I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” John 10:14-16

Have you ever wandered about this saying of Jesus, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold”?  It can be interpreted in many ways, yet in the end, this saying reminds us that Jesus’ love and compassion goes far beyond what we expect. 

As we go before God in prayer this week, let us remember to pray for the other sheep, those who might not be considered “God’s children” for whatever reason we assign, those who might feel left out of things, those who may have been forgotten, and those who just do not know God’s love, for Jesus is reaching to them as well.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

First 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. ³This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

There are problems in our world.  There are many places across the globe that are in conflict.  We know the biggies such as Ukraine and Gaza, but there is still ongoing violence in Sudan, Myanmar and more.

There are also conflicts in our own country, political upheaval, civil unrest and ongoing racism. 

Sometimes we feel unable to do anything yet we have one very strong weapon – prayer.  We can pray for the world leaders to do just and right things.  Even if we do not like the leader, pray for them – for peace to pervade their hearts and minds, for each world leader to do good for the planet.

As you journey through this week and hear the news, stop for a moment and pray for all in high positions.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Well, the game is over, the Eagles won the Superbowl, Jalen Hurts is the MVP of the game, and a parade will happen on Friday.  Congratulations to the team and the fans, it was a great season.

With all the turmoil going on in the world and the country, it is good to sometimes take a moment and enjoy something fun.  Watching my team dominate the Chiefs was fun!

Yet the Superbowl is not the only good thing we observed yesterday.  Our church participated in the Souperbowl of Sharing and we collected over 300 cans of soup for a local pantry.

This is the beauty of life – we can enjoy a football game and provide for the hungry at the same time.

This week, enjoy the victory (unless you are a Chiefs fan) and look for ways to help.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:2

Everywhere I turn people are nasty.  Comments on social media are nastier than ever.  People speak to each other with disrespect, and even hate.  Civil discourse is all but extinct.

Yet that is not how we, as followers of Christ, are to behave.  We can disagree with each other but we must do so with grace and mercy.  We can have differing opinions on politics, economics, education and even the church, as long as we do so with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

This week, strive to follow this passage.  If you disagree with someone, talk with them, one on one, without the baggage of nastiness.  Look at situations from all viewpoints.  Try to understand the other person.  Remember that they, too, are created in the image of God. 

Peace,

Pastor Bill