And you shall be my people, and I will be your God. Jeremiah 30:22

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:3

The eternal promise.  It is all through the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels and the Epistles.  No matter what happens in this life, God is with us; “though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” we need not fear for God is with us.

Our nation is having a lot of difficulties right now.  There is too much violence in the world today.  There are too many little issues that prevent people from coming together in community, even within a church congregation, there is just far too much toxic negativity in our world. 

Be still and know that God is God, and God is with us.

As you journey through this week, hold onto this basic promise; And you shall be my people, and I will be your God.  No matter what happens, we can always pray, we can always turn to God, we can rely on Him.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

The end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11

Love covers a multitude of sins.  If only that were true in our “secular” lives.  Too often we are judged by what we do for a living, or how much we earn, or what we do for others (not for “others” but for the one judging).  Yet when we serve in love, it does not go unnoticed.

While serving the homeless at our last mission meal, I watched as everyone stood at the serving line, offering food to the guests without judgment.  It did not matter what they looked like, or how they were dressed, we gave them what they needed (and extra in many cases).  This was done with love, and the serving was done with the strength that God supplies.

This is the case when the church is at its best, serving those in need, loving those whom God has created, speaking the word for everyone’s benefit. 

As you journey through this new week, do so with love, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Peace,

Pastor Bill