And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” Genesis 1:20

Mourning doves are amazing birds.  They mate for life and return to their nesting place year after year.  We have had a pair of mourning doves in our yard who have returned many times.  As mourning doves can have up to six broods a year, our neighborhood is filled with that melancholic cooing.  In fact, lately this spring the cooing starts before my alarm clock.

While we always love to see the doves on our deck, their return this year has been extra special. Things are getting better here (yet we continue to pray for those nations still in grave battle with Covid), and the return of the mourning doves reminds me that God is still in control.  Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands”.  Appreciating nature is a great way to examine God’s works.

As you travel through this week, stop for a moment, look around at the beauty of nature and give God thanks.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

These parting words from Jesus, just before His ascension reiterate both the call of all followers of Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower that call. It is a fuller description than what Luke writes in his gospel (You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Matthew’s gospel gives us the Great Commission – to go out into all the world teaching about Jesus, and again promises an eternal presence.

As followers of Christ, we all have the call to bear witness to Jesus in many aspects of our lives.  Some preach, some teach, some can simply talk about Jesus.  We all have a story to tell, and we are all called to share that story.  Fortunately, we need not fear doing this for God will empower us in our ministries, and God will be with us. Always.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
    and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25

Did you bring a blessing to someone yesterday?  Is there someone you can bring a blessing to today?

So often we go somewhere to be enriched, or blessed, or entertained, or a combination of these.  This includes a worship service.  We go to get something.  But did you bring something for another?  Did you leave a part of yourself for another?

This morning while on my weekly Presbytery Zoom call, I mentioned how I was struggling with the meditation this morning.  Another pastor chimed in, saying he also writes a Monday meditation and has been stuck as well.  He gave me a word of comfort and promised to pray that the meditation would come. 

I was blessed by attending the call.  I also blessed another by offering some support and shared some resources. 

Who can you bless today?  Who can you refresh or nourish tomorrow?  Whoever brings blessing will be enriched.

Peace,

Pastor Bill