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What does it mean for us to do God’s will, within and outside our walls? What parts of church life truly grow us spiritually, and which parts should we allow to die? Pandemic has the potential to be a sacred moment where we legitimately question which parts of worship are both pleasing to God and truly usher in the kin-dom of heaven. The author of Hebrews challenges us similarly as he abolishes sacrifice in order that we might truly do the will of God. Were our schedules pre-pandemic really tenable? Did we make enough time for friends, for family, for ourselves? From what parts of our lives were we unburdened during this season of forced inactivity? One Twitter pundit noted that as we rush to return to normal, we should in fact consider which parts of normal are worth rushing back to. The comfort of pine-decorated sanctuaries, candle-lit advent wreaths, and familiar hymns sung in pews is a balm for many of our weary hearts.Īnd yet, a return to “normal” is probably neither possible nor wise, even without the Omicron variant permeating the air. I imagine your congregations are excited to gather again in ways that are meaningful and will provide fresh hope for the first time since pandemic began. My church just held its annual Christmas concert, and I’ve noticed churches advertising everything from live nativities to small business shopping events to outdoor caroling. This Christmas season, as we begin coming back together for worship, many of our churches are reviving traditions that we were collectively forced to forgo in 2020. There is much to do, and little time to prepare even in this interval set aside for intentional anticipation. Whether you are a pastor, an administrator, a parishioner, or a worship leader, our collective anxiety is increasing as we draw closer to Christmas Eve. Greetings to you this fourth and final week of Advent. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:5-10
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Then I said, ‘See, God, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “See, I have come to do your will.” He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. “Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Cultivating Enough in the Care of Clergy.Commission on Resources & Creative Ministries.Commission on Preparation for Ministry and Membership.What's better than a Knight in Shining Armor? Five.Truly the Lord is merciful! Truly He loves us! Truly He gives us what we need in the very hour that we need it! And yes, angels are watching over us day by day! It's funny, this has been my favorite scripture since high school and yet I feel like I am just beginning to understand it. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. But trusting in the Lord means everything!īefore Jason left on his mission I gave him my favorite scripture which is: Worrying and fretting about things will do nothing to improve a situation. Truly trusting in Him is the only sure way. I will take the Lord at His word! What a simple, beautiful way of living-by trusting fully in the God of this world.
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I had felt concerns over the treatment I would be receiving in China. But I could feel the Lord saying, "Trust me." I had felt concerns for my children who I would be leaving for so long. My outlook on life suddenly became beautiful and simple -as it was when I was a child. Into my heart and mind I heard the words, "Trust me." As I thought about what it truly means to trust in the Lord it was as if a huge burden was removed from my shoulders. I want to share an experience I had that has brought me peace and I hope it will also bring you peace.Ībout two weeks before leaving for China (before I realized that the doctors were actually planning to do the stem cell procedure) I received a powerful impression. To be honest, I have had concerns of my own. Many of you have expressed concern about the treatment I will be receiving.