Psalm 73: 21-27 & Matthew 18: 19-20

Psalm 73: 21-27 & Matthew 18: 19-20   "I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I'm still in your presence, but you've taken my hand." (Ps.73: 22 - MSG). "When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action." (Mt. 18: 20 - MSG).

     I'm struggling a bit these hot days of late July with laziness and passivity. There......, I've said it! The concept came out of my head or brain, or is it my heart or conscience or will? down my arms, through my fingers to my pen and out onto my writing pad (or computer screen). Prayer: Lord God, I bring IT to you, I put my issues with laziness, perception of my passivity and guilt around procrastination into your capable, caring and loving hands because I'm not dealing well with them. I so want your will and guidance on decisions and issues that I believe need positive movement. In Jesus' name I ask this, amen.

     I made a conscious decision to try not to use the word "awesome" in everyday speech several years ago, but to reserve IT for things of God. My resolution stands me well, as I believe it has caused me to credit countless things and encounters as gifts from the Creator. Simple things like cold refreshment from the heat, or cooing baby pictures even only online while we're still distancing, or a mere phone call, or that innocuous chat that moved to a unplanned spiritual level. Did you take in this past Sunday's sunset over Milford, rather than the Mediterranean? I too was a dumb ox, not that long ago. I love the anecdote Rev. Marlayna used of Ann Lamont's going for a non-complicated walk with two friends. Things did not begin well in their case, complicated by the ALS of one confidante, but her inviting God into their outing uncomplicated all things physical. Author Ann was blessed far beyond any preconceived desire. In my meager existence, rarely do any circumstances change, that I pray about or for, but I do [change], what about you? 

      Is our limited or locked-down condition an opportunity to bring all, or at least more nooks of our lives to God, which we have no business trying to orchestrate anyway? He seems to be saying wait to my flood of 'what would Jesus do?' queries, for sure. Paul encourage us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Th. 5:17) and this week's text invites us to set the Father moving on our behalf, when just two of us gather in Christ's name. In our little marital dyad, one often quips: "may our conversation be prayer" at the start, mid-stream or close on the subject of the moment, thereby acknowledging who's in charge, yet each having expressed their view, desire or truth about that subject. Our dynamic mightn't be faultless, but it is terrific! It so frees me for receiving constructive criticism, allows me to pray critically for those I'm close to and objectively view community / world, because He has without a doubt taken my hand.

     Patiently praying to gather again as His body of believers, - Kevin & your Deacons

Psalm 32: 1 - 11.

Psalm 32: 1 - 11.  "The Lord says, I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with a bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you." (v. 8-9, NRSV)

     One of my few experiences with either horse or mule was as a 10 year old, with an unbridled colt. My Dad was baby-sitting a pair of a friend's colts for a weekend and this spunky male was tied to a tree next to our house with reins only, ergo, lacking saddle or the bridle & bit, God mentions above. My Sat.-afternoon-napping father was unaware of my taking this guy out for a spin, which ended badly. No sooner had I mounted the beast when it bolted across the street and down the sidewalk through the schoolyard, without regard for my arms around its neck, my short life flashing through my mind or my imploring it to slow down. Surely this was my sister's idea, and isn't our temper often the manifestation of insisting on our own way?

     Our Pastor Marlayna adeptly wove aspects of separation from God, like: guilt, confession, remorse, mercy, acceptance into a story of a woman trying to surprise her husband by reaping from investing a significant sum of cash. It too ended badly, until she got beyond her guilt by revealing her error and then getting into a dialog with the gracious spouse, whereby he enhanced their connectedness by looking at the mistake as a 'how-might-we' resolve the issue together opportunity. I find that the more willing I am to not succumb to the cultural adage that I need to be perfect and truly confess my short-comings to myself, God and another human, the lighter my burdens and greater my joy.

     One of my talents at age 10 was the ability to fall and not get hurt. So, the un-bridled creature bolted, my guilt arose as I planned my dismount from the racing stallion; confession could be delayed. Terror was reigning now, the bit-less reins were useless and I prayed for mercy raining on me, if I lived. I would optimize my chin-tuck-dive / shoulder-roll on my dominant right-side as soon as Seabiscuit reached the field.....  Bam, I did it (God did it for sure) with no brain injury nor bloodshed, just a healthy dose of shame. I slithered home with my tail between my legs. Dad didn't say much, he was a plumber, but a teacher in disguise and confident that a rebellion lesson had been gleaned by yours truly. He fetched my little pony from a familiar barn, curbing its temper with bridle / bit, and without fanfare or shaming. .... Now, doesn't Jesus commonly teach us in stories? I don't always make horse sense in the moment, but if I'm listening I can see forgiveness as a natural part of God's loving nature; especially when I do my part and bring Him my stuff.

