Beloved:
FaceBook is breaking my heart this morning. Tagging an article describing France’s bombings in Syria, one friend commented, “Hooraaaayyyy!” Another tagged his favorite place to buy guns locally, ‘given the times,’ he wrote. Both are Christian men. My stomach hurts and my eyes are full of tears. I decided not to read any more for a few days and then I saw this, by Carl’s cousin who is also a preacher. It’s what I would write if I were a better writer. Thank you, Brother John.
“I am a soul searcher, one who continually seeks Christ in my life. I try to look beyond what my rational self thinks, and look to the question, "What side is Jesus on?" I am not always right, but I have certain confidences given in scripture, and in my experience, which give me clues to the heart of God.
"Always look for the side of the poor, those who go without, who yearn but are not filled. I believe Christ is on their side. We are to clothe them, and feed them as we would for Christ; that is what Jesus expects.
"Look for what is the right thing to do, it isn't always convenient, but deep in my bones I know it is right. It is in your bones too. Look for the frail, the bruised reed, the flickering flame; there you will find Christ. Look for the oppressed, the refugees of the world who are like sheep without a shepherd; there you will find Christ. Look for doors opened to young refugees in Egypt, where you wouldn't think you could find a Savior; there you will find Christ.
"Would opening our doors give place to those who would seek to destroy us? Possibly. But I am looking for where Christ is, for I am safe there. As you put up your nativity scene this year, ask yourself who you have turned away this year, where you may have missed an opportunity to make room for Christ.
"I may be wrong about my position, if yours differs I will respect it; but my hope will always be in Christ.”
~ John Everett
~ peace & prayers, pastor annette
FaceBook is breaking my heart this morning. Tagging an article describing France’s bombings in Syria, one friend commented, “Hooraaaayyyy!” Another tagged his favorite place to buy guns locally, ‘given the times,’ he wrote. Both are Christian men. My stomach hurts and my eyes are full of tears. I decided not to read any more for a few days and then I saw this, by Carl’s cousin who is also a preacher. It’s what I would write if I were a better writer. Thank you, Brother John.
“I am a soul searcher, one who continually seeks Christ in my life. I try to look beyond what my rational self thinks, and look to the question, "What side is Jesus on?" I am not always right, but I have certain confidences given in scripture, and in my experience, which give me clues to the heart of God.
"Always look for the side of the poor, those who go without, who yearn but are not filled. I believe Christ is on their side. We are to clothe them, and feed them as we would for Christ; that is what Jesus expects.
"Look for what is the right thing to do, it isn't always convenient, but deep in my bones I know it is right. It is in your bones too. Look for the frail, the bruised reed, the flickering flame; there you will find Christ. Look for the oppressed, the refugees of the world who are like sheep without a shepherd; there you will find Christ. Look for doors opened to young refugees in Egypt, where you wouldn't think you could find a Savior; there you will find Christ.
"Would opening our doors give place to those who would seek to destroy us? Possibly. But I am looking for where Christ is, for I am safe there. As you put up your nativity scene this year, ask yourself who you have turned away this year, where you may have missed an opportunity to make room for Christ.
"I may be wrong about my position, if yours differs I will respect it; but my hope will always be in Christ.”
~ John Everett
~ peace & prayers, pastor annette
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