Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13
Today is Memorial Day, a day we set aside to remember and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. In your celebrations, in your chores, in all you do today, take a moment and give thanks.
Peace,
Pastor Bill
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22
Yesterday was the celebration of Pentecost, that day in which the Holy Spirit is poured out to all who will receive. Churches across the world were decked out in red paraments, pastors wore their red stoles, and the topic of the sermons were the Holy Spirt.
Now it is Monday, the color in the sanctuary goes back to White and we can put the Holy Spirit back into the box for next year…NOT.
Notice in John’s Gospel, Jesus gives the disciples the Spirit long before Pentecost, and He does so by breathing on them, just as the Father breathed the breath of life into Adam. He also said “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
On Pentecost we pray “Come, Spirit, Come”. Today I call you to receive the Holy Spirit. Daily we should pray for the Spirit and then we must receive the Spirit. It’s like a football game. A receiver cannot keep asking for the ball to be thrown his way, and not catch it. The Holy Spirit will come on our request – we must then receive the Spirit.
As you travel through this week, pray for the Spirit and be ready to catch!
Peace,
Pastor Bill
1I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
It is hard to live a life with humility and gentleness, especially when the world seems so bent on cruelty and anger. Yet Paul calls us to live that life because we are Spirit Filled Jesus followers.
Can you imagine what the world would look like if at least all the Christians lived this way? Can you imagine what your Monday would look like if you and I lived this way? Shall we try?
Today, give someone a break, even if they were not nice to you. Do not be mad at the bad driver, maybe they are having a rough day. Give extra grace to the grumpy guy in the office. Be kind and make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Just for today.
Peace,
Pastor Bill
1 Timothy 2:1-2
1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity
It’s no secret that the world is a mess right now. The war in Ukraine has been going on over two years, and truthfully, the recent conflict started ten years ago.
The battle in Gaza has been ongoing since October, yet we all know the tension in the Middle East are many decades old.
There are ongoing conflicts and tensions in Haiti, Somalia, Libya, Myanmar, and shall I go on? There are wars and rumors of wars. Some we follow on a regular basis, others we never hear about (because there is “relatively little impact to the United States”), and yet we should do something.
Few of us are able to manage these conflicts, but we can all pray. Pray for the various governments of the world, pray for world leaders that they are guided by wisdom from above, and that they seek out justice and peace for all people. Who knows, God can always guide them towards the way of peace.
Take a moment today and pray for the areas of conflict in the world.
Peace,
Pastor Bill
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
So it is Monday morning and let me guess; everyone got up, dressed, had breakfast and got out the door with plenty of time to get to work and school. What? I’m wrong? Really?
Truth is many face struggles in the morning (which seems to come earlier and earlier each day). For our students, there is the start of a new school week and perhaps there was not enough time to finish homework and study over the weekend. Maybe there is a test this morning.
Many in an office face a pile of emails (and thanks for reading this post), to do lists, projects and the such. Those working in factories have equipment issues, delays in supplies and more. I could go on but the point is this: Even on a bad morning we can turn to God to find peace. Jesus offers a peace that goes beyond the chaos of your day. If this Monday morning is one of “Those” Monday mornings, take a moment away from the chaos, do some deep breathing and pray.
One of my favorite prayers for days like this comes from Teresa of Lisieux;
Just for today,
what does it matter, O Lord, if the future is dark?
To pray now for tomorrow I am not able.
Keep my heart only for today,
grant me your light—
just for today. Amen
Thin Places 