The Podcast With Marben Bland

Yolanda Adams in her smash hit song Open My Heart cries out to the Lord saying… “So, show me how to do things your way don't let me make the same mistakes
 over and over again.”   
 
God through the prophet Jeremiah cries out “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” 

In our secular world a covenant is a promise. However, with God a convent is an iron clad pledge of God’s goodness, grace, and forgiveness.  It is that goodness, grace, and forgiveness that is evident in Jeremiah’s decree, for God is making a new covenant because we keep breaking his previous covenants.  

Yes, as Yolanda Adams reminds us, we make the same mistakes over and over again. 

During this Lenten season, let us reflect and be thankful that we serve a God that is good, a God that has grace and a God that is forgiving.   Let us reflect and be thankful that we serve a God that will give us a new covenant despite the fact that we make the same mistakes over and over again.  

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The Book of Revelation was written to show the servants of the Lord what must soon take place.  

Revelation 7:9-10 chronicles a great multitude, more than anyone could number.  The multitude comprised of every nation, all tribes and people and languages stood before the throne and before Jesus.  

Clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, the multitude cried with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. 

As servants of Christ, we can take great hope and comfort that what must soon take place is the second coming of our Lord.  And when it takes place, the people singing the praises of the Lord will be diverse.    

These verses from Revelation reveals that God ordered and ordained diversity.  And despite the elimination of diversity and inclusion programs.   The abolishment of black and brown history departments on colleges campuses, and the white washing of the narrative of the minority experience.  

Diversity will never go away for the Lord has shown us what must take place.

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This has been a traumatic week for the University Of Georgia community, as we mourn the death of two young students.   

The devastating news penetrates the soul of the vibrant campus testing our resolve.  As we as ask why and question can we be safe, in the place where we learn and live? 

Answers as they always do will come in time however until then let us take solace in the wisdom of Romans 14:8-9 where Paul writes: “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.   

As untimely, senseless, and shocking as these deaths are Jesus is Lord!  And in this moment of sorrow and grief let us be strengthen in the knowledge that Christ died and was returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

For the two students who have died this week Jesus is with them.  For those who remain Jesus is with us as we pray to our Lord and savior for comfort, guidance, and peace in the days and weeks ahead.  

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Genesis 2:7 tells us that God created man out of the dust of the ground.  When God breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, the man became a living creature. 

Yesterday, I learned of the passing of a family friend Gloria Johnson, who died of a heart attack while working out at the gym.   Her death is a reminder that at some point each of us will no longer be a living creature.  Which begs the question, then what? 

 Right now, the answer to the question “then what” is mourning.  We mourn because Gloria was a wonderful parent, a tremendous grandmother, and a fabulous friend.  As a living creature, she lived with joy, kindness, and faith in a God who guided and ordered her steps. 

2nd Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we walk by faith and not by sight.  Now that Gloria is no longer a living creature, let us who mourn her continue in her memory and honor God by walking with faith.

 For when we do, we can be confident that when the day comes when we are no longer a living creature, we will be like our dear Gloria.  Absent of the body but present with the Lord as we enjoy our new and better reality of no longer being a living creature. 

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In The Sermon on the Mount, beginning in Matthew 5, Jesus both reinterprets the old law and offers a new law. In essence the new law is about worship not rituals.   

As Ash Wednesday approaches, let us follow Jesus and beware of practicing our “piety” during these 40 days is not a ritual, it is an act of worship to the honor and glory of the Lord.  

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We find a busy Jesus in Mark Chapter 8, he feed thousands from a few loafs and fishes, he healed a blind man at Bethsaida, Peter, declares him the Messiah, Jesus foretells his death on the cross and challenges his disciples saying: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Six days later in Mark Chapter 9, Jesus Peter, James, and John go up a high mountain.  There he was transfigured before them, his clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them, Elijah, and Moses, appear to talk with Jesus.

The voice of God comes from a cloud saying “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Transfiguration is defined as a complete change of form or appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.   Jesus as holy, pure, complete, and busy as he was still able to be transformed to a more beautiful and a more spiritual state.   