 Blessings on your Acceptance journey! Kevin T. and your Deacons

Genesis 21:14-20

Genesis 21:14-20 "Then God opened Hagar's eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink." (v. 19, NLT - LASB)

     Human rejection is often an extremely difficult thing to face or endure, whether justified or not. Now, conjure up in your mind an instance where you were the subject of someone else's shunning. The methods of dismissing or renouncing by we humans are numerous, so it may have been verbally, physically, mentally or some other means for you. For me an example readily comes to the fore, and much like Hagar in the Bible text used this week: my tendency is to flee, or at least minimally escape emotionally. I'm earnestly trying not to mix the roles of the "reject - or" vs. the "reject - ee" for this discussion, so please bear with me as I see them as both sides of the same coin. Genesis has at least two incidences of Hagar leaving, subsequent to being snubbed, so she was the rejectee due to others' choices. Her habit of avoidance didn't serve her well, even though in the end God had her back. I can map this to the 'Denial' stage of one's grief, whereby it's necessary, but the goal of 'Acceptance' is the healthier stage sought after. Our God, has shown me to bring Him the explicit details of my often tainted thinking.

     I tell the story of a discarded husband, i.e., the 'rejectee' whose eyes were opened by God's offering a well of water in the form of Jesus' hope/mercy/love on the life of our, the 'rejector' & my children. In time, I came to own my passive aggressive likelihood in that former marital dyad, as its negative impact only manifests poorly. As with Hagar, despite running, her son Ishmael became the head of the Arab nation; God had a plan; and although my choices may have altered it temporarily, He opened my eyes! I'm grateful that I didn't get what I likely deserved. He's got a scheme for you and this Church too. Let's help Him open our collective eyes and bring life-giving H20 to our thirsting neighbors.....  His peace to you, Kevin T. & your Deacons

An Appeal: Serving on FFC Diaconate

1 Timothy 3: 8 - 13  "... ;they must hold fast to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience...for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus." (v. 9, 13; NRSV)

     There's a need for a person or three to step forward and serve on 'our' board of Deacons! There's a change in the air in our churches, our communities, our minds, our hearts, do you not perceive it? There's such a strong attraction to the inexplicable connected to our faith, that yours truly can feel guilty (at times) for not promoting that faith. There's a movement afoot to re-imagine the role of our Deacons at Franklin Federated Church, kindly consider helping create that. There's always the gnawing that accompanies one's motives, especially as they relate to spiritual-things like: 'gain a good standing for themselves' (v. 13), i.e., am I doing thus-and-so because it's the right thing or for some personal advantage? I really try to not get stuck on over-thinking this one, so I pray for the former and let God change my heart if really the latter.

     There's quite a strict list of Deacon qualifications, if you care to read the entire passage, but adherence would eliminate me and there's still a Pastor to support in a manner our predecessors believed appropriate. Then there's, ministering to the spiritual needs / interests of the Church community and ensuring that no one is overlooked. There's my Ghandi t-shirt encouraging to: "be the change you want to see in the world" and it's applicability to Deacons aiding the [re-] visioning we'll take-on to map out our next few years, as a body of Christians. There's behind the scenes worship services to be bolstered by Deacons. I have not, but there's a possibility you the reader have 'been-there-done-that', so rather than being a re-tread, you might return the grace you were shown and breathe into this necessary ministry, perspectives that reflect your gifts, growth and experience. There's intangible "receipt in the giving" to paraphrase St. Francis. There's communion to be served, decisions to be made to impact this Church family, and people and needs to be prayed for; your Deacon-workers are few; please think about serving. It's an amazing thing, this faith in Christ Jesus! 

