Starting tomorrow night, I am observing a media fast. What this means is no computer, no T.V., and no phone until Friday morning when I break my fast. Sounds kind of nuts, doesn’t it? I’m not sure how I’m going to handle it, but I’m going to try my best. During the upcoming week, I’m going to spend time in silence (not real easy for someone who likes to talk, I can assure you). I’m also going to spend time reading and reflecting on Bible passages, praying, and resting.
When was the last time you spent some time in spiritual reflection, just you and God? Seems a little daunting to just be still, doesn’t it? Yet it’s important for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health to take a time-out to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate.
Well, wish me luck! In fact, why don’t you join me? Try one night where you turn off all the electronics and just bask in God’s presence. You might actually like it!
“There will be no limit to what you can accomplish. Realize that. Never relinquish any task or give up the thought of any task because it seems beyond your power, only if you see it is not My Will for you. This I command you.”
From the book, God Calling
“Jesus was truly free. His freedom was rooted in his spiritual awareness that he was the Beloved Child of God. He knew in the depth of his being that he belonged to God before he was born, that he was sent into the world to proclaim God’s love, and that he would return to God after his mission was fulfilled. This knowledge gave him the freedom to speak and act without having to please the world and the power to respond to people’s pains with the healing love of God.” (From the book Bread for the Journey, by Henri Nouwen)
Freedom. What does it mean for you to be truly free? This Memorial Day weekend we remember those who died to bring freedom to oppressed peoples. We commemorate their actions by honoring them in ceremonies across the country, as well as by decorating the graves of fallen heroes with flags and flowers. The celebration of Memorial Day helps us to remember our own freedom and the price that was paid for our freedom.
In the midst of your holiday celebrations, take a moment to think about the freedom that Christ offers you. Have you accepted it? God gave you a home. Our Creator calls you His dearly loved child. Jesus has liberated you. He forgave all your mistakes and has wiped your slate clean. The celebration of each new day helps us remember our own freedom in Christ and the price that was paid for our freedom through Christ. With each new day we celebrate God’s presence with us and God’s love for all humankind.
You were born into this world to love God and to make God’s love known to others. Does this understanding affect your words and actions? The freedom of Jesus was deeply rooted in his spiritual awareness that God loved him. How about you? Are you truly free?
I’ve got to make this short today. I need to go get ready for a meeting. All the new church pastors in our conference plus persons who have gone through new church training are meeting with our bishop today. Should be a lot of fun. I’m sure I’ll hear lots of stories of success as well as stories of struggle. All the while I’ll be reminded that I’m not in this alone. There are others going through many of the same experiences-the highs and the lows- of starting a new church from scratch. The mutual support we gain from one another is invaluable.
What about you? Do you have people you can turn to when you need support? People to share your joys, your pains, even your questions and your doubts with? You can find this and much more when you are involved in a community of faith. Persons who you can share your hopes and your dreams with who will love you unconditionally.
Well, I’ve got to go now, but consider checking our New Day or any United Methodist Church for that matter. Enjoy this wonderful new day!
“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil, hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Bless your enemies, no cursing under your breath. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even, that’s not for you to do.”
“Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”
These verses come from a passage in the book of Romans in the New Testament of the Bible. Which are the easiest of these commands for you to keep? Which two are the most difficult? Is loving your enemies nice but unrealistic? Something only Jesus could do? A result of following Christ?
Loving others, all “kinds” of others, can be tough, but if you’re struggling, (let’s admit it, like we all do), Christ CAN help you out. Stop right now, in silence, and ask for God to help you to love. After all, today is a new day! God can give you the forgiveness, understanding, patience, and power to begin to improve your relationships. What are you waiting for?
You aren’t an accident. You weren’t mass-produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman.
Max L. Lucado, pastor and author
At New Day, we always have our hand out, but it’s usually to give, not receive.
Our hands are out and our hearts are open.
Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.
That’s what you’ll find at New Day United Methodist Church!
Why not try your hand in service to others? Help us make a difference!
Don’t forget what’s going on tonight at 6 p.m. at the Mansfield Activities Center (106 S. Wisteria, Mansfield, TX 76063). Our Mother’s Day worship gathering will focus on the important roles of moms AND dads and on 3 things we ALL can do to impact the next generation.
I hope to see you there!
Sheila
I just received word that New Day has been recognized by United Methodist Communications (UMCom) as an official “Welcoming Congregation.” “Welcoming Congregations” are a select group of United Methodist congregations nationwide that meets criteria including embracing newcomers and providing opportunities to grow spiritually.
“Open hearts, open minds, open doors” has been the theme of the United Methodist effort. The overall aim is to invite people, particularly those between 18 to 34 years old, to enter into connection with the Christian community as they seek meaning and purpose in their lives.
I am so thrilled that in our short history, New Day is being recognized as a place of acceptance and openness. And what is it that causes us to be accepting and welcoming? It’s all in response to God’s love, God’s generosity, God’s kindness, and God’s forgiveness toward us. Together the people of New Day are revealing the face and nature of God to the world. For that, I am truly thankful and joyful on this new day.
“The miracle is this – the more we share, the more we have.”
– Leonard Nimoy, Actor