Like Jesus the chapters of our lives are busy, work, children, meetings, travel, concerns about our health and so much more that take our time our attention and our energy.  God is telling us to listen to Jesus, for Jesus understands the busyness of our lives, Jesus understands the hunger we face, the blindness we experience, and the crosses we must bear. 

Despite all these things going on, Jesus offers us Transfiguration.  The complete change our appearance into a more beautiful or spiritual state.   Let us follow the voice of God and listen to His Son.  

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What are you doing to spread the fame on Jesus?  This is the question asked in a sermon from Mark 1:21-28 entitled, “Fame!”

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Psalm 100 tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.  For 99 years Sister Annie Mildred Hill made a joyful noise.  Keeping God’s promises of Psalm 100. 

Sister Hill answered the call of Psalm 100 to serve the Lord with gladness.  A faithful wife to her late husband James, a cherished mother to her sons Jimmy and Michael and an outstanding grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.  She was always there, always loving, always praying. 

Sister Hill obeyed Psalm 100 for she knew the Lord. Joining The Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church at an early age.  She served the Lord with all of her heart all of her soul and all of her mind. Serving as a trustee, a member of the pastor’s aid ministry and for half a century our church musician. Taking over for her mother, and in an environment where musicians can command top dollar Sister Hill refused to be paid. 

Psalm 100 tells us of God’s wonderful gate which Sister Hill has now entered with thanksgiving.  As we pay tribute to the joyful noise Sister Annie Mildred Hill made on her nearly 100-year life journey where it is crystal clear that she knew the Lord the question for you and me is this: I am saved.

If you are not saved pray with me: 

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and surrender my life. Wash me clean. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That he died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day for my Victory, I believe that in my heart and make confession with my mouth, that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. It is in Jesus name that I pray let all of us say Amen, Amen and Amen.  

If you prayed that prayer with me, you are now saved.  However, your salvation is strengthened when you make it real and active as Sister Annie Mildred Hill did.  So, in her memory and to God’s glory follow Psalm 100 and make a joyful noise to the Lord.  

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Powered by Evangelical Christians Donald Trump has won the Iowa Caucus.  

For these Evangelical Christians immigration was the major issue as they supported a candidate who says God’s children at a border are poisoning the blood of America 

Agriculture is a major part of Iowa’s economy. The state farms produces nearly 20% of U.S. soybean, corn, and pork.  Meat processing plants dot the landscape contributing greatly to nations supply of Polk and beef.  

Ironically almost all the workers in the plants, and in the fields are immigrants of color. Working in the low wage nonunion jobs that was the staple of employment for white immigrants, a century ago. 

These immigrants many of them who have entered the country illegally, are the lifeblood of agriculture not only in Iowa but throughout the nation. 

They do the jobs that the white native population will not do. The giant companies that employ them have conspired in an elaborate scheme of don’t ask don’t tell. 

For they know without them, crops would not be harvested, meat would spoil, and money would be lost. 

Nevertheless, Evangelical Christians have bought into the lie that God’s children simply by entering into the county are poisoning the country.  

Leviticus 19:33-34 commands “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.  

The United States is a land of immigrants.  Without question many of the Evangelical Christians who Caucused for Donald Trump descended from immigrants who entered the county illegally. 

Those descends worked in the same fields, those descents worked in the same plants and those descents came to United States for the same reason as those who at the border now for the opportunity for a better life.  

Comprehensive immigration reform will allow America to use it’s God given bounty to greatly change the lives of God’s children around the world.   

Perhaps it is the name Evangelical that makes the difference.  However, for this Christian the path forward is clear, we must love the immigrate as we love ourselves, and reject the poison that is coming out of Iowa. 

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There is a paradox on this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  While many of us will reserve this day for reflection, celebration, and service.  In Iowa the first step in coronation of Donald Trump a man who stands in stark contrast to the Beloved Community, Dr. King and generations have marched, fought, and died is taking place.   