     Finally, there's the God of our understanding blessing & keeping you, Kevin & your Deacons

Matthew 6:5-14

Matthew 6:5-14  "Our Father in heaven, may your name always be kept holy. May your kingdom come and what you want be done, here on earth as it is in heaven. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us. And do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from the Evil One." (v. 9-13; NCV)

     The "Lord's Prayer" or the "Our Father" as it was referred to during my formative years and presented by Rev. Marlayna is an appropriate subject anytime, let alone Father's Day. I can identify with those whose earthly male parent wasn't as "present", as they/I might have preferred, ergo relating to a supreme being [God] is likely difficult at best! In time, I came to reconcile that my father did the best he could with the tools he was given, particularly after understanding the role-model he was shown. That said, t'was the grace of God that my awareness of my rearing, acceptance of the how and why that father-son relationship barely survived, which prompted me to be better with my opportunity with the next generation; though, the now six 30-somethings (+ their significant others) are seemingly discerning that currently. 

     I admit, that I do battle with the above phrase: "do not cause us to be tempted". For me, therein is an implication that my sage, initiator God: tempts me - I don't think so. Personal experience reveals or has orchestrated that my worst enemy lies within or getting out of my own way many times might prove to be a brilliant strategy. The NRSV of the Bible tames the idea a bit saying: "do not bring us to the time of trial", but still hints that the father [God] incites attractive or alluring wrong-doing; still difficult for this writer to swallow. The Message, which actually uses the words: 'remix' and 'contemporary' in its Biblical title states: "keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil", at this juncture of the prayer, speaking right to where I'm at. Oh God, grant me the wisdom to know the difference, between what's mine and what I'd best relinquish, because it's likely that   

my perception isn't perfectly clear when it comes to someone I encounter, giving me an opportunity to speak and act like Jesus. May IT be so.....

      Blessed be the tie that binds! Onward, your Deacons

Matthew 9:35 - 10:23

Matt. 9:35 - 10:23 "Don't begin by going to some far-off place to convert unbelievers...Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood...When you knock on a door be courteous... gentle... If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw...and be on your way." (v. 5,6,12-14; MSG).

     Now, what exactly is your or my platform? Not sure about you, but my existence feels pretty simple; it might even qualify as insignificant. I am attending an appropriate 'socially distant' gathering today, but 'relationally distant' will by no means be an intention of the group; in fact the opposite! There's a part of me that is very comfortable behind a mask. If it propels me toward greater relational vulnerability, in both the sharing and empathy-listening domains, my covering may have done a good thing. I found myself unabashedly singing & whistling a hymn in Market Basket in late March and enjoying it, knowing no one could see more than my eyes, mask, cap and latex gloves. I'm also reminded of AA times, where revealing all was very easy, due to a new and anonymous group or setting; after all nobody knew me there.

    Wherein lies my 'sphere of influence'? With whom do I have the intestinal fortitude to apportion my reason for hope (other than spouse, BFF, small group or significant other)? The Matthew text encourages: to become what I believe, that the right words will be there, to live generously and not be attached to any others' rejection. I believe that any potential rejection, is one of those times when the feeling doesn't match the reality, i.e., the risk is worth it and the neighborhood implicitly needs your/my infusion [of hope]. Personally, I know that my life returned from the shadows awhile back and that my strength and hope are not from the mountains, but from God who made heaven, earth and those mountains. Hopefully I enter today's encounters with that at the front of my mind and the tip of my tongue.

     His Peace that passes your & my understanding, your Deacons

Matthew 28: 16 - 20

Matthew 28: 16 - 20      "Then the 11 disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted. then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  (NIV) 

     Therein is what in Christendom is referred to as the 'Great Commission', whereby Jesus is encouraging followers to teach the ways of God. I don't know about you, but my assessment of any overt evangelistic-nature on my part leans toward such being non-existent. It does however feel like I was let off the hook to some degree by our new Interim, Rev. Marlayna. Her mentioning the forming of groups to study and come to an understanding of God's intention +/or thinking from the Bible, rather than proselytizing aligns better with my style . My tendency is, so toward primarily sharing my faith within a Church community, that I can get uncomfortable with someone else sharing their faith in my company. Is that co-dependent or what?  When I'm well connected with this God of our understanding, I'm likely rooting for acceptance or even conversion, but stress when I've surmised that a recipient is not ready or will openly reject that which I hold so dearly.

