Presence

 

Last Sunday (6-27-21), I urged the congregation to see that our greatest joy is found in God’s presence.  Being with God is better than getting what (we think) we desire.  You can watch that sermon here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnytxbCHJMw (begin at 19:20 mark).  Be with God.

            Here I follow up that message with an encouragement for you.  This summer, 2021, discover what being is God’s presence is like for you. Prayer walking.  Periods of silent meditation.  Worship singing.  Journaling.  Find the mode and context in which you are able to tune out distractions and focus on hearing from God.  Feel God speak to your spirit. 

            Jesus promised “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).  Paul promises nothing in creation can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).   Why is it good news when we say “God is with us?”  I bet you can answer that question intellectually or rationally.  Or, if you don’t know the answer, you can research it and discover a cogent response. 

            Why is it good for us experientially?  I suspect this one is harder to articulate.  And this is not something you’ll learn by a google search our hours spent reading thick theology or spirituality books.  To experience God, you have to invest significant time and focused attention walking with God, sitting with God, and listening to God.  Do exactly that this summer.  Dedicate this summer to knowing God in your spirit.

            There will be trial and error, and frustrating periods of silence.  It’s worth the agony.  Transformation comes in the journey.  And, you’ll see the world around you differently, and you’ll become a new creation.  Practice the presence of God.  Discover who you are in light of your relationship with God in Christ. 

Graced (6/1/2021)

 

 

“Sin will have no dominion over you since you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

“Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).

“Live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2).

 

            Why this sampling of numerous New Testament verses about grace?  We are “graced” people.  We are saved by God’s show of grace, the sending of his beloved Son on our behalf.  The hope we have for eternal life is a gift God gives us.  If we understand we have been gifted with grace, we will be eager to extend grace to others.

            Opportunities to give grace come up in every encounter in life.  A most present and immediate application for grace is the awkwardness of emerging from COVID-19 quarantines, back into fully engaged life.  Those vaccinated and ready to take off masks need to have patience and give grace to those who insist we still need to wear masks.  Those not quite ready to be fully open can extend grace to people running around without masks on.

            Some people have not been vaccinated and there are still new cases of COVID-19 in our area every day.  Those under 12 years of age aren’t eligible for vaccination yet.  Vaccinated people can be carriers of COVID without getting symptoms themselves.  When they wear masks, they are “living in love” (Eph. 5:2), showing love for vulnerable, unvaccinated neighbors. 

            Whatever one feels about masks, vaccinations, and COVID-19, when we are in Christ, our priority is to share self-giving love to our neighbors as Christ gave himself for us.  If we approach others in a spirit of self-giving love and extend grace, we’ll get through the awkward conversations.  We’ll get past the tribulation of the pandemic.  Our purpose is to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus.  One of the ways we can do that is to give love and grace.