Hit Refresh

Recently I have been using this space to post sermons I've preached but I realize this space can be so much more and honestly I need it to be. The last two weeks have been super stressful emotionally and the last seven months or so have really been spiritually lacking. This isn't to say that I don't know God anymore or I've cut off ties. Rather I've realized that my priorities when it comes to God need to be shifted.

As a 20 something newlywed, who works in a church and is beginning the formal journey of ordination I am at a place where many roads have become intersected and its crowded! In July I shifted to ministry full time, my income got cut, I was figuring out the classes I need to wind up this masters degree, we were planning the details of our wedding and my drive became "do it now" centered. Yet six months after our wedding though are in a different season, I still have these blinders on that tell me to "do it now".

In class last night a classmate told me in conversation "remember self care is not selfish". My God.

How am I supposed to be my best self as a leader, a minister, a co-worker a wife, a partner, a daughter, a friend if I don't take time for me? Anyone who knows me knows I am a giver, I would rather help someone then get my own house in order. Yet by doing that I am doing a disservice to myself and disrespecting the call that has been placed on my life.

I won't promise that I will read my bible more thoroughly, that I will journal daily or that I will take up some sort of exercise like yoga. I won't compromise my word to make a point. But I will say that I need to make space for a quite moment with God daily. I will say that I have poured out and not taken time to be poured into. I will say that I don't take intentional time to recharge.

This is my humanness, this is my imperfection. Yet I am still beloved. So friends, its time to hit refresh.

-CJL

Change is Coming

Change is Coming

First Sunday of Lent

February 22, 2015

Joel 2:1-2, 12-14

Mark 1:9-15

Let us pray; Righteous God, we come to you bringing our failure, our hesitations and our doubts. We bring the pain we have caused others. We bring the injustice in society of which we are a part. May the transforming power of your grace work in us. Look with mercy on our hearts, create a new and right spirit in us that we may declare your praise. Be with us now as we listen for your voice. In your sons name, Amen

The United Methodist Church defines lent as this, “Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.”

This season of Lent is one of transformation, renewal and growth. It is our responsibility during this season to change our lives and our hearts to ones more pleasing to God and fully attuned to Gods way. This change is not instant, rather it is a gradual process where we discover more about self and our personal relationship with God.

Amid the hectic-ness of our day to day it is so easy to let the world around us change us rather than God. Its so easy to let the world influence the way we understand God and Gods plan for our lives. Lent is about pushing the world aside, taking time to reconnect with God.

There is beauty in this season, a time where we look at the divinity AND humanity of Jesus. A time where we realize our own wilderness experiences. A time where we recognize God working in us and through us. A time where God waits for us with open arms, ready to welcome us when we falter and fail.

“Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” This charge from Jesus, as written by Eugene Peterson in the Message bible, seems so drastic. Time's up? Gods kingdom is here? How can this be? I'm not ready! I'm not sure I know what to do!

But friends during this season I am especially reminded that our charge is to live each day in honor and praise of the Holy One. Time is up because each day may be our last. Time is up because we cannot keep putting off making ourselves the best we can. Our lives should continually aim to bring and carry out Gods kindom in this world. Gods kingdom is here because Gods people are here. We must change our lives daily to uphold and grow it.

"But there’s also this, it’s not too late— God’s personal Message!—“Come back to me and really mean it! Come fasting and weeping, sorry for your sins!” Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. Who knows? Maybe he’ll do it now, maybe he’ll turn around and show pity. Maybe, when all’s said and done, there’ll be blessings full and robust for your God!"

Eugene Peterson again eloquently rewrites the passage from Joel. In it we are reminded we can come back when we falter, when we doubt and we struggle to be faithful people. God knows we are far from perfect but calls us to come back wholeheartedly when we are ready. God calls us to come back, owning that we were wrong, that we failed not for him but for us. We must embrace our imperfection, our struggles, our fears because if we don’t we cant move past any of it. We are called to change to the depths of our souls.