     The truth is, I want folks to come become seekers (of God's way) out of their desire rather than their desperation, although I know the latter seems more likely and either is okay. I oft attribute to St. Thos. Aquinas, the idea that we are to, "Speak the love, grace and mercy of God always, and when necessary, use words." Perhaps it's easy to confide to this natural world and to doubt that perhaps the way of Jesus cannot prevail, but haven't we [culturally] been as an 'other enlightened-society', now reaping sheaves of that old behavior, currently. We can change, and it's likely we will do so together! My prayer is that when asked, why I act so differently, I will "be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy." (1 Pet. 3:13-14; MSG)

Acts 2: 1 - 21

Acts 2: 1 - 21 " ...we are Parthians, Medes, Elamites, ..Mesopotamia, Judea, Pontus, Cappadocia, .. Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, .. Libya, ..Cyrene, .. Rome, Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans, Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!" (v. 9 - 11; NLT).

     What should we do? - last week's Podcast presenter Marilyn Sutcliffe posed! Thousands had gathered; sound familiar? The Christian Church was birthed 2000+ years back and was the backdrop and inspiration of the story told in the above passages. I maintain that purposeful looking-back is primarily beneficial when it teaches us not to replicate behaviors that are hurtful to others or ourselves. On some level our culture will recover or repeat. Our nation's racism issues are deeply imbedded; the potential exists to do [it] as we always have or to change.
     Hope springs eternal however amid the virus, its looming nature and the anti-racism protests, with the birth of our youngest's first child! Will I not speak, both in her native tongue and with my life, into that developing mind and heart, of the wonderful things God has done? My prayer for now is that Jada May is not only physically nurtured by her Mom & Dad, but is spiritually and emotionally attached to Christ's vine through them.
      I miss an old Christian brother today, who passed away just before Easter in '19. I'm well aware that he's with me in Spirit, but it's our "Jesus-with-skin" interactions, that I miss. His presence continues to encourage me to critically consider people and issues within my sphere, to hash them out thinking Christianly, and then pray for them from that viewpoint.

Lord, teach us to pray, because - that is what we can do! We are with you, your Deacons 

Matt. 13: 1-13 and Luke 12: 13-21

Matt. 13: 1-13 and Luke 12: 13-21 were used this week; what struck this writer was: 

   "The disciples came up & asked, "Why do you tell stories?" Jesus replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works..... when someone has a heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there's no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories (parables): to create readiness, to nudge people toward receptive insight."  (Matthew 13, v. 10-13  / MSG)

     I admired and was stimulated by our dear Peggy Maxwell's Sunday sermon relating the above biblical texts to our times. So many relevant points; I love it when one appreciates our Creator's creation so exuberantly. These are difficult times for so many across God's green earth and common platitudes don't cut bait, or keep the electricity on, or reinstate an employ, or feed the kids, or __?__, you fill-in the blank. The task for me remains, that despite my acute awareness of the threat of our way of life being threatened, the reality of my hope / faith is best, having coming to the fore. What is important to you at this time? As in the text, will the seed fall on gravel, or among the weeds, or in fertile soil? We still [all] get to fill-in our own attitudinal blank and choose our battles for the most part.

     In the Bible text above, Jesus intimates: there is a deeper human listening that can enable spiritual understanding. Now, all of us exposed to His words, life and truths have varying degrees of that understanding, as well as the potential to encourage those we encounter. That support could take the shape of helping someone through a seemingly simple physical issue or even a complex faith-deepening situation. What depth of stories are we sharing in our sphere of influence? At times insight comes easily, however my 'timid-Saint-in-waiting' is unwilling to be the bold participant that would serve in a better manner. I know, I know none of us gets all the gifts, and I am a human being rather than a 'human-doing', but it's my action that makes my faith complete. (James 2:22). Truth is, I just sleep better when I follow through after becoming openly receptive to any of those spiritual nudges.......

onward Christian soldiers & please Lord make us instruments of Your Peace, the Deacons

John 21: 1 - 19

John 21: 1 - 19.  "This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.... A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time."  (v. 14, 17)  NLT - LASB

     Our FFC member / retired Pastor Jean Southard delivered a thoughtful sermon-cast last week, reminding me that I'm wiser when I listen to whomever brings me details of Jesus' life. I know I cannot solve 'world hunger', but if I truly listen, take to heart and then enact the love conveyed in the Biblical text used, I can at least partake in feeding some in need in my community! 

     The fishing-story text depicts the third time Christ appeared since the resurrection. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times back around crucifixion time, and Jesus thrice herein encourages the feeding of His sheep. 'Three' is definitely significant here, as I believe Peter is being directly forgiven of his earlier denial. How many times would I have been asked, or better yet 'am' I asked?  