Into this paradox comes the liberating power of God’s love.  Colossians 3:14 reminds us that above all love binds everything together in perfect harmony.  Dr. King tells us that Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.  

I am under no illusion that Donald Trump and his followers will ever become my friend. However, I am confident that because of the liberating power of God’s love the paradox of this day does not depress me.  The paradox of this day does not distress me. The paradox of this day does deflate me.  

Rather the liberating power of God’s love energizes me as it should energizes you. As we depend on the promise of Act 10:37 which declares God anointed Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit to heal the oppressed.  

To be Black in America is to be oppressed.  But take heart God is on our side.  And on this paradoxical day when the oppression of white supremacy is on fully display as the GOP and the media allows lily white Iowa to take center stage. Dr. King still speaks telling us that "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.  It is the liberating power of God’s love that will sustain us as we continue to fight, strategize, and toil as we do the work of justice.  For we shall overcome.   

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The fundamental goal of the book of Proverbs is to teach the acquisition of wisdom and the avoidance of folly.   The acquisition of wisdom and the avoidance of folly is achieved only when we have faith and trust in the Lord as we obey his teaching.  

 Proverbs 3:1-8 provides a roadmap of God’s love and obeyance.  We are reminded to follow God’s teachings and not to lean on our own understanding.  For in following God’s wisdom the text promises that we will have the abundance of God’s favor in our lives.  

The roadmap is set, and the promises of God have been laid out. However, the question for you and for me is this: Do we have the faith and trust in the Lord to make the promises of God real in our lives?

 Join us tomorrow at Greater Bethel in Athens, Georgia as we examine our faith and trust in the Lord in a teaching from Acts 10: 34-39 entitled Alternative Facts.  We start our day of worship at 140 Rose Street with our new in person Church School featuring a tasty breakfast at 9:30 AM.  Our 11:00 AM worship service is streamed live on Facebook and YouTube so until tomorrow blessing, peace and love. 

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On Friday, January 20th, 2017, thousands gathered at the capital in Washington, D.C. to witness the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.   

The next day on Saturday, January 21st, 2017 White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer accused the media of deliberately underestimating the size of the crowd for President Trump's inaugural ceremony.   

Spicer claimed that the ceremony had drawn the "largest audience to ever witness an inauguration – period – both in person and around the globe".  Using rapid transit ridership data and photographic evidence news outlets around the globe proved that Spicer’s claims of record inaugural turnout were false.  

Then the next day Sunday, January 22nd, 2017, Kellyanne Conway, Counselor to the President appeared on NBC’s Meet The Press.  She defended Spicer’s comments saying that he was given alternative facts.  Chuck Todd the moderator responded saying, alternative facts are not facts. They're falsehoods." 

In Acts Peter encounters people who were operating with alternative facts about Jesus.  They had seen Peter and John heal a crippled beggar.  Assuming they practiced magic, Peter set the record straight.  Saying, that it was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that cause the man to walk. 

Peter continued describing Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One, the Author of life who was rejected by the people and hung on a tree. 

On July 17, 2017, Sean Spicer announced his resignation as White House Press Secretary, thus ending one of shortest tenure of any person to hold the office.  

His creditability in tattlers Spicer was not offered the high paying opportunities that others in his role were. Instead, he was on Dancing With The Starts and is now a contributor on News Nation a upstart cable news network

There are no alternative facts when it comes to Jesus.  His life is spotless, His word is true, His death and resurrection are real and his coming again is a fact. 

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Sermon Notes:

Epiphany is a promise that God is here, whether or not we notice the signs. 

After Jesus is born, according to Matthew, it is not the local folk to whom God-with-us is first revealed, but rather to Magi from the East. Foreigners. Strangers. Outsiders who interpret dreams and interrogate the night sky for signs. 

Nor is it in the grand holy city of Jerusalem, with its magnificent temple at the center of religious, political, and economic power, where God chooses to come close, but rather in Bethlehem, a lowly village up the road a piece. 

