Lessons From Mom

"Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise" (Deut. 6:6-7).

My mother taught me many things growing up. She taught me how to cook, how to clean, and how to do dishes. She encouraged me to always put forth my best effort in school, activities and athletics. My mother led with words and by example to show me how to be a good neighbor and friend. It was also evident that my mom enlisted the help of others; many of the women of our village at times acted as a mother figure to me; therefore, I had many mothers caring, instructing and watching over me. Of all the teachings my mom bestowed upon me, the most important lesson was the commandment to love God. My mother made loving God a way of life. Every minute of the day was a testimony from her for loving God and her neighbor. She recited this love to me at home and when we were out, in the morning and when she put me to bed at night. "You shall love your God with all your heart, and mind and strength" is known as The "Shema" (Deut 6:5) to the Jewish people. When Shema is translated from Hebrew to English it is "Hear!" On this Mother's Day, I say to my mom "I 'heard' you loud and clear. I love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and strength" and for that I say, "thank you."

Prayers for The Mount

O Living God, you share our griefs. Give a meaning to that which defies our understanding. Shine upon our night. You alone can show us that we are not abandoned to chance or fate, not even in what seems revolting or senseless to us, but that in all things you work for the good of those who love you. Grant that those who mourn may receive your message even through their sufferings. Through their sorrow challenge them to discover the help of your mercy, and to hope more fervently for your kingdom. Through their sadness, open them more to your compassion, and help them to live in your strength alone. Reveal your nearness to those who suffer this day. Surround them with the love that you have for your children, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. (Reformed Church in France, 1963).

The Most Beautiful Time of the Year

March Madness, warm weather, baseball, and Easter. Does it get any better? Shrieks and laughter have once again returned to the cul-de-sac, and what music to my ears? Our kids have rekindled the love of playing baseball in the street. Amazingly without umpires, rulebooks, or scoreboards, the kids managed to participate in America’s pastime this week. As I tossed the ball back to one of our neighborhood moms, I was quickly transported back to simpler times growing up in a small village where we knew how to play and entertain ourselves. I am thankful that God has brought my family to a community that not just plays, but plays outdoors. To hear the sounds, smell the smells, and see the sights where nature and progress blend to form the perfect place to hit homeruns, score goals, and make baskets. In a matter of minutes, my kids actually threw balls, swung bats, rode bikes, climbed trees and chased one another. As if they had built up energy and dreams all winter long waiting for the green light to run into the streets to find there way through play. Without texting or tweeting, the other kids mysteriously knew the time had come. All of them shedding winter for spring in a simultaneous instant. As this day came to an end, Asher began to whine and fuss saying, “he did not want to go in.” I attempted to comfort him with the promise of days to come, and no doubt there will be other days to play, but I empathize with him knowing that the enthusiasm and thrill of the first time out will be hard to duplicate. One thing is certain, however, it sure will be fun trying. On that note, I better go and finish filling out my bracket because tomorrow afternoon when the kids get home we will participate in Americas other great pastime – watching television, but not just any television - March Madness.

For Immediate Assistance

"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:15

The world is primed to receive the good news of Jesus Christ. Turn on the television, open the newspaper, or talk to a neighbor and it becomes immediately clear that these are desperate times. People need to hear some good news. Even followers of Jesus Christ are longing for relief for our worlds are also infiltrated by depression, conflict, and ungodliness. The problem is we go as society goes as we look to self-help books, Oprah, television, alcohol or drug abuse and whatever else promises quick fixes. It is understandable because in the midst of chaos it is easy to lose sight of what brings us joy, peace, and holiness. According to John Wesley, joy, peace and holiness are the characteristics of the Kingdom of God. In other words, the kingdom of God is a condition of our soul. When we start to lose control, look first to Christ, and call him near. Let his kingdom reign in your soul. That is good news that we can live by. I pray that we all receive that urgent message and that we immediately share the good news with others. When we feel joy and peace, lift of Christ, and give access to the Gospel to someone new.

Radical Hospitality

"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God" (Romans 15.7).

Do we love God with all our heart, mind and soul so much that we can't help but share that with others? That shall be our goal as Disciples of Jesus and as part of the Body of Christ. Trinity UMC has committed itself to show radical hospitality, in other words, to go above and beyond in the way that we invite, welcome, include and support our neighbors. I recently was encouraged by the enthusiasm of those gathered at our small group discussion on hospitality. People were so eager to examine what it is that we do in every ministry of the church, a willingness to put everything on the table to improve and strengthen our hospitality. I invite you to pray about what it is that you can do, or what our church can do to radically invite and welcome others to Christ. If you feel so moved, add your comments to this blog so others can begin to pray and share as well. May God Bless you on your Discipleship Journey.

Thanksgiving By Remembrance

"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today" (Deut 8:17).

Whether you feel like you are wandering in the wilderness or are living it up in the Promised Land, pause to give thanks this season. The Biblical way of thanksgiving is through remembrance, remembrance of the Lord our God who brings us out of the desert, walks with us through the valleys and hears our shouts from the mountain tops. This day will find us in various spiritual, family, social, and economic situations, but regardless of where we are, give thanks through remembering our Lord. How and when can we remember? Remember the Lord by “talking about them [God’s Words] when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise” (Deut 6:7). In other words, make thanksgiving a part of everyday life. God Bless you and your family. Amen

Sunday 11:45 Worship

Thanks for those who participated in planning the special worship for this Sunday. Below is the order of service that we agreed upon. We look forward to having a faithful and fantastic time. God Bless.

Call To Worship – God is an Awesome God – Joe and children
Greeting – Pastor John
Songs of Praise - Congregation
Special Activity
Luke 17:11-19 - Jacob Anderson
Message
An Opportunity of Thanks
Offering - Rapid Deployment
Closing Song - Congregation