On Wednesday morning as I waited for my bus I realized that many of the homeless people I passed had ashen crosses on their heads. I knew it was Ash Wednesday, I mean I was headed here to help with our three services. Yet I was humbled by these people; people who are walked past daily, people who are considered the outcasts, people who are thought of as unworthy by their fellow humans… yet God. God loves them, God sees their value. And this is the truth of this season. God does not care about our clothing, the cars we drive, the jobs we have, or the things we buy. God doesn’t care about whether we gave up chocolate for lent or we took stuff on. God cares about our hearts and when these actions don’t change our hearts they are pointless. God calls us back to his loving arms, despite our past, our baggage, our stuff. THAT’S the purpose of our sacrifices, that they help us return to God.

Beloved this season reminds us to believe in the good news, change is coming! Jesus draws closer to Jerusalem and closer to the cross every day of this season and while we honor this it’s not a new story to us. Rather this story should remind us of a faithful and loving God who waits for us and cares for us. This season I promise you we will be a changed people. Open your hearts, open your minds, open your souls-change is coming.

The Answer is Yes

The Answer is Yes

Third Sunday after Epiphany

January 25, 2015

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Mark 1:14-20

Over the last few weeks I have had amazing conversations with members of this congregation and friends about the importance of community and what community means to us as individuals and a group. In these conversations two things have become apparent;

1) Connection and welcome are important to our sense of belonging.

2) We have all been called in some way to follow Jesus and that call has caused us to seek community that supports and underlies our belief and deepens our understanding.

In my own life I am continually amazed at the moments and people that have added to and helped to shape my faith, my community. I have fond memories of my home church, funny anecdotes about services and events, and stories that keep me grounded. Yet it’s more than that, because each of these things have encouraged spiritual growth and challenged me to live out my faith more fully. More importantly each of these things has helped me to hear the voice of God in my life, calling me to follow and help transform the world.

"Come follow me! The kingdom of God is right in front of you. I will teach you something new. It’s your time to get ready to share this beautiful truth with everyone and show them this kingdom."

As I listen to our scripture readings from today I imagine how God might be calling each of us. The way he calls us is different but the message is the same-follow, wholeheartedly, regardless.

In the story of Jonah we see him at the end of his journey. In the earlier chapters of the book we find God calling Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell the people to repent because God was going to destroy their city due to the people’s wickedness. But Jonah doesn't want to save these people- they are different than he is, it’s not his responsibility. So instead of following God Jonah decided to run away by boat to Tarshish- the other direction from where he is supposed to go. On the boat a terrible storm begins and everyone begins to pray to their gods for safety. It’s discovered that the fault lies with Jonah. He is tossed off the side of the boat and instantly the storm ends and God sends a fish that swallows Jonah. While in the fish Jonah has time to think and pray. His prayer to God was one of trust and acceptance. Jonah realized that even though what he was being asked to do was uncomfortable and difficult, even though he didn't want do it, even though he felt ill equipped he was called to do it by God.

When we get calls in our life like Jonah or initial reaction may be to run. But to create big change we must face hard truths and go to the hard places. At times we're going to have to fast and pray and ask the Lord to forgive our sins and help us to change like the people of Nineveh. Yet through it all God is there, God is moving, God is working to create hearts and minds focused on his will. The people of Nineveh were Gods beloved, just like us. Their willingness to repent and turn from their evil ways and violence swayed God to change his mind. An entire city, a great city repented! Was not God using them to show not only his power but his love? God’s vision spread from Jonah to all the people of Nineveh, all one Hundred and twenty thousand persons. Gods call to Jonah extended beyond what he could see, beyond himself.

The gospel message contains stories of repentance and call. Our passage from Mark actually has two parts to it. In verse 14 we see a Jesus who just spent 40 days in the wilderness tempted by Satan after being baptized. John the Baptist had just been arrested by Herod. Yet despite all of this Jesus decided to proclaim the good news of God in territory controlled by Herod. Jesus saw the need for this message in this place and went forth. In verses 16-20 we meet Simon, Andrew, James and John-the first disciples. Their call is more drastic than it seems. These pairs of brothers literally dropped everything and left their families because of a radical man talking about the kingdom of God. I can imagine both their friends and family thought they were crazy or stupid to blindly follow a man who had no credentials, talking a weird message he claimed was “good news”.

