faith

by

Monday Morning Meditation 6-23-25

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5

We live in dark days.  There are wars and rumors of wars, there are battles and violence.  Our country is in political turmoil, people are constantly afraid, angry, upset and on edge.  This does not even take into account the actual issues that need to be addressed and the injustice and evil that is present in our lives.  We live in dark days.

When you walk into a dark room, what is the first thing you do?  Turn on a light.  The old saying “why curse the darkness when you can light a candle” is very appropriate for our times.  Yes, things are bad and I am very worried about the course of the world events, but I can do things around me.  I can light a candle of hope for people near me.  I can bring my light into every situation I enter.  Will my candle change the issues in the Middle East?  No, but the funny thing about light is this – the more light you have, the less darkness.  If we all do our part and light our candles, if we all go about and spread our hope with each other and with those in greatest need of hope we can make a change, or as Jesus says “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

It only takes a spark.  In your journeys this week, be the light.

Pastor Bill

by

Monday Morning Meditation 12-2-24

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore, you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

As we enter into this season of Advent, think about this passage – Paul reminding the church that we do not lack spiritual gifts, that God has blessed us with them and God is faithful. 

The season of Advent is about God’s faithfulness.  The Old Testament passages prophecy the arrival of the Anointed One, the Gospel passages remind us that the promise has been fulfilled even as we wait for the complete coming of the Kingdom of God.

This Hope is ours, God is faithful.

Have a blessed and hopeful Advent,

Pastor Bill

by

Monday Morning Meditation 10-7-24

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. Psalm 122:6

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Philippians 4:6

Today marks one year since the attack by Hamas, which has started a year of growing conflict.

Today marks 958 days since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Today is another day of flooding, lack of food, clean water and electricity for many victims of Hurricane Helene.

If we ever need to pray for our world, it is now.  Yet prayer is not enough; “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Ephesians 2:10.

While we cannot stop the wars in Ukraine or the Middle East, we can do something.  We can pray for peace, we can petition our leaders to do everything possible for a peaceful end to conflict.  We can provide needed supplies for hurricane victims.  We can donate to the many emergency organizations who are trying to help.  We can do a lot to make positive change.

As you think about the many events occurring in the world today, pray – then act.  Find some way to help.  Find some way to make a change.  If we all do this, we can make a better world.

Peace,

Pastor Bill

by

Monday Morning Meditation 5-20-24

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