Tim’s Tidings
In the rhythm of
life at Eastminster July is “opportunity time.” It is a time in which we seek to use the
slowed down pace to develop ourselves spiritually and to get to projects that
have been “left on the shelf” during the year.
What
is it that you have always wondered about, dreamed about, said you were going
to do? Perhaps this is the month for you! Who have you said, “I’d love to have coffee/a
meal with her/him/them?” Maybe now is the time to get together.
July
is also a good time to reflect.
Who are those persons in your life you would like to thank for
influencing you, helping you in a time of need, inspiring you? Maybe send a note or email, give a call,
visit. Expressing gratitude is healthy
for the giver as well as the receiver and opens new doors to the soul.
What
book (including the Bible) have you meant to pick up and read? July might be the month to do it … or at
least start.
When
you have a moment of reflection, allow time to listen for God’s voice. Jesus begins and ends the Parable of the
Sower (Mark 20:1-20) with the word “listen.”
Being quiet and open can produce great direction and praying, as well as
meditating, lifts up the needs of others even as it opens one to receive
abundant blessings from God.
Some
people structure their prayer through the acronym, “ACTS.” They take time in Adoration of God and
God’s work, Confession of personal shortcomings of self and society, Thanksgiving
for God’s goodness and gratitude for the blessings God brings, and Supplication,
which is asking for the needs of self and others.
Another
way to pray is through reading scripture such as the Parable of the Sheep and
Goats found in Matthew 25:31-46.
Here we see Jesus’ concern for the hungry and thirsty, the stranger,
those that need life’s basics such as good clothes and homes, those who are
sick and those who are imprisoned. As we
read Scripture and see who are close to the heart of God, it’s good to pray for
those people, circumstances and things, and act as able, so that “thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven.”
In
this time of opportunity, I want to say thanks for the Eastminster family! Your love, care, example, outreach, and
the way you use your gifts of time, talent and treasure are inspiring. The 4th of July Concert was a
great gift to the community. This
weekend you send youth to camp even as others come back. We also baptize a youth by profession of
faith, run a busy summer Christian preschool program, host interfaith dinners,
and read Scripture, worship and pray together.
None of this could happen if God did not put us together. So, enjoy July, take time to see and do
things a bit differently, but do not neglect the habit of worshipping the God
in Jesus who makes all things possible!
See
you in Church,
Pastor Tim
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