     Like Rev. Jean, I respect all views of after-life. Historical study shows me eleven references to a resurrected Jesus, and my transformed life 28+ years back puts my vote on 'after-death' in the affirmative. I contend, that knowing where I'm going [later] makes a vast difference in the present. So, in no way attempting to sway you, but if you don't believe or are on the fence - Believe that I believe. And, as for any Peter-likenesses, I am gushingly grateful for God's patience with me prior to his repetitive flood-light dawning on this marblehead! 

     We / FFC can make a difference - Grace & Peace, your deacons. 

Isaiah 42:8-9, 43:18-21 and 48:6-7

Isaiah 42:8-9, 43:18-21 and 48:6-7   "The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,"  (v. 43:20, NRSV).

     So many questions conjured up from the images conveyed in the Scriptural references mentioned above. I'm struggling to narrow these few lines to a concise set of cohesive thoughts. Am I one, that Isaiah refers to as 'chosen' or is that idea reserved for just back then, when God led the Israelites out of the oppression of Egypt? Do I equate any of my past or present as "desert or wilderness - like" times? How do you spell relief or did I receive any reprieve? Have I not been granted the cool refreshing restorative water that internalizing the life of Jesus can cause; resulting in my interacting far more favorably with imperfect humans than my impulsive natural tendency? If the ostriches, lilies of the fields and jackals praise their Creator, shall I not at least minimally honor? Are you, like me hoping for just a bit of moisture (never mind a river) in an aspect of your existence that's seemingly void of life due to no traces of water?

     In one case I've got a sibling who recently accused me of trying to take advantage for personal gain. Instead of going to the fight I was invited to, it turned out I: a) didn't have the [whole] story, b) apologized for my part and c) thanked him for exposing the truth, which in turn reiterated our deceased Mom's kindness, caring and generous nature. In a second relationship, a dryness prevails that I need to continuously turn-over to God, lest I damage what is there that He might build on, rather than 're-build' on after my oft self- righteous inclinations. And a third instance is my many opportunities to speak the truth in love with the older grand-kids pushing the boundaries to see if I'll be consistent with what their parents espouse. So again, Am I chosen? I contend that I am chosen to carry out and honor the life of Jesus as best I am able and lean not on my own understanding. How 'bout you? 

     God's Grace, His Peace, Pass IT on, your Deacons...... 

Acts 2: 42-47

Acts 2: 42-47 (NRSV) "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need." (v. 44).

     So, can you imagine literally doing, what the earliest of Christian communities did? Humor me a minute, please.  Is giving all I possess to those 'without' what my faith asks of me?  Having been nurtured and reared in western and capitalist culture it's almost 180 degrees opposite thinking to: "give everything I own to the poor" (1Cor.13:3a - MSG).  I cannot quite get my head around relinquishing to others, who haven't wisely done similarly.

     Those early Jerusalem followers of Jesus' ways knew to share all they had and help their spiritual family in every way possible, so as to benefit from God's gifts. I'm so tempted to isolate and enjoy my little piece of utopia (or wealth), rather than acting on my core belief that my contribution to God's family multiplies exponentially to benefit both self and community. 

     That said, my moving toward my beliefs more closely aligning with my life's action, I'm willing to progress toward 'everything I own', though not perfectly.  The trick for me will be to be content that I'm heading in a good direction with my Church-family. Also, due to my lack of inclination to blatantly promote, I'm of the ilk that a healthy Christian community draws people to Christ.

     My prayer is that despite our recent praising God, sharing meals and taking the Lord's Supper in our homes like those first Christians, that we can gather and enjoy Worship and the goodwill of all our people, asap!

     God's blessing on you each & His peace, your Deacons

Luke 24:13-45

Luke 24:13-45, from the Walk to Emmaus story: "Then beginning with Moses, and all the prophets, he [Jesus] interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures."  (v. 27, NRSV)

     Struck by the poignant, concise and impactful recording from the Podcast of our moderator, Stephanie's message around 'change', I just had to re-read the Luke text she derived it from a couple extra times. Far too many times, I have glossed over the idea that, that well-known scripture was then realized. Meaning, that our resurrected Lord re-encountered several people in the flesh, and pointed out that numerous prophetic facts written years earlier were coming to fruition. Change, that was sought for generations of struggling Judaic, God-following people could potentially be lifted out of the muck and mire of their meager survival!

