Celebrating GodGodly Love Among Believers
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
Praise for God's Eternal ReignJude 20-25 The Message20-21 But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this holiest faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real-life! 22-23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. 24-25 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.
For Reflection
The last couple of years has tried my Christianity. I have difficulty living in a culture where the truth is optional and in which there are so many conflicting pressures. All of our institutions, including the church, have been turned upside down against the common good of us all.
Today I read an analysis that pointed out that it is impossible to hate and learn at the same time in this toxic climate. It pointed out, to me at least, that Christians should displace the this or that, me or your truths, with the Both/And.
All sides contain a fundamental truth at their core. All are created to be good. All are God's children, no matter how each differs from the other. All deserve to be listened to, not just heard. Listen to the pain which is at the roots of contentions and mistrust.
Indeed, we Christians must remember God's promise that all will be made right. Therefore, even as we suffer, we must remain faithful to the practices of Christian hospitality and peaceful action. We must stay hopeful. We must preserve the freedom of all peoples to choose righteousness as God preserves our right to choose obedience in the light or the Godlessness of darkness. PrayPray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray to remain faithful to the will of God that you have chosen. Pray for the patience to stay steadfast to your faith and hopeful for the future. Finally, pray for compassion and the ability to understand all of us who cry out in pain, even those who violently strike out at imaginary foes.
Forward to a friend | 