And it is not the great and powerful King Herod on whom God’s anointing rests, but on this vulnerable child-Messiah who “will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

In the first month of 2024, Israel is again at war.  It is at war with Hamas the terrorist group that staged the October 7th attacks. In which an estimated 1,200 Israelis were killed, and another 150 were taken hostage. 

In retaliation Israel launched a military campaign into Gaza.   The Palestinian health ministry estimates nearly 18,000 of their people have died, upwards of 48,000 have been wounded and scores have been displaced.  

War is no stranger to Israel. The modern state of Israel has fought nine major wars since its 1948 inception.   Scripture recounts many battles involving Israel.  God’s land and people were attacked, conquered, and occupied, time and time again.  

With God on its side Israel is no joke.  God gave the Israelites power to win battles against seemly impossible odds.   

In 1st Samuel 17, Israel’s army is being challenged again this time by the Philistine giant Goliath.   Bring forth someone to fight the giant for the right to be free. Faced with this challenge all the Israelites, fled and were very much afraid.   

Three reasons why the Israelites fled: 

First, they were out of God’s Favor.  

Under Saul’s rule God empowered Israel to become a powerful nation with a great army capable of dominance on the battlefield.  However, Saul lost God’s favor as he disobeyed the Lord. 

Second, the Israelites, lost faith in God.  

They lost faith because they took God for granted thinking it was because of their might that they won those battles and not God.   

Lastly, the Israelites did not have a vision from God.  

All they could see was a giant and a giant defeat.  Only with God could they have a vison of victory.   

Our Vision For 2024 Is To Greater 

Matthew 28:16-20

New International Version

The Great Commission

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We are called to worship, We are called to teach, We are called to be disciples and to make disciples, we are called to be greater!

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Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season however, how often has the season with all of its trappings gotten in the way of our faith?   Now that the season is over and if we truly want to be greater in 2024, now is the time to get back to the business of faith.  

In Hebrews 11 Paul defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  He cites the examples of Abel, Abraham, and Isaac as pioneers of faith.  However, this roll call of the stalwarts of faith is not an invitation for us to mimic their actions.  Rather it is a reminder for us to practice the fundamentals of faith in our lives.   

The business of faith calls on us to be in prayer, to study and to teach. The business of faith is a call to be humble and to serve.  It is a call to remember and to forgive. The business of faith is a call to demand more of ourselves in every aspect of our lives. And above all, the business of faith is to witness to all that Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Faith is not restricted to a season.  Faith is our ongoing way of life, like the air we breathe, the food we eat and the people we love.  Faith is the essence of who we are, and more importantly who the Lord wants us to be.  

So, if the season has gotten you off track the good news is this. Now, is the time to get back to the business of faith.   

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On this first day of 2024, Israel is again at war.  It is at war with Hamas the terrorist group that staged the October 7th attacks. In which an estimated 1,200 Israelis were killed, and another 150 were taken hostage. 

In retaliation Israel launched a military campaign into Gaza.   The Palestinian health ministry estimates nearly 18,000 of their people have died, upwards of 48,000 have been wounded and scores have been displaced.  

War is no stranger to Israel. The modern state of Israel has fought nine major wars since its 1948 inception.   Scripture recounts many battles involving Israel.  God’s land and people were attacked, conquered, and occupied, time and time again.  

With God on its side Israel is no joke.  God gave the Israelites power to win battles against seemly impossible odds.   

In 1st Samuel 17, Israel’s army is being challenged again this time by the Philistine giant Goliath.   Bring forth someone to fight the giant for the right to be free. Faced with this challenge all the Israelites, fled and were very much afraid.   

Three reasons why the Israelites fled: 

First, they were out of God’s Favor.  

Under Saul’s rule God empowered Israel to become a powerful nation with a great army capable of dominance on the battlefield.  However, Saul lost God’s favor as he disobeyed the Lord. 

Second, the Israelites, lost faith in God.  

They lost faith because they took God for granted thinking it was because of their might that they won those battles and not God.   