But friends aren’t that the call each of us has responded to in some way, the call that has brought us to the space, to this community??  Despite what others may see as illogical, despite making a commitment we don’t necessarily understand fully we have said YES, devoting self wholly to a man who lived 2000 years ago. This call to be a disciple of Jesus, a follower of God can seem scary and overwhelming, at times it seems impossible yet the answer is still yes. This yes doesn’t always come easy, it isn’t an instant answer, it can make us question our own sanity at times but it is YES. We share this good news as we invite each other to personal relationship with God. Jesus comes, proclaiming good news. Jesus comes, inviting us to follow. We have heard Gods call, we have work to do.

Its A New Day

It's A New Day

First Sunday of Christmas

December 28, 2014

Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Luke 2:22-40

There is something amazing about a good story! It manages to draw you into its narrative, make you feel a part and get you emotionally invested in the characters. Growing up I remember the stories of the bible being told in this way. I remember feeling connected and intertwined with the different storylines. I remember being able to recite the stories because they were told in such an engaging way.

The nativity story is familiar to many of us. It is a story we have heard for many years, from different perspectives, yet we still can find new and incredible things in it.

Earlier this week we sat in this sanctuary to sing songs of adoration and love. We sat in this sanctuary to hear yet again the story of a blessed baby who would grow to be the Savior of us all. But today we are not called to sit, rather we must jump with joy! Good news has been proclaimed!  Have you heard it?

Friends, Christ has been born!

See its easy to get wrapped up in the commercialism, the sensationalism of the birth, the Isaiah prophecy fulfilled and forget that Christmas is more than a day. The spirit of Christmas is now among us and we are called to proclaim the miracle and majesty of Jesus and our God.

In our Gospel lesson today we are introduced to two believers-Simeon and Anna. Both were devout followers of God who devoted life and self to the Creator of All. Simeon had been shown by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. He has a personal relationship with God that had been seen through personal and public declarations of devotion and worship. Simeon devoted his life looking for the Messiah, the promise of his people Israel.

"God, you can now release your servant; release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes Ive seen your salvation; its now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel."

Rephrased by Eugene Peterson this declaration, this song of Simeon spoken to Jesus and all those around is one that I hope we can make as we go into the world. Friends- Simeon had no preconceived notion of who the Messiah, how he was coming. Rather he was able to accept the Messiah as a baby, giving glory to God for this gift.

Anna like Simeon declares and praises God for this child. Their eyes were not covered or blinded by the world, rather they saw clearly the Messiah.

What do our eyes see after our encounter with Jesus through stories? Through our encounters in this place?

Contrary to medieval artwork Jesus did not have a halo around his head or have choirs of angels around. He was ordinary, just like us! Joseph and Mary had brought him to the temple for a normal ceremony where a traditional rite would occur. They were being good parents under Jewish law. Yet the Holy Spirit working in Simeon and Anna gave them the ability to recognize an ordinary looking baby going through an ordinary ceremony as extraordinary. The Holy Spirit of God transforms our eyes today to see things in a new and different way. To see Christ in ordinary places, in ordinary things; to bring hope to a world in despair.

What kind of Messiah do we look for? What kind of person do we expect to see? Friends I tell you if you expect to see a man in shining robes, arms outstretched you will miss Jesus.

A friend sent me an article about a Methodist Church in California that has an artist design their nativity. This year he depicted Mary as a homeless woman at a bus stop, with all her possessions in a shopping cart, clutching a baby. Not everyone agrees with the depiction but the point is to cause people to see Christmas in a different way, to imagine what Jesus might look like if he had been born today.

In our Isaiah passage we are told by the prophet “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (vs 10). We are clothed in garments not of this earth! This is what the season of Advent teaches us, prepares us for. Love, Hope, Joy, Peace are gifts we have been covered with so that on Christmas morning we can go into the world proclaiming Jesus is born, the Messiah is here! Light and hope and joy and peace are born into our world and call us to look at life in new ways.

Amid the ordinary is extraordinary. Church once we look with these new eyes we can see clearly the importance, the specialness, the extra ordinary in everyone we encounter. We can look in the mirror at ourselves and see what God has done, will do and is doing!

