Ministry Updates for Tuesday, April 7th, 2020
The following is an excerpt from a message sent to church leaders from Gregory Palmer, Bishop of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church.
…We all want to live from a core that exudes “fear not” but there are moments we do feel overwhelmed by the unsolicited challenges and we cry out “how long O Lord?” I suspect that we anguish somewhere between whether or not we are doing enough or doing the right things. It may be providential that the theme of the next General Conference pulls from Psalm 46 “…and KNOW that I am God.” These words are a summons and a reminder to breathe and trust. So I encourage you to do both. And by the way trust the truth that says you are enough.
You have heard me say over and over again (perhaps for you, ad nauseam) “we have everything we need to take the next faithful step.” But that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Don’t look for me to change on this anytime soon, if ever, because if it be not true, we don’t have a prayer. But because (by faith) it is true I can breathe, trust God, believe I am enough and have enough and together with those around me stay on this pilgrim journey. You my friend are enough, you have everything you need and God is filling in all the cracks with grace and mercy overflowing. Hallelujah…
Scripture for Reflection – Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Prayer (From Pastor Brian)
God of life, God who created us, God of the ‘fishes and loaves’, we are mindful of what it is to have little. We are also mindful of what it is to have plenty. It is sometimes hard to escape the idea that we are defined by what we have or what we do. But we are not. We are defined by who claims us and loves us. We are defined by you who created us. We are defined by the One who gave his life for us. We are defined not by our capabilities, but instead by what the Holy Spirit wants to do for us and through us. Help us today, take the next faithful step in connecting with you, by living life with confidence, and by being prepared to aid those in need, however you have gifted us to do that. Open our eyes we pray, to these realities:
We are enough
We have enough
You have made it so
For all this and more, we give you thanks. Amen.