Lastly, the Israelites did not have a vision from God.  All they could see was a giant and a giant defeat.  Only with God could they have a vison of victory.  

The battles of 2024 lie ahead for all of us.  We need God’s favor; We need to keep our faith in the Lord, and we need God’s vision if we are to fight and win. 

Happy New Year! 

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The Books of Samuel describe the origins of kingship in Israel and recount the reigns of the first two kings, Saul, and David.

Under Saul’s rule God empowered Israel to become a powerful nation with a great army capable of dominance on the battlefield.  For as Mary would say to Gabriel centuries later “nothing is impossible with God.”

However, by the time the Philistine giant Goliath began to taunt Saul’s army and more importantly God himself.  Saul’s fortunes had changed he lost God’s favor because he lost favor with God.  

Into this breach came David.  The Shepheard boy used only one of five smooth stones he had gathered to slay the giant in the name of God.  For nothing is impossible with God.    

When the time came the great army of Saul could not be greater because they were not greater with God.  

2024 is looming and God is calling us not to be great but to be greater.    

God is calling us to be greater in 2024 because the challenges we face are greater.  

We must be greater because the challenge of climate change with warmer winters, hotter summers and more intense weather events are greater.  

We must be greater because the challenge of gun violence ripping through our communities, schools and even our churches is greater.  

We must be greater because the challenge of the 2024 election where are voters are disenfranchised on a whim, where partisan gerrymandering eliminates our choice to pick candidates, where a candidate who plays games with reason for the Civil War and mad man is running to get his old job back. 

In 2024 God Is Calling Us To Be Greater but the only way to be greater is to be like David so we must be greater with God. 

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The Time For Watching And Waiting Is Over

When I was young the night before Christmas was a time of watching, waiting, and wondering.  Watching to see when Santa will come, waiting endlessly for Christmas morning to come, and wondering what in the world would be there for me under the tree. 

God Is Calling Us To Action

God Is Call Us In Luke 2:8-20 

To Go And Tell It!

A closer examination of the text provides us with these key points:

1. God speaks to us in our everyday lives. (Luke 2:8-11)

8 Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. 9 The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. 11 Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. 

Remember: God loves us so much that he will give us constant reminders of his love and the actions he wants us to take to spread his love. 

2. God will give us a sign when he calls us to action. God will also give us a way to validate the signs that we are given. 

(Luke 2:12, 2:15-16)

12 This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.”

15 When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.”

16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.

Remember: God will not only give us the sign and validate the sign. God will also determine the pace of the action he wants us to take. 

3. The action that God is calling us to is to and tell it to the mountain.  (Luke 17, Luke 20, Matthew 28:16-20)

16 They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. 

20 The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

Matthew 28:16-20

Common English Bible

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted.  18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Remember: God loves us and his call to action for those who love us is tell others about his love so that they can love his as well. 

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Christmas is over.  The wrapping paper, the boxes and some presents are garbage bound.  Christmas trees are coming down, carols are not being sung, and the after Christmas sales rush is on.  Yes, Christmas is over so now what do we do about Jesus?  

For some they know that Jesus was born, but it changes nothing.  For others they are caught up in the glow Jesus birth, but it only last for a few days before fading away.  Many are like Herod; the biblical king are so filled with rage and hate that they wanted to kill Jesus and everything he stands for.  And still others while celebrating Christmas have never heard of Jesus.  

Christmas is over so now what do we do about Jesus?  For an answer we look to the angels

shepherds and wise men who were in Bethlehem that first Christmas night.  They glorified Jesus by following the commandments of God.  They worshiped Jesus singing praises to his Holy Name and they told people about Jesus.  Sharing his name, his teachings and his coming again to people everywhere.  

Glorifying, Worshiping, and Telling that is what we do about Jesus now that Christmas is over.  

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Merry Christmas!  

This day of festive trees, wonderful presents, and outstanding parties is the culmination of the Advent season. Where in this post pandemic world many of us for the first time in a while have attended parties, gone to concerts, enjoyed dinners along with all the activities with family and friends that truly makes this the most wonderful time of the year.  