     I happen to be one who believes that when an organization encounters significant change, an intentional resetprocess be entered by all affected. One where the recent past is reviewed, cob-webs can be rooted-out, all can be heard, strengths assessed, the chaff blown into the wind and a desired direction for the foreseeable future can be collectively decided on because [it] is for the greater good. In the case of a faith-based "dot org" like us, a review of: why we gather, who we are, what we stand for relative to our common beliefs and how might we propel ourselves into the culture and times to better our communities and world at large.

     The world, as the two walking to Emmaus knew it, had changed drastically and they were dumbfounded, perhaps even paralyzed. The sentence (v. 27) mentioned above  summarizes what Jesus' explanation may have entailed relative to God sending a Messiah and fulfilling prediction from the Old Testament. The Christ is woven through all scriptures and as many as eight key passages may have been used by Jesus during his walk and brief verbal dissertation. A phenomenal movement ensued from the upheaval thrust upon these earliest Christians. One might say we have a we have a similar set of challenges to embrace Are we: listening? willing to boldly participate based on faith? open for the meaningful changes? New heights and depths are possible to be stretched to (Pauline Kezer, author/poet), despite Covid-19, Pastor departing, or uncharted waters!

     His Peace that passes all understanding, Your Deacons 

Psalm 16 & John 20: 19-31

Psalm 16 & John 20: 19-31  "Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book." (v. 30, MSG).

     Our Pastor, Rev. Charley Eastman & family departed from our midst this week, amid very little fanfare. His servanthood, style, exuberance for enacting God's word, humility, candor, humor, pointing out Jesus' relevance to our times, faith, connect-ability to youth, devotion to family and general zest for life, liberty and the pursuit of joy, (to name but a few traits) are far more God-revealing, than this reflection or author are capable of depicting.

     Do you believe [in God] because you've seen with your own eyes? Change is inevitable, but the imposed restrictions / recommendations during the pandemic seem outlandish to endure! It's our response to change that's more important. Those closest to Christ were not in favor of his departure, nor was I of our Pastor. Neither issue was open for a vote, but  if I'm paying attention, I'm blessed to see God make extraordinary out of the ordinary; so often, way after the initially undesired change. T'was true of my being asked to: leave my former marriage back in '92, step away from Corporate America in '03, unravel my too tightly codependent identity to my spouse's 30 year ministry in '17! My faith dividends are improving when I view the big picture, but my existential trust quotient still needs some re-tooling when I want what I want, when I want it. 

     Although, he'd likely deny being compared to Jesus, our reverent Rev. Eastman vibrantly 'breathed the Holy Spirit' (v. 22) on us for 10+ yrs. His calling guided him to carry-on as his FFC forefathers did, and to our benefit, prepare us to embrace both the uncertainty of COVID-19 and how we can reach out to those in need in the near future. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe." (v. 29).

Grace & Peace, your Deacons & Gratitude / Blessings to the Eastman family!

Luke 23: 44-46

Luke 23: 44-46  By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock.  The light from the sun was gone.  And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary Temple was torn down the middle.  Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!"  And with those words he breathed his last.

     Should we have faith steadily in God?  What about loving extravagantly or hoping unswervingly, are these worthwhile pursuits or at least concepts to be mindful of?

     God, the human, a.k.a. Jesus took on the daunting task of being crucified, head-on! I'm recalling the response of the President of Japan after the devastating tsunami a few years back, saying in essence that the Japanese citizenry would do all they could and leave the rest to God.  

     My attitude and/or my grumbling is always my choice, no matter how I'm victimized or doing without 'things' I'm used to having.  Now, my swerving tendency to run, hide or self-medicate to avoid or soften the blow is a subject for another time, whereas genuinely retaining an open eye and heart toward my hope, just may propel me to the best point of relinquishing control to my Comforter-God. I can go about: 40 days without food, 8 days without water, 4 minutes without oxygen, but only 30 seconds without hope.  That said, I choose [98%] to accept the things I cannot change and place my hope in Jesus.

     His Grace and Peace, your Deacons

John 19: 29-30

John 19: 29-30   A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.  (NLT - LASB)

     Jesus brought glory to God here on earth by completing the exact work He was given by the Father to do!  Billions of Christian forebears and contemporary followers attest to this, via their faith and fervor. I pray that my own endeavors and those of our out-reaching church body be as fruitful knowing, as "Jesus explained: my nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work." (Jn. 4:34) 

     Our Pastor Charley hit home with me and the idea that: "starting something wasn't as much an issue as staying to continue and finish it" (Darren Hardy). I ask myself, why is it that I continually put off for tomorrow what I 'should' get finished now? Or why was it that the task that seemed so important to start, is hanging over my shoulders now?     