So as we prepare for the new year, as we celebrate this first Sunday of Christmas my declaration is similar to Simeon-“God I get it! You are here, you have fulfilled your promise to your people. You are light for all, guiding us amid the darkness. Help me to shine like you, reflecting your glory!”

It’s a new day! Let us proclaim the magnificence of God.

A Unique Mold

A Unique Mold

First Sunday of Advent

November 30, 2014

Isaiah 64:1-9

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

When I was growing up my grandmother made my birthday cake every year.  Every cake was different, extraordinary, extravagant. We never knew what it would look like until she brought it out, yet year after year she managed to surprise and awe me. It was not until I was older and started cooking that I realize the labor of love she did every year. The amounts of detail, the sheer magnitude of each cake were not just hours, but days of commitment and patience. It was always fun to hear about her inspiration and how she finagled some odd shape to complete her vision.  Her drive and determination is something I will never forget, her love for my sister and I, is truly apparent.

As I get older its funny how memories like that one take on a different meaning, a deeper meaning even. My grandmothers molding and shaping is just what God does for each of us. Our Isaiah passage starts off rather harshly proclaiming that "we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth." Yet this proclamation is not the end for any of us. Rather this glimpse into the vengeance of God is a reminder that while we are unworthy and could be considered as such God loves us and cares for us anyway. The prophet Isaiah ends by appealing to God to not judge to quickly because we are his, we are clay worked by the potter’s hands.

We are clay my friends! This means we are dirty, imperfect, and malleable. We are to be shaped and reshaped, formed into the image of God in this world. This is a process. How easy would it be for God to create us all from the same mold? Yet the world would be boring! We are each promised and called to amazing works in Christ, but what does that even mean?

It means that we are not just followers but each partner’s with Christ. To be a partner means that we work together to a greater purpose. In our New Testament lesson Paul is writing to the people of Corinth. This community is full of many people from all walks of life. This community is by no means perfect but Paul is proud of them. I love how he addresses his brothers and sisters "I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Jesus Christ". Always? Really? But friends how different would this correspondence be without this piece? Paul gave them encouragement, reminded that God is faithful, and reminded them that they have been blessed with a variety of gifts. But "I give thanks for you"-was it even necessary!?!

I puzzled over this as this week unfolded. With the decision in Ferguson, the violence that has followed, protests during Black Friday, holiday travel and thanksgiving all occurring in this world how do these words ring true today?? As I explored this text and read commentaries and articles about these passages, one person wrote "We might employ this affirmation during Advent in place of the exchange of peace. Who knows what might happen if the strangers, friends, enemies and indifferent parties who make up any congregation on a Sunday morning could say this to one another, and discover that they mean it?"

Oh beloved that shook me, how can I thank God for someone when they have taken a life? How can I thank God when a parent is mourning the loss of a child? How can I thank God for someone when I don't have my stuff together? How can I thank God for someone I don’t like or agree with? How, how, how?

But how can you not?

Friends these scriptures are meant to shake us, wake us from our complacency and call us to question what we consider "normal". But they are also meant to provide us with one of the greatest tools, hope. In my email to the young adults this week I wrote, "Yet amid my confusion, frustration and anger there is a glimmer called hope...I continue to hope; hope for a world full of equality and love, a world of peace and joy, a world that God will be proud of."

During this season of Advent, this season of preparation, how do we as a hopeful people live out what God has called us to do? Beloved we live, we trust in Gods power and presence, we take on an attitude of clay-ready to be shaped for what God needs us and calls us to do.

Friends when we leave this place I challenge you to adopt a thankfully spirit, one where we greet each person, not just in this place but in every place, with an attitude of gratitude. For in each of us is the desire for better, hope for futures that look brighter than the dimness of today. I hope during this season that when the star appears and wherever it leads us that we are transformed.

