March 11, 2023 — “Accept a Challenge”

“Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord, and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.” Psalm 22:30-31

“The main purpose of “giving up” things in Lent is to bring us closer to God; to prioritize God; to put God in the center of our minds and lives; to make God the focal point. So if you’re thinking about giving up chocolate — do it!? But also ask yourself “how will that bring me closer to God?”  (www.umc.org; Why Give Up Things For Lent)

To accept a challenge means opening up your mind to a new level of living, dreaming, and/or understanding. Accepting a challenge for our faith recognizes the dynamic nature of our faith as set within the framework of our lives. As our faith grows so will our blessings, our challenges, and our responsibilities.

If you want to accept a challenge this Lent, try some self-denial. What is it you most crave every day? This Lent take a week and do not use it, drink it, eat it, or seek it. Self-denial or the setting aside of our personal wants takes a single-mindedness that requires the help of the Holy Spirit. We may be able to follow some self-denial on our own – but if we want to make it not only a Lenten discipline, but a spiritual discipline, then we will need the power of the Holy Spirit. And do not forget to ask the question: How will this bring me closer to G-d? Will you accept the challenge?

Let us pray: Dear G-d, as I look to challenge my faith I understand I must use prayer; confess my weakness; confess my need for your grace; and to remember that you are always with me. Amen.

Pastor Dave

March 10, 2023 — “Live Genuinely”

“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who…trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” Romans 4:3-5

“To one who works, wages are not a gift but payment due. We thank you that our relationship is not that of a hired hand. We do not work for wages. We work for you out of a faith and a love that you fired in our hearts. We trust you as the one who justifies the ungodly and who credits our faith as righteousness.” (heartlight website [heartlight.org])

When a consumer buys a product that includes the word “genuine” on the label, there is an expectation that what has been purchased is real. Genuine leather brings the expectation that the product is not “faux leather” – but the real deal. To live genuinely, then, means to live in a manner that is real and legitimate. To live a life of genuine faith then means that our faith is real and legitimate. This is the tangible demonstration of what is sincerely on our hearts and where our treasure is, not simply a verbal expression.

You probably have known someone whose life was or is an expression of genuine faith. We see enough “fake” expressions of gratitude, love and faith in this world that when we see the genuine article, it, or they, really stand out. Abraham is just the perfect example of someone whose life was directed by genuine faith. When G-d asked Abraham to do something, Abraham did not hold back. He left his hometown and his father’s land to follow G-d’s call. He had the guts to press G-d on whether G-d would spare the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah if even 10 people of faith were found to live in the midst of the sinful cities. My friends, this Lent, let your love be abundant and unconditional, and your offerings of time, talent and resources be the genuine articles.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, we learn that Abraham’s relationship to you was not something he earned; it came because “He (Abraham) believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Help me live a life of genuine faith every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave