Spiritual Directors Message

Lent is a season of spiritual preparation. It is a time of self-reflection and growing closer to our Lord and Savior. We walk together to the cross with Jesus. Life is a commitment to serving our Lord.

When we experience the Emmaus weekend, there is so much time to reflect on what we experienced during our Fourth Day. What happened during the weekend? How did it change me? What spoke to me? There is so much to comprehend, yet, God’s love is beyond our comprehension.

I ask each of you to pray. No, I don’t mean a “glancing” prayer, but a real prayer. Spend time with our Lord. Talk with Jesus. Yes, we are busy people and some say “I don’t have time to pray.” If we are committed to Jesus, then, yes, we do have time to sit, talk, and listen.

Start your day in the right direction. We are all at fault for not giving enough time to Jesus. Lent is a very good time to start that commitment. We are all creatures of habit. We wake up. We get ready for the day (whatever that is for you); get our cup of coffee or Starbucks; get in the car; drive to work and work all day; go home. When do you think of Jesus?

Wake up! Good morning Jesus! Whatever the day brings, help me through it. I give you thanks and praise for a new day to work for you. Give me strength and courage to witness to You. In everything I do, may I glorify Your Holy Name.

It isn’t difficult. Then listen. Sometimes silence is golden. Maybe you need to encourage someone instead of criticize; love instead of hate; comfort instead of causing distress; meekness instead of controlling; praising instead of judgmental; humble instead of being egotistical or proud; etc. Life is difficult as it is and more so if we don’t have Jesus in our hearts. Some claim to have Jesus but are very quick to do the very things I just mentioned.

Jesus struggled to the cross. We, too, struggle but we can be aware of whose we are and the journey each one of us are on with God. Pray for God to help improve God’s creation within you and your relationship with God.

Lent is a very solemn yet special time. Seek first the Kingdom of God!
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Pastor Gail 

JANUARY

“Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us” 1 John 4:19 TPT.

Happy New Year.

Let us begin this New Year in a positive direction. What happens when we look back? Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19). Don’t look back with regret because looking back blocks our heart from receiving what God’s intentions are for our lives. You don’t need to carry the weight of the past upon your shoulders. Let go and Let God. We need to be obedient and look forward to being a better Christian and increasing our love for Jesus Christ.

“Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us” 1 John 4:19 TPT. Love one another. 1 John 4:21 CEV states: “The commandment that God has given us is: “Love God and love each other!” Love Love Love just a little bit of Love! Jesus gave His life because He first loved us!

Here is a sampling of “Love One Another” in the Bible:
Love One Another (John 13:34a)
Love One Another (John 13:34b)
Love One Another (John 13:35)
Love One Another (John 15:12)
Love One Another (John 15:17)
Love One Another (Romans 13:8)
Make Your Love Increase (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
Love Each Other (1 Thessalonians 4:9)
Love One Another Deeply (1 Peter 3:8)
Love Each Other Deeply (1 Peter 4:8)
Love One Another (1 John 3:11)
Love One Another (1 John 3:23)
Love One Another (1 John 4:7)
Love One Another (1 John 4:11)
Love One Another (1 John 4:12)
Love One Another (2 John 5)

I think we are to Love One Another! It’s hard but it is a commandment. 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV states: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Here’s to a very Blessed New Year!

Pastor Gail
Spiritual Director