Thanksgiving...

As we approach thanksgiving tomorrow and we make plans to meet with friends and family for dinner or parties, God is speaking to me through today's text from Corinthians. Paul writes to the church at Corinth who are in the midst of bitter arguments and differences. Sound familiar? Anyway the church is almost at the point of breaking up, Paul knows this writing the letter but he opens giving thanks regardless. Let's look to the text.

1Corinthians 1

THE FIRST LETTER OF PAUL TO THE

Corinthians

Salutation

1Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes,

2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, ⁵for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— ⁶just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you— ⁷so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁸He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.


Paul opens the letter giving thanks in spite of the arguments, bad feelings and misunderstandings going on among the members and the society. Paul is happy and yet thankful for all that God has done, and is doing in the lives of the people of Corinth. "Grace and peace to you from God our father and Christ Jesus our brother". Paul's words and understanding should speak volumes to us this thanksgiving and holiday season.

I don't know what you are going through specifically, but I know that our country is enduring extreme economic turmoil, many are experience layoffs, and unemployment. While our youth are faced with peer pressure, a lack pf leadership and the influence of self-centered and greedy media sources. The church seems distant and exclusive all while millions of people are crying out for relief from STD's, bad marriages, relationship and family problems, health issues, death and poverty. Paul knows that the people of Corinth are suffering from the same issues and are crying out for the same relief, but here he is giving thanks.

Friends, this thanksgiving and indeed the entire holiday season take time out to reflect on Paul's actions here and note that we must praise God always. Through Paul's thanksgiving and praise to God healing, and relief were made available to the people. Through our praise and thanksgiving to God in the midst of all situations, God's peace and understanding are able to penetrate our circumstances providing relief.

Have a happy and loving thanksgiving, regardless of what you are going through know God is at work and for that if nothing else give God some praise...

Be Well.
Pastor J.

Reality vs. Intentions.

As we close out this weeks blog I thought that we would finish up our reflections on discipleship looking at service. Often we find ourselves saying things like God knows my heart and searches me, whenever we feel like we let God down or neglected to do something we revert back to God knowing our heart and therefore our intentions.

As disciples we must not rely on our intentions but on our reality. The reality of discipleship is lived service. We can dream, thing and plan but unless we are actively doing, we are not living out our commission. It's easy to sing a song, read a scripture, write a paragraph, or preach a sermon about what we should be doing and how we should be living. While all of the previously mentioned are important tools of evangelism it's totally different than modeling the life of a disciple or a life of service.


LUKE 22:1-8
Lets look at our two text for reflection today, taken from Acts 6: 1-2 and Luke 22: 8-13
⁸So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.’ ⁹They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for it?’ ¹⁰‘Listen,’ he said to them, ‘when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters ¹¹and say to the owner of the house, “The teacher asks you, ‘Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ ” ¹²He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.’ ¹³So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

ACTS 6:1-2

Seven Chosen to Serve

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. ²And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables.

Reflecting on these two text my point for the week is driven home. We must love ourselves, and allow ourselves to be empowered by Christ. In doing all of that we must go forward in service. Service is a ministry that all disciples are called to.

How are you serving? Who are you serving? Are you serving?

Until Tuesday, Be Well
Pastor J

They will know we are Christians by our love

There is a popular children's song that says "they will know we are Christians by our love". How true this song is, and it just goes to show how profound children's songs can be in there simplicity. But others really will know that we are Christians by our love, not only by our love will we be known but also by our actions and deeds.

Many Christians believe and ascribe to a solely Pauline doctrine that we are saved by grace through faith and that grace is sufficient. I would argue that Paul would agree with James in saying that while we are saved by grace, and not our own merit; because we have faith and are saved we should respond to God's precious grace through working to build up God's kingdom on earth.

Since this week we are looking at models of healthy discipleship, today I ask the question how do others know that you are a Christian? Do they know because you say that you attend church regularly? Do they know because of the bible on the cocktail table? Do they know by your conversation or speech, the places you go, the things you watch, or how you carry yourself/ How do others know that you are different, that you are a follower of Christ.

Today's text should be read and digested as food for thought. Friends take times out and reflect on how through your actions and works you invite others to Christ. Remember always that being a disciple is a life style, not just something that happens when one first comes to Christ and is "discipled".



James 2:18-26 18 But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. 19You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. 20Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith without works is barren? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works. 23Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness’, and he was called the friend of God. 24You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? 26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.

