DO NOT PUT GOD IN YOUR OWN BOX Part 1

Today we journey through the second letter of Paul to the church in Corinth.
2 Corinthians 13:5-14. We pray that the Lord find us faithful every moment, every day, every hour as we live and as we examine ourselves to see whether we are holding to our faith. As we continue to test ourselves and to realize that Christ is in us so we can pray for peace in our country amidst the protest of many people who can't breathe.

Today we journey through the Book of Acts 2. In this we listen to the story of the Holy Spirit descent on the apostles in a sound like that of a rush of a mighty wind and in the form of cloven tongues of fire. But even there, people thought that the men were drunk? Today as we listen to the events around us, and the protest occurring across the nation due to unjust deaths of people of color, what is God trying to tell us through his Holy Spirit?

Are you afraid of death? Today we pause to reflect and remember the many people who have died in service to this country and to whom we owe our freedom. We also remember our dearly departed family, friends, and neighbors who have died.

Today we journey through the Book of Acts 11: 1-18. As we consider food and nourishment for our bodies we must recognize that God teaches in His Word, that we eat, not for self-indulgence, but that we ear for NOURISHMENT. So too we have to approach the WORD OF GOD for nourishment. Let us ask ourselves; How can we better steward the days God has given us here on earth and REFRAIN FROM PUTTING GOD IN OUR OWN BOX!

Today we journey through the Book of Acts 11: 1-18. As we consider food and nourishment for our bodies we must recognize that God teaches in HIs Word, that we eat, not for self-indulgence, but that we eat for nourishment. So too we have to approach the Word of God for nourishment. Let us Ask ourselves: How can we better steward the days that God has given us here on earth and REFRAIN FROM PUTTING GOD IN OUR OWN BOX!

We take a journey through Acts 9:32-43 where we meet the beloved woman Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. She is not famous or well known, but she is truly loved by her community. She is devoted to good works, and to charity and sews tunics and clothes. She is a disciple who is giving and faithful, but she falls sick and dies. LIsten as Peter is used by God to resurrect her.

Today we journey through the Gospel of John 21: 1-17. The disciples are waiting on God's next move. Peter returns back to the life they once knew. He plans a late night fishing trip and 7 of the eleven show up. Listen to Jesus' actions and Peter's reaction.

Circumstances are in a flux around us just as it was for the two disciples in Luke 24: 13-35. They are feeling dejected, depressed, forlorn, saddened by their diminished hopes, overwhelmed as they walk that 7 mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They are so engrossed in talking about all that had transpired with the death of Jesus, and tales of Jesus' resurrection that they did not even notice the presence of the stranger alongside them.

Today we journey through the Gospel of John 20:19-31. We see that the disciples fearful conduct indicates that they have not credited Mary's report when she said I HAVE SEEN THE LORD. They have locked the door for fear of the Jews. And Thomas is not present when Jesus comes through the locked door that first time. Listen to Jesus' actions and Thomas' s reaction.

Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and could not believe what she saw. Let us brace ourselves for the I CAN'T BELIEVE GOD DID THAT MOMENT as we too believe that JESUS CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED TODAY! ALLELUIA!