John 9

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

¹ As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. ² “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

³ “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. ⁴ We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us.^[a] The night is coming, and then no one can work. ⁵ But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Why did this have to happen? Sometimes it's not because you did anything. In today's text Jesus shares with the 12 some very important theological revelations! Our situations, our circumstances do not have to be curses, and are not always because of previous sins. We serve ourselves best by not throwing spiritual pity parties but by trusting in the faithfulness of God!. Trust God and allow God to see you through the rocky roads of life!

Dear God help us to trust you in the good, bad, happy times as well as sad. Trust in you is what we long for in Jesus name. Amen.

Remaining Faithful, despite the times!

Daniel 6:3-10 (NRSV)

Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom. So the presidents and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. The men said, "We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God."

So the presidents and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, "O King Darius, live forever! All the presidents of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to anyone, divine or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into a den of lions. Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked." Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.

Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously.

In the text for today Daniel was living in trying times of captivity and injustice. People noticed the Holy Spirit at work in Daniel and they began to hate him as well as hate on him. Both Daniels friends and foes wanted to embarrass, defame, and discredit him in front of everyone. So they conspired against him. Daniel was well aware of everything that was going on and the repercussions that could take place. However Daniel also knew who God was, therefore he choose to remain faithful in spite of this dire situation.

The USMC- United States Marine Core has a saying Semper Fi- meaning Always Faithful. The Marine saying is constant with young Daniels actions in spite of adversity he remained faithful always. What about us? Do you and I trust God enough to remain faithful? What about when it comes to our job security, health, finance, relationships, living situations, faith? Do we continue to pray with the windows open? Do we live our faith out loud? Do we trust God enough to remain faithful even when we are set up by all others? Can we remain faithful despite the times?

I pray that we can and that we do remain faithful, after all we like Daniel know who God is and that we are God's. I invite you to read more and find out how Daniel's story ends?

Thought for today- REMAIN FAITHFUL!

Choosing Right from Wrong, in a society where anything goes?

Recently at a birthday gathering some church members were joking about starting a pole dancing fitness ministry in the church, and how attendance would go up. The good thing was that persons feel freely to talk about their faith as it pertains to everyday life. The alarming point appears when we allow our theology to be swayed by popular culture. However I trust that God works in many ways and believe that our role is not to be judgmental as a Christians. Instead our job is to speak out of love testifying to who we know God to be. With all of this said I turn to today's scripture which reminds us to be true, just, honorable and worthy. Now breathe all of that in and look at the video in this clip- ( http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8026078) -then ask yourself the question what's wrong and what's right?

Philippians 4:4-8 (NRSV)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Is it harder to choose right from wrong today? WWJD?

T.G.I.F.- Forgivness Friday's

Colossians 3:11-15 (NRSV)

In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

It ain't over till God say's it's over. So on with the mission!

Maurette Brown Clark's gospel hit single "It Ain't Over Till God Say's It's Over" filled my soul this morning as I read today's text from 1st Kings 19:1-18. Today we see the story of Elijah one of God's chosen prophets. At this time Elijah was the last man standing, Jezebel and others had killed all of God's good people. Then Elijah went and took out over 100 false prophets. Now he is wanted DEAD, by Jezebel with a bounty on his head and he is afraid, worried, ready to give up, give in, roll over and die.

Ever been there? Have you ever been in a place where you feel like you are the only one who is a believer? Have you ever been so frustrated, scared, tired, worn out where you said God just take me now, it's too hard? This is where Elijah was, he asked God to take his life before the world & his enemies do.

It seems that because of the severity of the circumstances that Elijah was not thinking about all that God had brought him through, including defeating the prophets he just did. I see myself in Elijah as I also have given in to bad situations in my life. Sometimes I choose to focus on the tragedy and not all God has brought me through.

During times like Elijah and us should hear the words of Mrs. Clark saying it ain't over till God say it's over! God spoke to Elijah and fed him twice preparing him for the journey ahead! God gives us the same spiritual food Sunday after Sunday preparing us for our journey. The God spoke to Elijah saying why are you here, there is still a mission? God tells the prophet go to a place of worship and let's talk. God invites us to places of worship where we can experience God. God comes not in the fire, or earthquake, but in the silence and speaks to Elijah telling him that it's not over. God tells the prophet to go there is still a mission to do.

Family God still speaks to us also, we still have a mission to do. God who has brought us thus far on the way will not leave us. I ENCOURAGE EACH OF YOU TO WEEKLY choose a MISSION DAY. Take one day to give in MISSION to God. Sunday does not count because that's a day of worship. MISSION is a day of service, witness, testimony, and building the kingdom. It ain't over- So on with the MISSION!!!

1 Kings 19:1-18 (NRSV)

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow." Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, "Get up and eat." He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The angel of the LORD came a second time, touched him, and said, "Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you." He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there.

Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away."

He said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He answered, "I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away."

Then the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him."

