A Message From Our Pastor

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Pastor’s Note August, 2008

Dear Friends,

As the summer days get hotter, I am looking forward to eating luscious vine ripened tomatoes and taking time for vacation and study leave.

The two best things about our vacation are spending more time with our children and grandchildren and spending more time in the Word of God!

These words penned by the Hebrew poet of Psalm 139 invite us to make space for intentional conversations with God – space to talk and space to listen – listen to the one who created us, loves us unconditionally and is always pursuing a closer relationship with us through the Presence of Christ’s Spirit within us and among us.

Our own poet, Amy Chambliss, has penned words as she reflected on Psalm 139 and listened to the Lord speak to her. She has given me permission to share this with you.

Psalm 139: 1-18

by Amy C. Chambliss

God steps over the welcome mat as He walks into my home. The entryway is illuminated by the morning light streaming through the windows. A gentle breeze softly moves the ivory lace curtains as we walk past. The fragrance of flowers wafts through the entryway, as we make our way to the living room to sit down, and talk. The wall clock chimes the time as we sit down, and nestle into the couch cushions. I’m with my best friend ever, God! It is so peaceful and relaxing to sit with him, and soak up the moment. I take a deep breath, and close my eyes, as a smile forms on my face. Contentment, pure contentment. To be here at this time with my Heavenly Father is wonderful!

I open my eyes to see God smiling back at me. We converse for awhile, and His eyes never leave mine. The awesome, yet gentle presence of God amazes me! Here in my home sits the master designer of the entire universe! Wow! I’m so privileged, and humbled by His accepting my invitation to come over, and hang out with me.

He speaks to me of some aspects of my life that need to change, and His words are loving, not judgmental. He promises to walk with me every step of the way, and assist me through these changes. I know I will backslide, and I confess this to God. He nods reassuringly, and pats my hand. He knows this will happen, and He will walk with me throughout my journey.

After awhile we get up, and I show Him each room in my house. He comments on the lovely furnishings, and again, lovingly reminds me to put Him first before possessions. All things are given by Him, when He decides to give them. I need to be still, listen to Him, and be patient.

God is asking a lot on the patience thing! I’m not the most patient person, and at times, I make things happen to suit me, only to watch them fall apart, because God was not in the lead. I’m such a bullheaded human! Why don’t I listen to God in the first place, and save myself a lot of grief? He tells me not to beat myself up about past mistakes, and to put my trust in him.

We walk into the bedroom, and God picks up my Bible. He comments on the fact that there is no dust on it. I tell Him it is read often, and He smiles and says, “I know it is.”

We leave the bedroom, and walk into the kitchen. The smell of freshly baked blueberry muffins hangs in the air. I offer God a seat, and we continue our conversation. He thanks me again for inviting Him into my home, and we talk over hot tea and muffins.

Time passes, and I notice the sun is beginning to set. I hear crickets chirping close to the house, and bullfrogs off in the distance. Nature’s daily symphony is commencing, as we get up from the table and clear the dishes. together, we walk through the house, into the entryway, and watch as the last rays of sunlight dance across the floor. I open the door, and we step out onto the front porch. I offer God a seat on one of my rocking chairs, and He graciously accepts. We sit there rocking, and watch as one by one, stars appear. Lightening bugs flash their lights intermittently around the yard, and a soft breeze blows across the porch

I begin to yawn, and God sees I am tired. He smiles, and says, “You should go in for the evening and rest.” He also says, “If you want, I will be right here on the porch waiting to greet you in the morning. I say yes to Him, and thank Him for staying. I then go into the house, and get ready for bed.

What an awesome friend God is!! I say my prayers before I drift off to sleep, with the assurance, God is watching over me, always. Thanks be to God!!!

----- Amy Chambliss

Amy writes, “My hope is for others to open up to the scriptures through imagination, and truly breathe in the Spirit. Then through the guidance of the Spirit, write their own version of what the scripture means to them, and share it if they choose to do so.”

May it be so!

Shalom in Christ,

Rev. Joy

"We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus for the good works
which God has already designated to make up our way of life.”
                                                                                            Ephesians 2:10

2008 Sermon Scriptures

(Click on blue highlighted titles to see copies of the sermon)