Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25

When we look at the news, when we hear of the devastation of the wild fires, or the hurricanes, or the continuing fighting going on in many countries, we get discouraged.  When we hear of violence and crime, we get disheartened. When we, or someone we know, is ill, and not getting better, we get down spirited.

But the author of Hebrews calls us to encourage one another, to provoke one another to love and good deeds.  Your good deeds may not end the war in Ukraine, they may not stop the wildfires, but they do incredible good.  Your act of kindness towards one person can be magnified – especially if we all do them.

Every time we do a good work, every time we encourage another, every time we show God’s love, we make a difference.

As you travel through this new week, make a difference.  Do something nice for another, spread some cheer, encourage someone who is hurting, and be the difference in the world.

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, ^bone God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6

Today is Inauguration Day, when a new president is sworn in and the administration begins.  Today is also Martin Luther King, JR. Day, a day we set aside to remember the work of a man who turned the country around. 

There is still a struggle for freedom and justice in our nation and, while the hope is that our government will work towards “justice for all”, we also know that it begins with us.

Every day, each of us have the opportunity to serve our fellow humans.  We can treat others with grace and dignity, we can lend a helping hand, we can serve like Jesus served. 

Today, we have a chance to lead a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:1-10

Since New Year’s Day, the lights have been going out and the neighborhood getting darker.  Some turned off the Christmas lights immediately, others through the past week (and, some still have them on). 

Over the weekend, we started to take down the decorations and the tree.  We removed all the ornaments and I was taking off the strings of lights when I found one last ornament – one that said Joy.

Joy.  It can be so elusive for many during the holiday season.  For some, it brings up the grief of loss, especially if it is one of the first Christmas seasons without a loved one.  For others, the ongoing crises in the world, the country, and even within our families and friends.  Health has been difficult for a lot of people I know, including a bout within our household before Christmas.  We were unable to do a lot of things we normally do, and that was sad.  We have some friends going through serious issues and know the season was not necessarily the “most wonderful time of the year.”

Yet there was that Joy ornament.  It spoke to me as I removed the lights, and took the tree outside.  While I am not feeling it right now, I know that ultimately joy awaits.  Isaiah reminds us that God will give us strength, God will uphold us.

If you are going through a joyless time, I am not going to tell you that a few scripture verses will fix it.  I will say, however, that God is still with you, God walks with you and you can turn to God.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

“Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10

The other night we had multiple appliances running and lately, our dryer is very loud.  We could not hear the television, and could barely hear each other.  When we paused the dryer, for a moment, everything was silent and it was wonderful.

This morning the snow is falling, there is very little traffic on our street and in the stillness, I am aware of God’s presence. 

Soon, the neighborhood will be filled with the sounds of the snowblowers, but for right now, it is quiet and peaceful.

It is in these moments we need to silence our thoughts and still our actions so we can be more receptive to God’s presence.

No matter where you are this morning, take some time in silence, reflect on God and find some peace.

Pastor Bill