Devotion June 12, 2024

Devotion June 11, 2024

Prayer for the Week (June 9, 2024-June 15, 2024)

Let us pray for daily renewal: Thank you, Lord God, that you have cleansed us from sin and saved us from the power of the enemy through the death and resurrection of your Son. May our sinful self be destroyed each day as the Holy Spirit brings life to us each day, and continually creates a new person created unto the image of God fully revealed in Christ. Amen.
                   
                                                                                         
               

                                   

                         

Sunday Reflection (June 9, 2024)

We base our society on increasing sales, profits, and numbers in this temporal existence.   We reason that such increases generally indicate success, but Paul had a different concept of increases. For Paul, the renewal of the inner person leads “to an increase of grace to more and more people.” This renewal is a daily spiritual transformation and growth so that no matter our age or situation, we grow and increase in grace and kindness unto the Image of Christ.
Extending grace when we’re tired, weary, and fed up is a challenge. But we can find strength in the hope that God’s grace will flow through our lives, increasingly reaching others. We hold onto this hope because God will fully restore and reconcile us. Despite our current struggles and the limitations of our physical existence, we trust God’s healing and restoration will prevail in the unfolding of time.

Sunday Sermon June 9, 2024

Devotion June 4, 2024

Sunday Reflection (June 2, 2024)

Sunday Reflection upon Deuteronomy 5:12-15 and Mark 2:23-3:6
The various interpretations of Sabbath observance within our religious tradition are a source of fascination. Even Jesus, a figure of profound reverence, had a unique perspective on this matter. If we delve into this topic, we will likely uncover a rich tapestry of understandings within our community. Jesus’ approach to Sabbath observance was one of healing and restoration, a viewpoint we can all interpret in our own distinct ways. This diversity of interpretation is a testament to the richness of our religious tradition and the freedom it allows for personal understanding.

The question in the text is not whether to observe the Sabbath but how to observe it. Unfortunately, the concept of Sabbath rest is often disregarded or dismissed in our contemporary society. Those most in need of rest, such as those facing challenging circumstances, are often unable to afford or are prohibited from taking a Sabbath rest. Conversely, those who may overlook its spiritual significance are the ones who can most easily observe it. This societal shift has led to a widespread neglect of Sabbath observance, even among Christians. It is a trend that we must actively resist for the sake of our spiritual well-being and the health of our communities.

Prayer for the Week (June 2, 2024-June 8, 2024)

Let us pray that we hold fast to the conviction that God’s purpose cannot be defeated: O God, your providence is unfailing, remove from our part whatever is harmful and grant us those things that work for our good; through Jesus Christ, our Savior who is alive with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
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Sunday Sermon June 2, 2024