Friends until next time. Be Well
Pastor J

The nameless 72

Many of us are familiar with the Disciples, the Gospels and with the Apostles like Paul and Timothy.We focus intently on the stories of Peter, John and Matthew, but rarely do we take time out to discuss the nameless faithful who followed Christ as well.

Truth be told most of us won't have ministries as far reaching as Paul or as famous as Peter, but we are more like the 72 Jesus sent out, we are the nameless faithful. This is who the early church was, it was not about titles, positions, committees or appointments. Rather the early church was about the ministry of witness and testimony. They were the few labourers who were willing to go and work.

Today I encourage you to seek to define yourselves as one of the 72. Look intently at your ministry situation in comparison to the text and seek ways to be encouraged, empowered or re-energized. This week we will focus on discipleship in different ministry ways, which is why we start off today with the ministry of the unknown 72.

Lets look to the text.

Luke 10:1-12

The Mission of the Seventy

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. ²He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. ³Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. ⁴Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. ⁵Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” ⁶And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. ⁷Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. ⁸Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; ⁹cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you." ¹⁰But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ¹¹“Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near." ¹²I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.
Until next time, Be Well
Love Pastor J

Concerned about the Ninevehites

Most Christians and anyone familiar with the bible for that matter has heard the story of Jonah or about Jonah and the whale. If not to make the story short God wanted Jonah to go preaching and witnessing to the people of a town called Nineveh. Nineveh was a town full of wicked people and were bitter enemies of the Israelite's Jonah's people. So Jonah did not want to go, however after much persuasion and trials Jonah goes to the people of Nineveh. Jonah tells them to straighten up and they repent, so God spares them at the end of chapter 3. Our text for today picks up at chapter 4, let's look to our text.

Jonah 4: 1-11

Jonah’s Anger

But this was very displeasing to Jonah, and he became angry. ²He prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my own country? That is why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. ³And now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.’ ⁴And the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’ ⁵Then Jonah went out of the city and sat down east of the city, and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, waiting to see what would become of the city.

6 The Lord God appointed a bush, and made it come up over Jonah, to give shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort; so Jonah was very happy about the bush. ⁷But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the bush, so that it withered. ⁸When the sun rose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint and asked that he might die. He said, ‘It is better for me to die than to live.’

Jonah Is Reproved

9 But God said to Jonah, ‘Is it right for you to be angry about the bush?’ And he said, ‘Yes, angry enough to die.’ ¹⁰Then the Lord said, ‘You are concerned about the bush, for which you did not labour and which you did not grow; it came into being in a night and perished in a night. ¹¹And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?’

Many people look at the story of Jonah and think about how hard it was for Jonah to have to go to his sworn enemy and help them to see the light. This is a viable and meaning piece to the story when we the people looking at the story relate to Jonah. The funny thing is as Christians we always want to see ourselves as Jonah bearing the burden of having to go spreading the word of God to save someone else. Truthfully more often than not we are the Ninevehites, needing to straighten up and repent. When we look at the story from that angle the entire perception changes. Let's focus on vs 11:

And should I not be concerned about Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who do not know their right hand from their left, and also many animals?’ If God is so concerned about and offered full forgiveness to the people of Nineveh who were wicked and sinful, and the animals as well. Then how much forgiveness, love and compassion does God have for us? Just as much if not more. So thank God that god is concerned about the Ninevehites, because that means even in our wicked, and messed up ways we are still offered forgiveness and acceptance if we ask and repent.

Some would be like Jonah and not even want to give us a chance, but again thank God that God is concerned about all Gods people. Today reflect on times when you felt like Jonah in your life, but also remember those times when you could have easily been the Ninevehites. Once you have thought about it compare to yourself which one you have felt like more the Ninevehites or Jonah.
Then take time out to praise and thank God for both sending us out to spread the good news even if sometimes against our will, and praise God for being concerned about us when we are acting like the people of Nineveh.

Until next time, Be Well.
Pastor J

You never appreciate what you've until it's gone...

Recently I have had some dental issues that have not only silenced me but have also drastically changed my eating habits. I have been on a strictly liquid, soup and grit (oatmeal sort of) diet for almost a week. While I had time to think, and reflect I began to miss food. I love to eat and today I have had the worst craving for a slice of Williams Inn or Giordano's pizza. There are few things that I would not give to have a hot slice of Chicago style pizza right now. But along with my hunger cravings have come my reflections on this situation. I know that if I could eat pizza now I probably would not even want it, because I can't remember the last time I had some. Honestly I only eat pizza like that once a month if that. So I've come to the conclusion that I'm just missing all the things that I usually have such easy access to, hence today's title you never appreciate what you got till it's gone.

