January 18, 2011

1-18-11 Tuesday, 6:17 am Springfield, 36 degrees, cloudy, chance of flurries.

Matthew 5:1-11 is the beginning section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In these verses he describes fundamental principles for living that result in peace, contentment, and a share in God’s kingdom. Beginning in February we will examine these “Beatittudes” as the foundation for the “Life Hurts, God Heals” series. Both in the weekly Sunday morning themes, and in the life group sessions the words of Jesus will be applied to our daily lives.

I have observed that everyone has acquired scabs and scars from mistakes and misjudgements along the way. One of the major miscalculations that people make is to ignore the power of God to heal and transform, as they try to cover up and compensate for disappointments and shortcoming. As the word of God is intentionally applied to every area of life, healing begins and hope dawns for the habits and addictions that have constrained us.

Last Sunday (January 16) was a beautiful experience of prayer and commitment led by the Rev. Sherry Habben. The altar rails were covered with signed prayer commitments as we lined up and were anointed with oil. God is beginning a new work, and I look forward to all the ways that Wesley UMC will be the body of Christ which develops more fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, care and serve.