Dear God, please enable us to endure the trials of life understanding that you cover and keep us. Plant within us a special seed of mission and drive to continue your work unto completion. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!

What's on your mind?

There is a familiar saying that you are what you eat! If this saying is true and for the most part I believe it is then what about our minds? How does our thinking and mental focus limit us? What thoughts run through your head all day? What things do you focus on, read, watch and internalize? In short what's on your mind? Today's text from Isaiah tells us to seek first the kingdom of God, that we should keep our mind on God and the blessings of God. Imagine if we could recondition ourselves to think differently, to put God first, to show love and encourage peace! What's on my mind, contemplating how I'm gonna change my thinking.

Isaiah 55:6-9

⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
⁷ Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. ⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Someone is waiting for your invitation

This morning I arose at 5:30a.m. preparing for a church meeting, at the same time one of our church members was sending out an email testimony, sharing her trials, this Lenten season. Through this shared testimony I saw God working through her. Sunday I preached about living our Christian life out LOUD, in broad DAYLIGHT! The testimony shared this morning did just that for our own church. When we shine our light, other see and respond, when we tell our story others began to know who God is, we are the salt of the world keeping it fresh and tasteful. My member got it- that even in the most trying times of our journey God still gives us a story to tell to the nations. A story of invitation!

Matthew 5:13-16 (NRSV)

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Someone is waiting for your story of invitation, they are hurt, broken and ready to give up! Please share your story you can save not only lives but souls. Someone is waiting for your invitation- invite away!

Food for thought- God loves you & God's always close -Always

Today's reflection is just some food for thought. Psalm 139 is a popular Psalm because it speaks to everlasting relationship with God. Please know God is always with us, and the GREAT News is that God loves us despite knowing everything about us. How cool is that? I know right God knows what we thing, what we are about to say, even the choices we are contemplating, and still LOVES us wow. How great is our God!
Psalm 139:1-12 (NRSV)


O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.

If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night," even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Are you listening?

John 3:1-17 (The Message)

John 3

^1-2 There was a man of the Pharisee sect, Nicodemus, a prominent leader among the Jews. Late one night he visited Jesus and said, "Rabbi, we all know you're a teacher straight from God. No one could do all the God-pointing, God-revealing acts you do if God weren't in on it."³ Jesus said, "You're absolutely right. Take it from me: Unless a person is born from above, it's not possible to see what I'm pointing to—to God's kingdom." ⁴"How can anyone," said Nicodemus, "be born who has already been born and grown up? You can't re-enter your mother's womb and be born again. What are you saying with this 'born-from-above' talk?" ^5-6Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the 'wind-hovering-over-the-water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom. When you look at a baby, it's just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can't see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.

^7-8"So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God."⁹Nicodemus asked, "What do you mean by this? How does this happen?" ^10-12Jesus said, "You're a respected teacher of Israel and you don't know these basics? Listen carefully. I'm speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don't believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can't see, the things of God?

^13-15"No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life. ^16-18"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

For the past two weeks I have been asking our church to listen for the voice of God in our lives. Because I know God is ever present and always working, speaking, actively moving in the life of each individual are job is to listen. If we listen then we will understand Gos' plan and God's ways. Nicodemus came seeking Jesus the same way we should come seeking God- HUMBLY. Nicodemus could not understand what Jesus was talking about because he was not truly listening. When we seek God and listen things are revealed to us that offer peace, comfort, and salvation. So I ask you are you stressed, worried, lonely, depressed, lost, broken? So I ask you are you listening- seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of God's righteousness will be added unto you! Are you listening? We all should be.

For Stability in the midst of shay ground- Try God!

For many of us facing unstable conditions are daily occurrences. With the economy in constant transition, natural disaster after natural disaster, uprising around the world, political backstabbing, the deterioration of educational systems, and the declining of moral values I believe it's safe to say we live in unstable times. So thanks be to God who is able to provide the stability to keep us level. Our text for today points us in the right path.

The LORD is exalted, he dwells on high; he filled Zion with justice and righteousness; he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion's treasure.

Jesus is in the Storm also!

Recently I met a young woman of great faith and an extreme thirst for the word and knowledge of God. Even though unemployed for some time the young woman knew that her gifts would make room for her. She remained faithful at her church and even occasionally visited other churches to study and grow in her faith. Despite the storm in her life; her spirit was at rest enough to have peace, the same peace that Jesus had in the text. Let's look:

Mark 4:35-41 (NRSV)

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

Despite the turbulent situations around him Christ, was able to have the peace of a child to sleep and the authority through faith to calm the storm. Far too often I am more like the disciples in a panic-ed frenzy worried, scared, troubled and confused. So my prayer for you and I is that daily we grow to become more like Jesus, more like the young woman I met recently having the faith to endure the storm in peace and serenity.

Dear God grant us the peace of Christ and the faith to speak truth to power. Amen.
Until next time- love P.J.

An Abundant Forecast- Blessings Ahead!