Creator God, you are the potter, we are the clay. You form us in your image. Shape our spirits by Christ’s transforming power, that as one people we may live out your compassion and justice in this world, that as one people we may love one another, that as one people our actions and interactions lift the realm of your peace. Amen

An Intentional Adventure

An Intentional Adventure

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

October 26, 2014

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Matthew 22:34-46

This past summer we took a trip to Boston where I challenged myself to take a true vacation. The last two times I had been there I was there for a specific reason so I had no free time. During this trip I had all the time I wanted, since Adam had workshops to attend all day. It's very rare that we travel and I don't have an agenda or responsibilities. So I walked, a lot. I got a pass for the T and a fairly detailed map and got to explore. I had time frames and some dinner plans but for four days my time was mostly my own. I must admit I got lost at times, got turned around and walked to far off my path but in the end I saw every site I wanted, explored the entire city and learned to navigate the T.

During this trip I also got to reflect on the last couple of months, my life and all the changes that had happened. As I walked I talked to God. We talked about my journey, my ministry and its goals, the steps I have taken and need to take. Through it all I was reassured that I'm headed in the right direction. Yet I was also reminded that this journey, like my walking, wouldn't be perfect and there would be detours, deviations and unplanned turns.

In our Old Testament lesson today we see Moses at the end of his life's journey. We met Moses as a baby who was raised as a prince of Egypt. Watched Moses find out his birthright and then run away after killing an overseer. We saw Moses run into the desert, find refuge among the tribe of Jethro in the land of Midian, and marry. We observed Moses as he experienced the awesomeness of God in a burning bush and heard the words of God charging him to help free the Israelites, "let my people go". We know how Moses tried to get out of the job but God promised to be with him. We know how he had to be the instrument of The Lord to bring plagues to Egypt. We know how pharaoh finally relented and the people had to leave quickly with whatever they could carry. And then we saw pharaoh change his mind and chase after these people. We know God sent a strong wind to part the Red Sea and that Pharaohs army was drowned. And yet after all of this, THIS is where the journey truly began.

For the next forty years Moses led the people of Israel to the Promised Land. Moses acted as mediator between the people of God trying to keep everyone happy. He never thought of himself as a leader, never wanted to be a leader. Moses was only on this crazy journey because God called him to go. Yet Moses seemed to be the only one not questioning the motives of God. Moses had unfailing trust in the God who had led them thus far.

Like Moses and the Israelites we are continually striving towards Promised Land. Promised Land is not necessarily a plot of earth but it’s an ideal, a goal, a dream we have for self. If you pick a profession there are certain steps you take and sometimes you are so focused on that goal and doing any and everything to get there. But like the Israelites we so easily forget to savor the journey, we're more interested in the bigger and better. It’s easy to look past the moment to the goal or even not to look anywhere because it’s too overwhelming. Friends, we all started as Moses of his youth, telling God we aren't ready, we can’t do this, there’s no way anyone will listen to our story, our advice. Yet God stands there ready to walk with us, with steadfast love for us.

In our New Testament we are reminded by Jesus that love is the greatest commandment. The Pharisees ask what the greatest law is and friends I believe what they are really asking is “what does it take to live as a person of faith?” This is a question we each ask today. To live as a person of faith requires love. This love we are called and commanded to does not mean a cookie-cutter type of love. It doesn’t mean writing love letters, exchanging gifts or celebrating superficial days. Rather we are called to each balance our identities as we learn to and continue to love God, neighbor and self. But friends this love is a process and also a daily challenge. A challenge to model Jesus in action, not just words. Do we challenge each other to model Jesus, where we love ALL our neighbors?

How appropriate is our theme for stewardship this year; “What Love Can do”.  Personally I have been blessed each week by our commitment minute, and last week especially by the witnesses shared by our laity. During each of these moments I have been reminded that love is part of the journey we call life. The stories shared have all mentioned a reason why, a person who, a moment when love was a part of the agenda. These stories have shaped the journeys we walk, the lives we live and the people we are. If life is a journey it doesn't have to be a grueling trip. It can be an adventure.

So beloved-what can love do? The love of God for his people caused them to be freed and provided for amidst their groaning’s. The love of Moses for his people caused him to continually intercede between them and God. The love of Moses for God caused him to maintain hope when things seemed hopeless. The love of Jesus to those who despised him and caused him pained challenged them to do better. As cliché as it sounds love can change the world!