In today's scripture of focus Jesus tells a parable about talents given out, and at the end of the story two of three persons have used and grown their talents. The master was pleased and gave them even more talents. But one person did not use their talent but buried it instead. The master was upset that this person did not use their talent and didn't even invest in their talent. So the master took the talent away from the third person.

I believe in my heart that if this were a true story (this is not a true story-it is a parable told by Jesus) that the person who had their talent taken would have lost nights of sleep missing it. But when they had it it was not worth investing in.

Let's look to the scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 14 ‘For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; ¹⁵to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. ¹⁶The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. ¹⁷In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. ¹⁸But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. ¹⁹After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. ²⁰Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, “Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.” ²¹His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” ²²And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, “Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.” ²³His master said to him, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.” ²⁴Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; ²⁵so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” ²⁶But his master replied, “You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? ²⁷Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. ²⁸So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. ²⁹For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. ³⁰As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

The questions for today are simple: 1) How are we using, and growing our talents for God's glory? 2)What things do we take for granted, that if not able to access we would surely miss?

Today or tonight take time out to appreciate all of the little and big things, life, love, family, fiances, food, clothes, work, school, pets, siblings, health, pain, sun and rain. Give God thanks for all of the above, many more and for your specific gifts and talents. Together let's be the best stewards of our talents.

Until next time Be Well.
Love Pastor J.

Desperate times desperate measures!

Most of us are probably tired of hearing how chaotic, evil, bad and messed up our world is. Recently we have been bombarded with news of job layoffs, economic depressions, murder mischief and mayhem. Speaking for my self I'm tired of all of the negative media as well as the way we wallow in our own sorrow and despair. Theses are desperate times in our world, country, personal and spiritual lives. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and as Christian persons we should be preparing ourselves to be proactive as well as reactive during times like these. Let us look to our scripture of focus today for more understanding where I'm coming from.

1Thessalonians 5

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. ²For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³When they say, ‘There is peace and security’, then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! ⁴But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; ⁵for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. ⁶So then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; ⁷for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. ⁸But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. ¹¹Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

In this text Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church and is reminding them to beware in these seemingly desperate and dismal times. The Church and Paul believes that the end is near, but no one knows the time for sure. Therefore Paul leaves the church with theses words of encouragement and hope.

The same words are important for us today, in verse: ⁸But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. ⁹For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. ¹¹Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

We must love desperately, hope desperately, prepare for the return of Christ desperately and we can change the world. This is how we are to encourage one another and offer the love of Christ to all.
Be Well, Love Pastor J

Be ready, always.

Matthew 25

The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids

Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom ²Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; ⁴but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. ⁵As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. ⁶But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” ⁷Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” ⁹But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” ¹⁰And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. ¹¹Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” ¹²But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” ¹³Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.


Today's scripture of focus is a story told by Jesus encouraging the people of God to be constantly ready for Christ return as well as for ministry. Being prepared for Christ return is only possible when you live every day fully with the love of Christ and passion for following God's will for your life. Since no one knows the day or the hour, this story is not about being prepared for a certain time or sitting and waiting but rather being actively prepared through our lived experience as Christians.

So brothers and sisters, lets get ready, and be ready always inviting others to come into a relationship with God through Christ. Go out and live your faith allowing your life and your bodies to be living sacrifices for almighty God.

I pray this reflection has been helpful. I will speak with you again on Tuesday, until then Be Well. Pastor J.

Prepared to Win!

Recently, the NBA (National Basketball Association) season has began, and the NFL (National Football League) season is in mid swing. We are now privileged week in and out to watch some of the worlds best athletes as they participate and play there respective sport. These athletes train constantly, they exercise regularly, they monitor their diets, and weight. They even maintain regular sleep schedules and down time. This type of preparation enables them to preform at their best, so that they won't only be able to compete but to win and be a champion.

Today's scripture of focus come again from Paul as he and we continue to focus on our bodies as instruments to be used and devoted to God.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. ²⁵Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable garland, but we an imperishable one. ²⁶So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; ²⁷but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.