     Truth is, my procrastination puts my integrity on the line if I really admit it, to say nothing of others' impression when or what I've covenanted to do or be. 

     Now, denial is not only a river in Egypt that Moses was plucked out of, it's a concept that aids my evading truth that I'd be far better-off facing. And, I know that interests and priorities change, but I can hide behind that too. Do you think procrastination can be overcome? We did see Jesus stick to his considerable mission, ultimately for the Father's glory and our benefit!

     May Christ's Peace, that passes all understanding be with you, your Deacons

John 19:28

After this, when Jesus knew that all was finished, he said (in order to fulfill the scripture), "I am thirsty."  (that scripture: "they gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Psalm 69:21)  NRSV

     'Thirst' is mentioned 54 times in biblical text and reference to 'water' some 716 times, which tells me of the subject's significance. Isn't our body comprised of 72% water? Such a basic human need, which we so effortlessly take for granted, yet the crucified Jesus expressed his fallible human desire for such at death's door. Do I have enough (H2O, food, TP, my fave milk, etc.) to get through the pandemic?  The seeming-scarcity connects us with war efforts of the past, to paraphrase last week's podcast. Any current deprivation that helps focus on what I'm grateful for serves a greater [good] purpose. 

     The Psalm, like me has me whining to God about my perceived current plight, but un-like Jesus, I don't appear to have the mettle to see me through, without turning to God.

  Stay the course of Peace, your Deacons

Mark 15:33 -39 "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" (MSG)

Mark 15:33 -39 "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"  (MSG)

     Is God really [there]? A categorical YES for me, if I'm opting to put my trust in Him, however when I'm trusting my 'feelings', I open the door for doubt to slither in. 

     It's quite paradoxical that in this time of 'social-distance', I also know that it's in community, that we heal. Similarly, how isolation to an extreme can be detrimental to my psyche, yet I'm wise to spend consistent alone-time with God. The combination of others' sharing their struggle and time with Him coax my own reaching out.    

     So, this distance thing is difficult, in part because it seems, I'm wired for the contrary. I may have however done the wire-crossing and insisted that alone-time come on my terms. One thing I know is that my God has not abandoned me. How about Jesus? How about you? 

     God, you are everything I need! 

In gratitude and God's grace, your Deacons.

Luke 23:43

Luke 23:43  "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."  (NLT - LASB).

     A mentor of mine asserts, "if you cannot decide which way to turn while pondering a particularly trying situation, strongly consider erring on the side of mercy."

     Have you ever been falsely accused? I have, and Jesus was for sure! Several on Death Row in the Alabama prison system were as well. The film: 'Just Mercy' depicts African American Atty. Bryan Stevenson fighting to exonerate one of them and making, freeing as many wrongly sentenced as possible, his life's calling.

     Jesus had done NO wrong, yet was being executed like the two criminals being crucified with Him. The faith of the one who asked to be remembered in God's kingdom was greater than Jesus' (at-that-time-hiding) disciples, by reason of that faith spring-boarding him beyond the current shame, i.e. a wrongful execution, and toward the coming glory. Makes me wonder if I'm willing or able to bestow any 'mercy', minimally resembling what has been granted to me for the express purpose of delayed gratification?

Grace and Peace, your Deacons

Luke 23:26-38

Luke 23:26-38     "Father forgive them, they don't know what they're doing."  (MSG)

    The phrase "pull up" has been too frequently used by police to tell an African American driver to stop their vehicle. It's not the phrase being questioned here, it's the motive of its user. As Rhianna (American Pop singer) recently suggested in an NAACP acceptance speech, the existing racial divide could be diminished if we 'pull up', break bread and resolve our differences; similar to how we might do the same with family or friends. Personally, it's likely that my own privilege of having white skin has come in handy when 'pulled-over', irrespective of my driving and definitely not related to my character.  Diversity not only surrounds me, but my life is enhanced by the variety it brings! Forgive me Lord, for I'm not always aware of my motives, words or behavior. My view is commonly clouded by my: comfort, familiarity, experience, biases, resistance to change, pride and family-of-origin-like thinking to name a few. My tendency is to remain on auto-pilot and avoid discomfort, thereby negating any possibility of navigating toward bettering our faltering world, let alone my own lot. God's Grace & Peace, your Deacons