June 26

Today Julie and I are at a family reunion with 43 of our favorite relatives.  It should be delightful chaos.  All three of our boys will be there, so this is really exciting for us!    We will return Monday.  Thanks to Rev. Juliann Whipple for closing out the Jonah series!

As I think about the book of Jonah, it reminds me that life has rhythms just like the ocean has tides.  The book opens with Jonah being called into a new season of life.  He is on dry land, then a boat, then a stormy time, then down to the depths of the sea, back to dry land, and in today’s reading, sitting on a hill reflecting, still learning and growing and needing God to lead him deeper in life.  The constant in all the rhythms is that God is there and God is providing.
The leaders of our church recognize that we have rhythms in life here as a community as well.  As we head into July, we suggest a month of communal worship and intentional spiritual renewal.  The business of programs and committees will cease for this month.  We will take a Sabbath from “busyness” but not a Sabbath from God and others.
Here is a gentle challenge:  During July, set aside one day per week to make a date with a person or small group of people you don’t know well and want to know better.  Invite them to your home if possible.  Or go out to eat, walk, play.  Weave new or deeper relationships into your life.

Attend worship every week, here or as traveling.  Nourish your soul in worship and in daily scripture reading.  Here is a link to a variety of devotions if you want to try some:  www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/. 

Write a “letter to God” telling God where you are now in your walk and what you see ahead.  Write a prayer asking for God’s guidance and direction as you go forward.  Place the prayer in your Bible and refer to it over the coming days.  Share it with me or another trusted Christian friend and pray together.

Finally, one of the most important Scriptures for many is “Be still and know that I am God.”  Try it regularly this month.  Just be… in God’s presence.  Ask nothing but to know God and to be willing to follow God’s path.  Enjoy as God’s Spirit cleanses, renews, and brings life to the parched places in your soul.

See you next week,