One World, One Creation
The anticipation of the arrival of the Christ child must have been exciting as well as more than a little stressful. A couple of years ago in church we focused on trying to determine what God wanted us to “see” through the season of Advent. I thought a lot about maybe God really wanted us to be intentional and not just go through the motions–praying with intention, loving with intention, studying with intention, greeting one another with intention, serving with intention and rejoicing with intention. In being intentional about preparing for the arrival of Christ, I thought of Mary and Joseph and how they were intentional to continue their long journey and to find a warm, safe place for the manger–in a stall. The Wise Men were intentional about following that star having selected the gifts they brought to honor the birth of our Messiah. So, I’m being intentional in sharing my thoughts with you, as we all seek the true hope and peace in our God’s gifts of love, compassion, healing, guidance, and most important of His preparing a place for each of us in His glorious Eternal Kingdom. The year 2020 has been such a different time around our entire world. Perhaps, many of us have had a fresh reminder that we are One World, One Creation–so much brokenness, despair, loss, and, yes, hate. We must remember there is healing Light that each of us can shine as we intentionally work to reflect the gifts of our Creator. I wish for you the Joy and Peace that this season brings, and may it remain in our hearts always. Let us share it with intention to all in the hope of creating a more peaceful world we share. ...
Read MoreThe New Commandment
I wonder if every generation as they age looks at the state of the world and thinks, perhaps, we are nearing the end times. With the news here in our own country as well as around the world, it is disheartening to say the least as we watch reports on TV and read in the news. When terrorists have become so barbaric in their attacking and killing which is extremely widespread and growing, some days it just seems too much to even inform ourselves. Yet, I know we must, for if we are not informed, how can we stand in support of those being so persecuted and many times for their faith? I recall in my days with our local United Way, when things were off track, when there was a community problem or people hurting, we would pull together people around the community table to determine what could be done to help. We didn’t just pull together people of the same perspective, we wanted community decisions, so we endeavored to convene a group reflective of the community including the people in need. Sometimes the solutions were costly and other times the “cost” was in the form of clearer communication, attitude adjustments, and strengthening relationships based on trust of all concerned. But, terrorism really changes things. Terrorists are ruthless, cold-hearted and cold-blooded in their actions and resolve. They are sinister…yes, evil! Let’s change focus here a moment. On the night before Christ was to be crucified, a VERY dark time, he gathered with His disciples for what we know today as the Last Supper. They broke bread and shared wine and He told them He was going to be leaving them to go to the Father. Christ, the King of Kings, then washed their feet…He became a servant. Now on this final night before He was to be crucified, what one thing do you think he would say to them? What would He leave them with before His departure? In the Gospel of John, we learn that Christ chose to tell His disciples the New Commandment. That one thing. That all-important commandment that can change the world. “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another.” John 13:34 Pure. Simple. Truth. “As I have loved you, you must love one another.” Whatever our foe is on any day or everyday…hatred, serious illness, violence in the home or community or world…I KNOW that love is stronger. Many solutions or inventions come from asking one simple question…What If ? What if… the entire world would choose LOVE? Just...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
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