A Message From Our Pastor
Pastor's Page
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
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