All of us get angry at times. Feeling angry is not a sin. It's about how we handle our anger. Our scripture reading this week (Ephesians 4:17-32) reminds us that we are called to leave old ways behind and to take on our spiritual nature.
Getting angry and going off on people, being vindictive, shutting down, and attacking are old ways. Getting angry and speaking the truth in love is a better way, as is holding one's tongue. Not all anger needs to be expressed.
Join us in our Lenten Prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." Psalm 139:23-24 NLT. And join us Sunday at 10:45am as we learn, or are reminded about being angry and sinning not. If you know any angry birds, be sure to invite them to join you!
Rev Sandy, Pastor
On this third Sunday of Lent we consider the biblical concept of lust. Much like people hear the word "gay" and think of sex, people hear the word "lust" and think of sex. But there is more to lust than the sexual dimension. People lust for power, prestige, knowledge, and control to name just a few.
In this day of developing technology the temptation to venture beyond desire and into lust may be greater than before. We have access to almost anything we want, almost anytime we want it. We see little reason to deny ourselves anything. We have our desires met and then we desire more, and more, and more. And sometimes before we even realize it we move from desire to lust, from want it to gotta have it.
One of the blessings of being part of a community of faith is that we have each to turn to for truth, prayer and support. Our lives get out of balance from time to time and we can lovingly help each other find that balance again. What desire do you have that is, or has the ability to bring imbalance to your life? Lent is a good time to ask and answer that question.
I invite you to join in our Lenten prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart. See if there be anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path to everlasting life." Psalms 139:23,24. I hope to see you at church this Sunday at 10:45am.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
On this second Sunday in Lent we encounter Nicodemus stopping by to ask Jesus a question. The answer Jesus gave puzzled him and others throughout the ages. Jesus said, "You must be born again." And then Jesus talked about being born of water and spirit. All of us are born of water from our mother's womb without any choice in the matter. But in our spiritual birth, we choose to participate, ignore, or turn away.
I have a friend I met in college. We have kept up with each other through the years. In the last five years he has been born again. He's like a child in wonderland, which is way more fun than the angry old man he was becoming. I said to him yesterday, just imagine how different your life would have been if you had experienced spiritual birth years ago.
You may have yet to experience such an encounter with Jesus. To you I say the sooner the better. If you are tired of going through the motions and feeling like something big is missing in your life, you can be born again. The Christian faith is filled with stories of renewal and new life. You can join that story.
In this season of Spring, look around and see the beauty of creation come to life again. Then join us Sunday at 10:45am...have I got some gossip for you!
Rev Sandy, Pastor
We allow certain habits to help us deal with life, but sometimes the bad habits can become part of our identity. It's time to separate ourselves from these 'necessary' habits and recognize them for what they really are: sins.
The good news found in Romans 8:2 is that through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. This four-week Lenten series follows the lectionary and covers lying, gossip, lust, and anger, and teaches us how to replace these sinful habits with obedience and grace.
So set your clocks forward Saturday night and feed your heart, soul and body on Sunday. For those observing the Daniel Fast, there will be a table just for you at the Sunday Luncheon. And if you email me I will send you a fantastic resource for the fast.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
