October 30, 2014

Dear First Pres,

      I just listened to Beth Paz's sermon from this past Sunday. Wow! I loved the way that she connected us to the drama of the text as the priests took those first steps into the Jordan River. As soon as they stepped into the water, it stopped flowing; they stood on dry ground, as the whole of Israel crossed into the new territory. Of course, as Beth articulated so well, it wasn't the power of the priests that caused the water to pile up and stop flowing. It was the Living Lord their God who made the way for them. Church, if you are entering into a place where you have never been before, don't try to figure it out on your own. You just might find yourself heading the wrong way on a one way street. Follow the Lord's leading this week. Look for Him; listen for the Spirit; follow His lead, and know (as Beth said) that "the living God will lead us into the future hope that the new territory holds." Thanks, Beth!

      If you want to listen to Beth's sermon, click here .

     I encourage you to find ways to connect with your neighbors on Friday night.  Don't turn your porch light off and hide in the back of the house (that's what I used to do). Be a friendly face for those that might come to your door. Ask a few quick questions to find out where folks live or how long they've been in the neighborhood. And if you live in a place where no one comes to your door, find someone in your Community Group who gets lots of visitors and join in the fun.  May you be a light in the darkness this Friday night. Stay up late, because on Saturday night you can 'fall back' an hour.