Friday, July 4, 2014

Freedom

American Historical Perspective

The 4th of July is a day Americans celebrate freedom. 






I came across an important quote form Horace Greeley, an American newspaper editor who lived and worked 1811-1872. 

His quote reminds us of the importance of our faith and its relationship to freedom.

“It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people.  The principles of Bible are the groundwork of human freedom.”



Christ Followers

Galatians 5:1, gives us more thoughts to ponder about freedom.  “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm.”  Galatians 5:13, we are free to serve one another humbly in love.

Ephesians 3:12 reminds us that our power to live and act comes because “in Christ and through faith in Christ we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” 

God has and is acting for the good of all creation.  May we be part of extending God’s Love into our circumstances.


"Do you still not understand?" Jesus.

The world’s news tells of the suffering of people God loves! 
Jesus often had to say to his disciples, "Do you still not understand?” 
Are we hearing those same words today from Jesus?



Thoughts on Faith  


I gained an important insight from a book I recently read, Faith in the Face of Empire the Bible through Palestinian Eyes, By Mitri Raheb, a local pastor in Bethlehem.  In the book he states, “Faith is the key to dismantling the empire.”

As we look around us, we see actions that do not reflect God’s goodness.  The world needs God’s Good News!  Let us let our faith and understanding of Christ’s teaching guide our actions.


Holding the Light 

As we stand in our circumstances let us hold high God’s Love, freedom and light for all to see.




Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Joyful and Glad in Heart


Joyful and Glad in Heart Experiencing

I started my time home at my son's home for three days.  Sure is nice to experience the love of my son and his wife.  It was fun to get together with other good friends too.

Now home reconnecting with my neighbors, walking for exercise instead of transportation.  What a joy to have a home and friends to come back to.

Joyful and Glad in Heart Remembering

It has been a month already after arriving home June 2nd.  My home had been well cared for my my friends.  As you can see some of my bushes did not make the winter.  From what I am hearing, I am glad I did not experience this winter in Michigan.


I got busy right away getting ready to make presentations about what I saw and did during the five months I was in Jordan, Palestine and Israel.




Deciding how to put five months into a thirty minute talk, with pictures allowed me to review my notes, pictures and memory bring back the wonderful experiences I had with so many!

Thank God for the opportunity to speak at my home church


Joyful and Glad in Heart Hearing


One of Pastor's sermon was about what Christians refer to as Pentecost.  According to our faith tradition, it was the initial receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Act 2:12 records the thoughts of those who were experiencing God. "Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, 'What does this mean?"

Joyful and Glad in Heart Planning

Daily information comes about opportunities to minister, scheduling presentations and future service options.  Maybe we can minister together.

I had the privileged of attending the United Methodist, West Michigan Annual Conference.  How pleased I was that the group voted to take positive steps toward a Just Peace in the Middle East.

Our Good News

The struggle continues for people in the Jordan, Israel and Palestine where I served.  The struggles here also continue.  Praise God with me that we have the Good News.  We have the privilege and responsibility of reaching out with the Good News of Jesus' Love