From the Pastor Archives - Page 43 of 105 - First United Methodist Church of Galax

Devotion January 31, 2023

February 1, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Prayer for the Week (January 29, 2023-February 4, 2023)

February 1, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray to God who has revealed the divine kingdom in Christ: God, in Christ, you declared what is blessed and proclaimed that our joy is to be found in your kingdom. Your kingdom honors what the word despises: Weakness, poverty, mourning, mercy, pity, meekness, purity, and peace. May Christ’s Church and our lives reveal your kingdom. Amen.

(Lightening from the East)

Sunday Reflection (January 29, 2023)

February 1, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

God is concerned about the abuse of vulnerable people by people who wield power, be it in business, government, or religion (Micah 6:1-8). To “do justice” is to set things right in society with an eye toward the most vulnerable. “To love kindness” is to have loving kindness and compassion flowing from us to others, just as God’s loving kindness flows with us. This “kindness” maintains a loyal commitment to God and others that goes beyond the basic legal requirements. Love is the motivating factor; not fear, coercion, or manipulation.

As Christians, part of “walking humbly” is to be open to being taught by the Holy Spirit in the way of Christ. It is having an awareness of God’s presence and guidance throughout our earthly journey. May we be wary of putting on a show of worship while neglecting basic everyday issues that make life compassionate and loving be it in personal relations or political relations or how we construct society.

Sunday Reflection (January 22, 2023)

January 23, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Despite the difficulties of this phrase, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall” I suggest that the Church locally and the Church universally should foster it, but not in the sense of standing united to fight people or other religions or nations; rather, in the sense that we are united to do good in the name of Jesus Christ and to the glory of God. If we are divided our doing of good is lessened and weakened.

In 1 Corinthians (1:10-18), Paul attempts to persuade the Corinthian Christians to unite despite their differences. There was much good that they could accomplish together, but their divisions hindered that. The same goes for us, the Church local and the Church universal: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” If the proclamation of Christ crucified, we will have disagreements but may we in all things act charitably. We all follow a crucified Messiah who shows us a different way to live, and may we always be united in the extension of forgiveness in the hopes of reconciliation, kindness, compassion, and grace.

Prayer for the Week (January 22, 2023-January 28, 2023)

January 23, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray for Christ’s light to shine upon us: God, our heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Jesus as the light for the world. Shine into our darkness, so that we see God’s love, and follow in the way you show us. Amen.

NZPB

Devotion January 11, 2023

January 11, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Devotion January 10, 2023

January 11, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Prayer for the Week (January 8, 2023-January 14, 2023)

January 9, 2023/in From the Pastor/by Diane Palumbo

Let us pray that we love God in all things and above all things: Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you good things that surpass our understanding. Pour into our hearts such love towards you that loving you above all else, we obtain your promises which exceed all that we can desire, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

NZPB