I am excited this morning about God and all that God is doing in the Church, in my life and in the community. I am assured by the Holy Spirit that in the mist of today's troubles the forecast for tomorrow looks GREAT. Abundant Blessings Ahead- Abundant means: many, numerous, vast blessings. I look at Mandell the church where I serve and I am excited about us becoming accessible, through adding an elevator. The new sound system, the new Mime ministries, Fitness ministries, our Capitol campaign, all of which fill my spirit and bring me to tears as I stand in awe of God's vision for the church and community. Yes! I can not wait as I try to prepare myself for the mighty move of God. Friends you and I must be prepared as God blesses us. Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth reminds us to be blessings to others. As God blesses us our response must be to sow into God's kingdom. This is a great season because you and I are on the front lines for JESUS! We have the opportunity to give to the world because we have received, we make change happen on behalf of God. Let's get to it. Aren't you excited, I am with you! Let's look to the text:

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NRSV)

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,"He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Family the CHURCH is at a point of having to change or reorder itself and we are in the middle of this transition. God has chosen us to correct the Church and to love one another, please go in love and commitment to God, through the Holy Spirit. I have decided to follow Jesus no turning back, no, no turning back!

Have you not known, have you not heard?

Listen up!

Now hear this!

Have you not known, have you not heard all the world is God's and everything on it. I arose this morning by the grace of God to tune into more Nuclear threats, Earthquake trimmers, Stock plunges, Clean water scares, Tusnmai cleanups, Public transits bus crashes, murder, violence and political red tape! As I immediately began to sink back into the cozy sheets of my Hilton Hotel room and pull the covers over my head- the words from Isaiah filled my heart ans well as my head saying Get up, and listen. The prophet reminds us today that even though the situation looks bleak a change is on the horizon. God is the ultimate creator and unlike me God does not want to curl up and sleep in, God does not grow weary, or get tired.
Isaiah 40:26-31 (NRSV)

Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Friends when life makes us want to quit, lock the doors and shut the windows remember that we are all ambassadors of God. Meaning that we are those ordained and empowered by God receiving the power to give hope, speak truth, and offer to all God's awesome invitation to salvation through Jesus! So listen up we are those who God says power is given to, so during days like this I am reminded to get up and wait on God, to stand up and lean on God for in Christ my strength will be renewed, I will not faint nor fail and the Holy Spirit will give me the words to say. Therefore today I say to you Have you not heard? Yes now you have so arise and go on behalf of God speaking life, love and liberation.

Go in peace. Love P.J.

Have you not known, have you not heard?

Isaiah 40:26-31 (NRSV)

Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Hidden in plain sight!?!

Have you ever misplaced something and went looking for it everywhere? The next thing you know you notice it right in front of your face, as if the object was hidden in plain sight. Occasionally when we loose our way (backslide) we come looking for God to rescue us from sin, debt,stress, illness and family problems. During these times of tragedy we look for God every where and because we are frantic or anxious we overlook that God is right there in plain sight always. The truth is that if we stay in constant communication with God and seek the presence of the Holy Spirit we will indeed find the knowledge of God and understand God's plan on our lives.
Proverbs 2:1-5 (NRSV)

My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; if you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures-- then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Family keep listening, God is still speaking!
Love P.J.

If you love God then you must love yourself!

Friends today at Mandell we talked about for your eyes only, and how God and God alone want's, deserves our attention, demands our love. Paul's text to the church at Rome say the same thing as he calls for us to show our love and devotion to God by being level headed and God fearing at all times loving our bodies as God's divine temples. Let's look:

Romans 12:1-13 (NRSV)

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

In closing if you love God, than you must LOVE yourself. How can you love the creator and not the Creation?

If it looks gloomy now, better run to the light!

It may look gloomy now in our lives, indeed in the world.

Friends what ever the situation, despite how desperate the circumstance, regardless how deplorable the disaster that we are currently experiencing try to look through the clouds and gloom. I promise you will see the light! Even if it's nothing but a mere glimpse as those who call themselves Christians we know light when we see it. If it looks gloomy now, run to the light of Jesus Christ who is God in human form. If it looks gloomy now run to the light and every step you take your situation will get brighter and brighter. If it looks gloomy now in your life run to the word, run to the church, run to where you can find a renewal of life, run to GOD! God is calling us into constant relationship, real relationship not just an occasional date on Sunday morning, but daily walking
and talking with the Holy Spirit. Friends much is going on in our world and we wonder why things are the way they are, it's because the Church is so stuck the world that it's no longer making a difference because of a lack of real relationships with God. Sisters and Brothers we can change the world once we change ourselves and run to God for an intimate relationships leaving the gloomy past till we stand at last in the light of God's glory. The Gospel of John says it better than I could, let's look:

John 1:1-5 (NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

Dear God help us to see your light at all time, enable us to hear your word always, and constantly call us into loving relationship with you. This we pray in the name of the Holy Spirit. Amen!