new endeavors in our lives. Proverbs tells us to, “commit to the Lord whatever you do.” I believe what we are to understand by this is that considering God’s will in our lives and committing our actions to God, we can, as the saying goes, “put our best foot forward” and launch off on the right track.

In Church life, we tend to think of a new year starting in September, many of our ministries rise up from a summer rest, and get ready to start fresh, new and revived. I feel that this is not just in Church Communities, we all step into September, with some new endeavors and maybe some dreams for a real change in direction.

As we finish the week, I have been thinking about “new things”, my guess is you have been too. What new things are on your mind today? Maybe for you a new thing is launching a business, or a career change, moving to a new neighborhood or city, for some of us the new thing is moving forward after the death of dear loved one, caring for an aging parent, or some other painful loss.

I wanted to just touch a few areas, or focuses that can help all of us who are setting out into something new.

Todays, verse says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Placing the “new” into God’s hands and seeking God’s will and purposes is way to start things off. The Bible teaches us that committing our way to God, seeking God’s will and way, that our God will “direct our paths”.

With that truth as a foundation, we lean in and with confidence we make the commitment to give our very best to where and how God leads us. When we put our very best effort and energy into a change or new thing, we have confidence that we are doing all we can to be faithful and fruitful in our efforts.

I think of Colossians 3:23 that says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Doing our best requires us to have our heart and attitude in the right place. You know what I have found? In that place I have discovered the “peace of God that passes all understanding” and that peace we are promised will “guard our hearts”.

Putting our best foot forward, means seeking God’s will, following God’s direction, giving our very best to the task, and it also requires us to persevere. A reality we all know very well, is that life can be difficult, challenges and struggles are commonplace. Let us be reminded that not everything that is worthwhile is easy. In fact, sometimes the best things can be the hardest, whether it is earning a degree, starting a business, building or mending relationships, moving forward after loss, or growing in our faith.

We trust God and we push forward. We do what Hebrews 12:1 teaches, we “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

One final thought, on putting the best foot forward, is the continual act of praying for God’s guidance. One of my favorite scriptures, is from Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isn’t that a wonderful promise? 

We commit our plans to God and follow where God leads, we give our best to the task, though obstacles come our way, we in great trust in our God, “run with perseverance” toward the goal, and we do this knowing that God is Good, that God is loving toward all he has made, we do this by seeking God’s guidance and listening for God’s voice that says “this way, walk this way.”

Yes, Proverbs has some great wisdom for us today, dare I say for everyday.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, 

and he will establish your plans.” 

AMEN

 

 

WELCOME HOME

 

August 24, 2023

Ephesians 2

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

 

WELCOME HOME

The whole world is dealing with the issue of refugees and migrants, people displaced from their homes due to war, internal conflict, economic hardship, political persecution, violence, climate change, and a host of other problems. When refugees realize they cannot return home again, they long to find a new community where they can belong, rebuild their lives, and begin anew, becoming new citizens in a new nation.

Paul uses the image of a refugee to illustrate how our status changes when we come into a relationship with Jesus. We were outsiders, excluded from citizenship with God’s Chosen People. Ephesians 2:11-13 says Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth . . . were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” The passage goes on to say “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” The outcome of what Jesus did by his death on the cross, was that he destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” (Ephesians 2:14) so that we can enjoy a relationship with God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).

Good News!! The wall between us and God has crumbled!

We then become members of God’s family, citizens in the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 2:19, states that we become “fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” We then, are no longer strangers, wandering from place to place, looking for safety and acceptance and love. We are welcomed home! Accepted as a citizen and member of the community that welcomes others searching for safety, acceptance, and love (Ephesians 2:22).

The Good News doesn’t end with this, however. We not only experience the wonderful words of welcome, that say, “You have arrived! You belong! You are loved! Welcome Home!” We in turn come to be proclaimers to other wanderers, refugees, and displaced people, who long to hear the words: "You have arrived! You belong! You are loved! Welcome Home!"

 

SURRENDERING the UNKNOWNS

 

AUGUST 23, 2023

Isaiah 55:8-9

 

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

 

Giving God the Unknowns

 

Life is full of unknowns and question marks. I find it can be easy to fall into worry and even fear about the future. I have learned over time, that we don’t have to live life in a cycle of fear and worry, we can grow to trust God, and learn the practice of surrendering to him the unknowns in our lives.

It is in these times that we need to call to mind who God is and what God promises to each of us. For example, we remember that God is all-knowing. God has knowledge of the past, present and the future. Truth is God knows more about the world and you and me, then we ever could. We sometimes say that “God knows us better than we know ourselves.” We can look at the unknowns in our lives, the uncertainties that cause us to fret, fear and worry and remind ourselves that what is unknown to us is known to our Good, and Loving God. So, we can open our heart and hands and let things go into God’s care.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our understanding is limited, our knowledge is incomplete. God’s is not, and when we trust God with the stuff of living, we can have a peace that passes understanding, about the path ahead of us. You see, we don’t have to surrender all the unknowns and worries all at once, we can take each day one at a time. Trusting and giving God each one, minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. Being mindful of Jesus words, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34

As Jesus followers may we grow and learn to live and trust God in the midst of the unknown and find the peace that passes our understanding.

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? 

The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” 

Psalm 27:1