I have started a weekly email for the people of my church. About 45 people have signed up to recieve it. I think it is a great way to bring Sunday morning into the everyday lives of the people who come to the church on 370. I have gotten positive feedback on it so far and I would like to also share it here!
Ahhh what a busy week in the life of the church. Busy in a good way!!
As we approach Lent I am reminded about how wonderful of a season this is….many times I think that Lent is such as downer — there is talk about sacrifice and we always have to “give up” stuff we like. It can really bring someone down!!
But then I start to think about Lent as a time of self reflection – a time of self renewal and when I think of things in those terms I really have a different view of Lent and a different appreciation for the forty day journey.
As you start your Lenten journey I challenge you to push yourself this year, if you are someone who gives up something as you walk with Jesus in the wilderness really think about what you are doing and why – take the time to pray, take the time to listen to God’s Word in your life. I love the idea of silence during Lent, silence to reflect as we renew ourselves.
During the season of Lent my reflections for the emails will be related to the Psalms and something else in current day life. The first Psalm is number 25
Psalm 25
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
Pastor’s Reflection
When I read this psalm words and music from the band Creed flow through my head. Here they are
HIGHER
When dreaming I’m guided through another world — Time and time again- –At sunrise I fight to stay asleep— Cause I don’t want to
leave the comfort of this place— Cause there’s a hunger, a longing to escape — From the life I live when I’m awake — So let’s go there
Let’s make our escape — Come on, let’s go there — Let’s ask can we stay ?
Can you take me higher ?
To the place where blind men see
Can you take me higher ?
To the place with golden streets
Although I would like our world to change — It helps me to appreciate — Those nights and those dreams — But, my friend, — I’d sacrifice all those nights — If I could make the Earth — and my dreams the same— The only difference is — To let love replace all our hate — So let’s go there — Let’s make our escape — Come on, let’s go there — Let’s ask can we stay ?
Up high I feel like — I’m alive for the very first time — Up high I’m strong — enough to take these dreams —And make them mine
Can you take me higher lord? can you lift me up to the sky — too many times are we here on Earth trying to get “higher” if that means more money, more time, or even to separate ourselves from reality by drinking or drugs — there are too many people looking to escape. But instead of escaping to the one who can lift us up and who brings us in we look for other places to escape.
Prayer
Oh Lord, as we put our trust in you may we be lifted to new levels. Watch over us Lord as we begin our Lenten journey. Be with us and let us know of your presence in our lives in all that we do. Help us to connect with you in ways we have never imagined before. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
David
Dr. John
Eric
Nathan Pralle
RevHRod
Carolyn
Julia
Johnna
Unlikely Conversation