We are called, even with our flaws and failings to be in unity within our diversity.
We need to relate with each other with grace, mercy and love.
Focus on doing what is right, not on other’s wrongs. Work in unity together and leave the judging to God!
The people of God have a huge responsibility to make decisions together, peacefully and in agreement.
What is decided together is honored in Heaven. There is a process for the fellowship of church to follow.
Make sure to address the issues. Know discussion is vital and are heavenly ones.
Know the amazing community of being a people where God is dwelling – just 2 or 3 people are enough to bring joy in His presence.
Moses had a very checkered life – privileged Royal and murderer, so he seeks obscurity and an ordinary existence.
God had other ideas. Moses encounters the burning bush and God speaks to him.
The bush became like a standard widescreen phenomenon – a bit out of the ordinary.
An abrupt intrusion of God into his life.
At this point in the Gospel Jesus asks “Who am I”. The people were seeking a Messiah to come and solve their problems.
A series of paintings leads us to Jesus being “the other” – it leads us outside the door to engaging with different faiths and cultures.
It expands horizons to step out of our comfort of life as Jesus may take on other names.
These expand our sense of being in the world and the world of others.
“We can read the Bible and be shocked!
Today we have a nameless woman, 1st Nations person from Canaan, considered pagan and unclean.
She comes to Jesus asking for healing of her sick daughter. Jesus gives her the expected answer of rejection.
However, her persistence is courageous and Jesus’ response moves to respect and inclusion.
The daughter is healed, grace is received and a new way of thinking is modelled”.
There is an old adage, “You will either sink or swim” which may have originated from this very story.
In life if we don’t focus we can easily be distracted and end up sinking.
There is a man who can help us focus on what is important, provide the direction, skills and gifts we need.
Surprisingly you may find when you ‘step out onto the water’ the impossible may happen.
At times we all feel that the problem may be too large, we have nothing to offer, the need is too great.
Once there was a small boy with his lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish…when Jesus took charge amazing things happened!
God works, when people are willing to offer what they have, small things can work together for good.
In sharing God’s love, nothing is wasted and compassion becomes visible.!
Some people consider the Romans passage for today, the greatest chapter in the Bible.
The Spirit intercedes for us and nothing can separate us from God and so all things work for good who love him.
Words that have been cheapened by its use on bric-a-brac , slogans on clothing, mugs, posters etc.
Paul believed and despite his trials and tribulations, knew that nothing could separate him from God’s love.
The Christian faith is a true story. AMEN!
Pulling weeds may disturb the final harvest, the weeds are not the problem but weeding is. So allow them to stay.
The word “allowing’ in the original text of the NT, is ‘Aphiemo’, which translates to “forgiveness”.
In society who gets to decide who are weeds? Sometimes God is doing something that escapes us.
Patience (another word for ‘love’) is needed. The goal is to tend , watch and wait, to see the seeds in people and the world.
Jesus offering is more than expected, He is proclaiming the heart of the kingdom – a new kingdom.
This parable is about seeds. What happens when they fall on concrete, rocky places, and in thorns?
We all have these places that will not let anything through. Pain, hidden hardness and emotions hold us back and our desire to not stand up to things that need to be changed. What defenses do you have that inhibit change?
