July 3

Today we celebrate the liberty to follow God that Scripture speaks of in James and that our country was designed to protect.  Even though it is a paradox, there are laws and truths that set us free.

The book of James in the New Testament states:
If any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are life those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.  But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. James 1:22-25

When I place God first in my life, I am free to order all other things in accordance to God’s will and direction.  The things I do and don’t do relate to the love and grace God gives to set me free.  The hardships I face, I can face knowing that God surrounds me with love.  The life I live, I can give to others because I know who I am and whose I am.  I am free to show love.  I am set free by God to have the liberty to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  I am set free to practice hospitality, love, and peace and to bring people closer to God because of Christ’s love that shines through me.  So are you!  When we practice the law of liberty in Christ, people experience the reflection of God in us.

We will celebrate the Independence Day of our country on the Fourth of July with a celebration at Eastminster which features the Melbourne Municipal Band and Festival Singers at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary  which will lead up to the opportunity to watch fireworks over the river at 9:00 p.m.  Fellowship time over ice cream will be provided before and after the concert.  This is a perfect time to welcome the community to Eastminster and let the “law of liberty,” the law of reaching out to others with the love of Christ to shine through.

Our country was founded on premises that we serve together, unite together, and reach out together as “one nation under God.”  This is a continuation of the ethic set forward by Jesus and the New Testament Church.  May our love of God in Christ Jesus set us free to be Christians and citizens that reflect the perfect law of “liberty and justice for all.”

We are blessed to be claimed by Christ and citizens of America.  May our actions reflect and pass on that blessing this holiday weekend and beyond.

Blessings,

Tim

 

 

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,