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Sunday, March 22 - Fourth Sunday of Lent View the Upcoming Worship Schedule or Listen to past sermons on our website: www.St.Lukes.org/Worship You can see more Upcoming News & Events on our website: www.St.Lukes.org/Events
Kingdom Building Now Serving: Volunteer Opportunities You can see more Volunteer Opportunites on the St. Luke's Kingdom Building website: www.St.Lukes.org/KingdomBuilding/NowServing
Kingdom Building Small Groups, Classes & Sign-Ups You can see more Small Groups, Classes & Sign-ups on the St. Luke's Kingdom Building website: www.St.Lukes.org/KingdomBuilding/SmallGroups
God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is. Read John 3:14-21 The real story of the Bible is reactive. How do people respond to God? Some quiver, some consider, some defy, some ignore, some accept, but some respond. Question is what will you do? A burning bush ignited curiosity in Moses. "I will go over and see this strange sight, why this bush does not burn up." His reaction is predictable. Who wouldn’t have been on his heels to see why the bush wasn’t disappearing in smoke? Once he got the "take off your shoes" order, he realized the bush was more than an illusion. His curiosity kept him while his God compelled him. On the other hand, Jonah took off. Receiving marching orders he didn't want to accept, Jonah "ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish." Who wants to deliver unpopular and potentially dangerous news? No one I know, but a storm, the belly of a whale, and some time out redirected Jonah. His refusal flung him, but God recalled him. Peter froze. At the transfiguration, he said, "it is good for us to be here!" He wanted to stay and build three shelters, but Jesus brought him down the mountain the very next day. Who wouldn't want to capture the moment and remain in the place of glory? Peter’s awe bound him, but Jesus moved him. The rebel, the strange one, John the Baptist obeyed. When Jesus came to the Jordan River, John protested, "I need to be baptized by you!" But Jesus requested, and John complied. The ministry began and the changing of the world commenced all because Jesus spoke and John served. A popular contemporary Christian song, "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me, relates what might be a personal reaction to a face to face encounter with Christ. The singer asks, "Will I stand in awe, will I fall down on my knees, will I dance, will I sing, or will I be able to speak at all?" Judging from Biblical examples we might answer, none of the above, but one thing for sure, we would do something! We are face to face with Jesus, everyday. He is here. In the rise of the sun, in the twinge of a conscience, in the smile of a friend, in the hand of the needy; Jesus is here, waiting for a reaction. Question is what will you do? Will you, out of curiosity, come closer? Will you run, out of fear or guilt? Will you hold fast, not wanting to leave the light, or will you, like John, do whatever the Lord asks you to do? Pray this prayer: Lord, help me react in a way that pleases you. I don't want to just be curious, fearful, guilty, or stunned. I will cross the desert, sail the ocean, come down from the mountain, and step into the water, and if you ask, I will even go next door. Amen. By Joline Krolicki Having Trouble Viewing this Email? Click here to view it on our website. St. Luke's Weekly Update Main Page St. Luke's Weekly Update Archives Click here to be removed from the St. Luke's Weekly Update Click here to sign-up to receive the St. Luke's Weekly Update via Email © 2009 St. Luke's United Methodist Church at Windermere |
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