March 18, 2020
A word from the pastor:
I pray that all of you are keeping yourself safe and well. These are uncertain times and we are all learning what it means when our routines and daily life are disrupted. We are learning what it means to be in community when we cannot gather together. The Israelites learned this lesson on a larger scale when they were taken into exile. What did it mean for them when they could not gather together in the temple to worship God? During this time, they learned new ways to commune with God. God continued to speak to them through the prophets. And they held on to their faith knowing one day they would return. We are learning a few of the same lessons with the added luxury of being able to stay in our own homes. No one is coming to take us away! But with some of the reactions, you would think some folks believe that the Babylonians or Assyrians are coming our way! Most certainly this is a time to take precautions and cooperate. Also, keeping in mind that this is only temporary while making the best of it. God is good! This isn’t a time to panic, be upset, angry or worried. It is a time to look afresh at what can be done from our homes. It is just a new way of thinking for many of us. I think it is a great time to go through the contacts on our phones. Clean out the outdated numbers. Call the ones we haven’t talked to in a while. Aren’t there relationships that you miss? This is a great time to reconnect! This is also a great time to spend more time with Jesus through prayer, reading scripture and devotionals. Spend time in quiet, relax and not feel guilty. Also, it’s a great time to put out the jigsaw puzzles on the table. And turn off the TV! I encourage you to only watch the news for 30 minutes to an hour every day. We don’t need to be marinating our brains in it. Instead marinate in the presence of the Spirit. Our God is faithful! And God is with every single one of us, ministering to our hearts, our minds, our souls, our strength when we surrender to that Holy presence with love and trust. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight (Proverbs 3:5)”
Peace,
Pastor Stephanie