Greetings and blessings Friends,

When the world is in crises mode, someone will always ask the ancient biblical question “Is there a word from God?” When the crops are abundant, the fields ripe for harvest, and storm clouds are absent, we often take God’s word for granted.

Each generation has had to deal with issues too big or too complex for mere humans, but God never stops speaking to us.  Other voices tell us that we have   a right to all the desires of our heart, even if it comes at the expense of our village. Then there are the times when we allow the world to separate us from our Creator—we miss the beauty of the rainbow looking for that elusive pot of gold. Sadly, sometimes we fail to hear the rich stories of others because we don’t value all God’s people.

During these days of social distancing may we take time to truly answer that age-old question with a resounding “Yes, there is a word from God.” If we listen carefully, we hear God saying, “I love you, and I will never leave nor forsake you.”

God gently reminds us to not let fear direct our steps or dash our dreams. We will survive as a community of faith if we rally with others around the Cross. We are Easter people and Easter people understand the tomb is empty and our journey doesn’t end with the grave.

Jesus gave it all for us and we are expected to tell this awesome story of sacrifice, salvation, and redemption. The word the Master expects us to share is (1) nothing can separate us from the love of God, (2) bad news cannot overcome this “good news,” and (3) we are a part of God’s royal family and we do not feast until everyone is at the table.

When this pandemic is over, will we let God order our steps? Will we sail off to the sea of salvation or drop anchor in the harbor of hopelessness? I pray we find ourselves loving and embracing all God’s people, and maybe then we’ll see the lion lie down with the lamb and we will study war no more. I pray we will love deeper, smile longer, and give ourselves totally to God’s guidance.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord…

Roger