But, for many this time of year is stressful. Stressful with money problems, stressful with family issues, stressful with the loneliness that is so acute during the holidays.   

When Gabriel the angel, of the Lord came to Mary, he gave her these specific messages.   The first message was not to be scared she was a favored woman chosen by the Lord from among many.   The second message was that Mary a woman who was not married and had never had a man was to have a Son.  He will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give Him the place where His early father David sat. He will be King over the family of Jacob forever and His nation will have no end.” The holy Child you give birth to will be called the Son of God. 

The third and final message from Gabriel was concerning her cousin Elizabeth.  An old woman who was baron.  This woman without child was now six months with child.  

After hearing these incredible, impossible, and improvable things Mary asked how can it be?  Then after hearing Gabriel explain about the power of God.  Mary had her own message: “Nothing is impossible with God.”

With these powerful messages Mary could have done many things.  She could have used the knowledge to advance her own agenda based on her favored status. She could have used her knowledge to further question God about the how’s, whys, and whatnots of her current situation. She could have used the knowledge to run away and never come back.   

But instead, she used her knowledge to reach out to a friend in need.  While Elizabeth was clearly elated about finally being with child, she was also in crisis.  

Elizabeth was old, and let’s face it a child at any age is demanding.  Elizabeth was fearful of the reaction from folks about pregnancy.  And Elizabeth was perplexed about the entire thing after all her husband was rendered speechless after his stent in the temple. 

Luke 1:39 tells us that Mary with haste left to be with Elizabeth.  Her joyous visit lifted the spirits of both women.  Their bounds became tighter as they spent three mounts together.  

Just before Gabriel left Mary she said, “I am willing to be used of the Lord.”   On this Christmas Day many of us are happy, family, loved ones and presents are in abundance.  However, we know that there are people who like Elizabeth are in crisis.  I pray that you be like Mary and let the Lord use you.  Call, visit or sent a love message to someone who is lonely, someone who is in difficulty, someone who is in a crisis.  

Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season and as Mary has shown us Christmas is all about relationships. 

Merry Christmas!  

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The U.S. Department of Transportation forecasts that more Americans that ever will be driving or flying far away from home over Christmas.  

Airports and highways will be packed and while the speed limit on most interstate highways is 80, we will have to settle for a slower pace during our treks.

The pace of our lives is determined by many things.  Education is paced by a set number of years of study. Football, basketball, and hockey games are governed by a 60-minute clock. Time and temperature rule cooking.  

When the angels returned to heaven the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see Jesus.  The account from Luke 2:16 states that the shepherds went quickly.   

Going quickly meant the shepherds had to leave their flocks alone for there was not enough time to call in substitute shepherds. 

Going quickly meant the shepherds did not consider the pros and cons of the trek including the distance, the time, or the mode of transportation.  

Going quickly meant any consideration, barrier or question were settled. 

The shepherds simply rised up and followed because they had been called by God.  

When God calls us, we are called to go at God’s pace not ours.  But how often do we follow God’s pace.  

How often do we not follow God’s pace because it means leaving behind things of value? 

How often do we not follow God’s pace because we are trapped in our own internal debate about the pros and cons?

How often do we not follow God’s pace because our considerations, barriers or questions are not settled? 

The shepherds have given us a magnificent gift.  The gift is the understanding that the opportunities of a lifetime only last as long as the lifetime of the opportunity.  

And that opportunity is governed by the pace of God.  

If God tells us to go slow, we go slow. 

If God tells us to go fast, we go fast 

If God tells us to go somewhere in between well, we do that do.  

Let learn this Christmas lesion from the shepherds and let us go at the pace of the Lord.   

Join us tomorrow for a Christmas Eve Message entitled: God Tell It On The Mountain. Worship with us at 11:00 AM In Person at 140 Rose St. in Athens or online via Facebook or YouTube so until tomorrow, blessings, peace, and love.  

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