We began our conversation on Sunday October 1, a day which will now also be remembered by a horrifying act of senseless violence and evil. Often asking "what if...?" brings fear into our hearts and minds as we consider all the things that could go wrong in our world. The mass shooting in Las Vegas is, sadly, just the most recent example of the 'wrongs' which are a part of our daily living. But, Jesus does not want us to live in fear, aniexty, worry or panic.
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, Hope in Darkness, and Life in Death. Because of who he is and how we loves us, you and I are blessed with a different way to consider 'what if...". What if, what if...?, becomes a question about possibility out of impossibility?
Cindy Regnier's testimony of how God responded to her prayers during seemingly impossible times in her life lbeautifully illustrated this. If you missed her sharing, please reach out to her to listen to her powerful personal story. Thank you Cindy, for your vulnerability and willingness to trust God in impossibility.
Moreover, what if asking the question of 'what if...?' shifts the conversation? What if, what if..?, becomes a moment to trust God, who can do far more than we can imagine or give?
Reverend Linda Lawler helped us shift the conversation by challenging us on Sunday morning to turn from our wicked evil ways and thus re-orient ourselves back to God in Jesus. Facing the beautiful loving face of God focuses us on the Holy Spirit's light, hope, and peace. Because of how immense and amazing our God is, the eyes of our hearts have no more room for fear, aniexty, worry or panic. Thus, we are invited to:
1) Humble ourselves and pray- Proverbs 22:4a; John 3:27-28, 30; 2 Chronicles 33:10-13; Matthew 6:5-8a
2) See God's Face- 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Chronicales 22:19; Colossians 3:1-2
3) Turn from our wicked ways- Psalm 10:4; Ezekiel 33:10-17
On Tuesday morning of this week I spent time in our Ridge sanctuary. I knelt at our altar rail holding our Ridge UMC church directory in my hands. As best as I could I held you and offered you into God's amazing light of hope in prayer.
May each of us humbly turn, turn, turn to gaze deep into the loving, healing eyes of our Savior Jesus. May our gaze remain upon Him "...as the things of this world grow strangely dim... in the light of his glory and grace."(UMHymnal #349 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus).
See you at the turning place,
Pastor Michelle
No comments:
Post a Comment