god is our refuge...still

Beloved: 
             This world hardly needs another commentary on gun violence in America.  Needed even less is another preacher coddling the notion that Christians come to church to feel safe in an unsafe world.  We come to church for strength and training for the work of the gospel in a world still unaware of its redemption in Jesus Christ.  God is our refuge.  Church is our first aid and resupply station.  Church is where we eat and rest and pick up our new marching orders.
             The longing to feel safe in this world is not wrong.  It is simply human.  To shape our life together around our fear would be wrong.  There is no danger, no principality or power, that can separate us from God.  In life or in death, we belong to the Lord, and therein is all the safety we are guaranteed.  Learning to live in joyful peace with that is the greater part of faith.  
             Of course, just as we always wear our seatbelts in the car, we always practice common sense when we are together.  But we shall not shape our life together according to the fear and anger of this world.  We shall shape our life together according to the love and joy we have in Jesus.  We will continue to welcome the stranger and pray for those who would do us harm.  In obedience to Him.  In imitation of Him.  And in the desire to live at peace in this world.  Fear is a feeling, friends, and faith is a choice, a way of life that overcomes fear.  For brothers and sisters, friends and enemies alike this day, we pray, O God.  


~ peace & prayers,
pastor annette

A Most Important PS ~ This coming Sunday is our Shattering Masks Program.  As a reminder - here is last week’s Tuesday devotional.  Please do plan to attend and invite a friend.  

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