We need to strive for excellence- not perfection! This excellence calls us to hold one another accountable, to be intentional in our relationships with friends and strangers, to love those who seem unlovable.  These things make up our journey of faith. When we truly and freely give love we are opening ourselves to a life full of excitement, unexpected opportunities and adventure!

So like my travel to Boston I am preparing for this journey. I have a map and a general idea of where I’m going but my goodness I am ready for an adventure too.

It’s amazing what love can do, isn’t it?!?

Letting Go

Letting Go

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

September 28, 2014

Exodus 17:1-7

Philippians 2:1-13

Friends, I stand before you this morning to admit I’m imperfect. I know, I know you’re all thinking “that cant be possible” but it is! And I think this is the beauty for each of us as we sit here this morning, imperfection. Now don’t get me wrong imperfection doesn’t mean wrong or bad, rather it means unlimited potential, possibility and opportunity. While some of our imperfection is things that cant be helped, the other part is because we cant let go of preconceived notions and ideals of how life, situations, etc SHOULD be.

In our Old Testament today we find the Israelites who we have read about all month. We find them today still at the beginning of their journey in the wilderness. These people had spent generations in slavery and the Lord sent Moses to help them break free. After numerous plagues orchestrated by God Pharaoh let them go. Yet as they were leaving, tasting a bit of freedom, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his soldiers after them. Still God provided and allowed Moses to split the red sea so that these Israelites could get to freedom. We find them in todays reading several months and miles into their journey. God had provided them with food and water when their supplies ran out but these people were tired. I can imagine that many people were asking “Are we there yet?” These hungry, thirsty and tired people were frustrated, scared, and feeling unsure in the man and the God they had put their trust in.

 “Is the Lord with us or not?”

They became dissatisfied with the direction things were going. They expected their new beginning to be filled with blessings and pretty things.  They began to wonder if God had even heard their prayers. They quickly forgot all God had done to bring them to this place of freedom. Rather they went to Moses filled with imagined wrongs and unrealistic expectations because they had no idea what was happening, and the unknown is terrifying.

Like the Israelites we sometimes let our situations influence our faith in God. In the moment we get so wrapped up we forget to remember the amazing things God has done, is doing and will do. This cry for proof of Gods presence is a challenge to Gods authority and love for us. God who has provided for these people, time and time again is being question. Yet God in his infinite mercy understands that our humanness causes us to want proof, even when there is no reason not to trust in the Lord. So God provides fresh water, in the presence of the elders. And Moses names the place after this encounter as a reminder for all of  this point in their journey.

Friends when we ask this question about God we are putting human limitations on an almighty God. We are asking for miracles but telling God to do it according to OUR parameters. We need to let go of this mindset, if we don’t we don’t allow God to work through us. Why wouldn’t God be with us?

Our Philippians passage is the answer to this question from the Israelites. The answer is a resounding YES. God is with us, God is standing with us as we go through good and bad times, God is leading, guiding and walking alongside us on this journey called life. In this passage we see that Paul is giving advice to the community in Philippi. We don’t know what the problem is or how extensive the hurts are but we have the words of Paul. These people, and us today, are called to adopt the attitude of Jesus. Jesus the friend to the poor and needy.  Jesus who eats with sinners and tax collectors, Jesus who preaches the word of God unashamed.

When we adopt the attitude of Christ we allow the work of God to be carried out in this world. We let go of trying to please those around us. We let go of the parameters set for us by society. We let go and let in the amazingness that is God. How we interact with one another changes for the better and we are able to make decisions that benefit everyone not just “me”.

I am letting go of the societal expectations of being a woman, of being in my 20s, of being in ministry. I need to let go because when I let go I let in God.

Is the Lord with us or not? Yes, yes, yes! God is waiting for us to unabashedly throw up our hands and release the things that control us. We need to let go of the hold society has on us, we need to embrace being imperfect creatures who serve a perfect God. In the words of Paul we need to “actually live out Gods good purposes”. As you go through this week I ask you to let go, God is waiting, wont you trust?

Amen