In the text Paul speaks to the people of Corinth and to us in language that both groups can understand. The Athenaic and Isthmain games would be familiar to the people of Corinth probably taking place no more than ten miles away. While we are very familiar with the Olympics, baseball and other sports. Therefore we understand the point that the Apostle is driving home. We must train our bodies both physically and spiritually being prepared to run this Christian race not just to compete but to win. Paul does not mean win salvation, that can not be won but is already free. Paul means to win souls for God through Christ, for this is pleasing to God. The race is a race in which you live out your call and commission to evangelize and wittiness to all. Not doing this could lead to disqualification.


For us, I ask that we spend the day reflecting on how we are treating, training, and testing our bodies in preparation. What are we eating, how much are we sleeping, what are we putting in and what's coming out? Are we physically fit, are we spiritually fit? If not then what must we do in order to prepare ourselves? I believe we must start with prayer, reading scripture daily, exercise, proper diet, and proper rest. Then we can go forth as living examples of Christ message and love in the world, proclaiming that message to all. Far to often we as Christians leave God, and Jesus message in the church on Sunday morning. We tend to compartmentalize God and only open up the compartments when we need them, when God requires us to live the gospel.

The popular television show In Living Color asked the question every week, HOW YOU LIVIN? I leave you with that same question for reflection today, how are you living?
Until tomorrow, Be Well.
Pastor J

Celebrate today!

As I sit here with tears in my eyes, filled with great emotion. I reflect on all that has happened, is happening and will happen. I ask myself the question, why am I crying? Well after pondering that question, I believe I am overly emotional for three reasons. 1) An African American is actually the Presidential elect of America. (thank God YES!!!) 2) The blood shed, the struggle , the pain of years and the blemishes of racism on the American flag have been lightened, and the people have spoken. 3) As a pastor and as a Christian I now am forced with holding President Obama accountable and responsible for living up to his promises, fairness, and truth. He now is leader, president, king of a nation, but we, us, you and I are the prophets who are responsible to remind the king that his kingdom in on loan by God. This is a struggle that has been on going since biblical times.

We also must remind ourselves as Christians our bodies are also temples on loan from God and we must treat ourselves and others accordingly. This is what our scripture focuses on today from 1st Corinthians.

1Corinthians 6

12 ‘All things are lawful for me’, but not all things are beneficial. ‘All things are lawful for me’, but I will not be dominated by anything. ¹³ ‘Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food’,and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. ¹⁵Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! ¹⁶Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, ‘The two shall be one flesh.’ ¹⁷But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. ¹⁸Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. ¹⁹Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

I know this might be a little deep for today, but we must remember to honor our bodies because our bodies are Gods first physical gift to us and should be offered in praise.
Now today be excited, celebrate and just be happy. Praising God for all that God has done.

Be Well AMERICA, until tomorrow
Love Pastor J

Remembering your History, Choosing your Future!

Good morning on this November 4th 2008.

I hope that all of you had a good and pleasant weekend, and that you remembered all those who passed away in the last year as Sunday was All Saints Day. Also Friday October 31st was the Churches Reformation day which established the Protestant church. (Thanks Martin Luther for your 95 Thesis)

Well today there is much going on in our world, country, indeed in our society, and even in our scriptures. Today, many persons across America are remembering their history, ancestors and family members dreams and struggles. While many are also faced with choosing their future and the future of this country. The same thing is happening in the Old Testament scripture of Joshua. Joshua is the successor to Moses and in this chapter Joshua is recalling how good God has been to the Hebrew people and reminding them of all that God has brought them through. But Joshua also reminds the people that they can no longer be easily swayed by others religion or idols and must now be committed to God.

Let us look to our scripture of focus for this morning.

Joshua 24:14 ‘Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’

Here Joshua gives the people an ultimatum, either serve the Lord or do not be part of this house. (the house of Israel). I know that it is easy to get really caught up in all of the current politics and media, even in the economic recession and all that the world is going through. So we tend to want to trust someone, and something, simply put we need to place our belief in something. The problem is we seem to be placing all of our belief and trust in our leaders political, communal and those in the entertainment arena.

Therefore my inquiry is not about the capability of these leaders, either elected or approved by common census of the community, but the fact that we must be mindful of where we place our trust. in the text Joshua never says follow him, serve him or Moses. But encourages the people to put their trust, love, and faith in God. The truth is that people are human, and people will always let you down. We can support and encourage our leaders, but remember they are just as imperfect as us. Like us our leaders are only enabled to do great things through the empowerment of God.

So in the midst of today's craziness take tie out to reflect, remember, and reconsider whom you are serving in your house. Think about your history and where you come from as well as where your current choices will lead you, both political and especially spiritual.

Be Well, until tomorrow. Love Pastor J