From:
Date: February 2, 2021
Subject: It's February 2; Good Morning Union


Luke 17

 

“If he repents seven times, forgive him seven times.”          Vs 4

 

Jesus seems to keep getting more focused on His mission as He approaches His earthly ending. I saw three themes in His stories in this chapter:

  1. Forgiveness-
  2. Thankfulness
  3. Watchfulness

 

Bad things ARE going to come in this life because it’s still a spiritual battleground that is real. Bad things are going to happen. It’s inevitable. Jesus’ encouragement for me to get through it is two-fold in this chapter:

  1. Don’t cause it
  2. When it happens to me, be forgiving

 

Good things ARE also going to happen in this world, like in this chapter when Jesus heals 10 lepers. This disease, as interpreted by the masses of the day, was the ultimate curse which they believed was caused by sinning. Jesus was not only there to demonstrate physical but spiritual healing as well. His advice when good things happen:

  1. Don’t take it for granted
  2. Remember to say thank you

 

The promise IS that it’s going to end. The battle will be won, in fact it’s already been won by Jesus. As that victory gets played out in this life He asks me to be faithful, and if I am attentive to the evidence that though evil exists, God still wins, it will help me while waiting by doing two things:

  1. Don’t get distracted or deceived by earthly solutions to the spiritual battle
  2. Stay committed to His priorities, His solutions, and His promises

 

The world IS a mess because sin has messed it up--- be forgiving. God STILL provides solutions and help as I navigate the mess--- be thankful. Jesus HAS already won--- be watchful, and see both the reality of sin AND the reality of Jesus’ solution.

 

Have a great day balancing reality and hope,

Pastor Rich

 

Quote for the day:      Weakly Tips for Personal Growth: “Before we can think positively we must first stop thinking negatively.” Seth Martin      Active Mind's Chapter

 

PS        Pastor Gua, young adult pastor at our College View Church, is in Campus Ministries every Tuesday from 1-3pm to provide you the option of a female pastor perspective. You can make an appointment by contacting Pastor Gua at gmontour@collegeviewchurch.org, or by text at (978) 333-1209, or just drop in and see if she is busy!

PPS      David Yeagley from Sunset Lake Camp in Washington, and Jeff Wines from Camp Mivoden in Upper Colombia will be here today through Thursday to visit with anyone interested in summer camp ministries in the Northwest. Stop by and visit with them in the Atrium.

PPPS   Small Group- “The Garden” on Zoom every Tuesday evening from 8-9

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86979686124?pwd=bVo5VldMYXhKNUV3SDVJOFFTamlZQT09

PP…S   Christ on Demand is happening again; all are welcome. 7:30- 8:00 each Tuesday night in the Shawnee Porter Room AND on line @ https://zoom.us/j/8963565903.