Allow the Holy Spirit

Of course, the greatest victory that the Spirit can give us is victory over ourselves. If we could be changed within, if all those destructive thoughts and habits within could somehow be dispelled, then we could handle our circumstances. Then we would be powerful indeed.

Dwight L. Moody once demonstrated the principle like this: "Tell me," he said to his audience, "how can I get the air out of the tumbler I have in my hand?" One man said, "Suck it out with a pump." The evangelist replied, "That would create a vacuum and shatter it. Finally, after many futile suggestions, Moody picked up a pitcher and filled the glass with water. "There," he said, "all the air is now removed." He then explained that victory for the child of God does not come by working hard to eliminate destructive thoughts and habits, but rather by allowing the Holy Spirit to take full possession.

So what are you troubled about? The future? God has it under His control. The past? Our sins have been thrown into the deepest regions of the sea by the death of Christ on the cross never to be retrieved. The present? There is a power that is available to all who would call on His name.

Don't be a Victim

Some people refer to us as victims of our problems, but we should not accept such labeling. A better term for us is survivors.

Working in step with our Higher Power, we should view ourselves as capable of rising above all the challenges and conditions that confront us. If we call ourselves victims, we'll soon be inviting more people and situations to victimize us. As survivors, however, we will always learn to sail through the roughest storms.

Looking at the general world situation, it does seem realistic to say that lots of people are victims. But we must always take into account the vast power that resides in every human soul. People have tremendous power to change their conditions, and when word of this finally gets around; we'll see a worldwide spiritual awakening that will change everything for the better.

Whatever I'm facing today, I'll know that the spirit within me also gives me the qualities I need to survive.

~ From “Walk in Dry Places” by Mel B.

Let Go to Move Forward

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.”

~ C. S. Lewis

The Early Bird

The saying goes,

“The early bird catches the worm.”

To which one replied,

“That may be true, but the second mouse gets the cheese.”

4 Better, 4 Worse

Two little boys went to a wedding when one of them leaned over and asked, 

"How many wives can a man have?"

His friend answered, 

"Sixteen: four better, four worse, four richer and four poorer"

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For the past three Sunday’s we have heard Jesus describe the Kingdom of Heaven through various parables; the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, yeast, a treasure buried in a field, a magnificent pearl and a net full of fish. In today’s gospel, we have something different. Jesus presents us with the Kingdom of Heaven in action through the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (Matt 14:13-21). When Jesus began his ministry the message he preached was “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matt.4:17). It is here, now, among us. Working miracles was how Jesus demonstrated that the Kingdom of Heaven is here and how it works.

The thousands of people who followed Jesus were seeking more than a good meal. They wanted healing physically and spiritually. They wanted affirmation and they wanted a tangible sign that God loved them. St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus saw them “his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” After providing them with physical healing, he provided the people with the physical nourishment they needed.

In every interaction Jesus had, he affirmed people. Today’s second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Romans 8:35,37-39, is one of the most affirming passages in scripture. St Paul reminds us that nothing can “separate us from the love of Christ.” None of the things we fear; anguish; distress; persecution; famine; nakedness (poverty); or sword (death) can break God’s fierce and abiding love for us through Christ. Nor can the host of angels, anything happening today or tomorrow, people in power or distance come between the love of Christ and us. Nothing in the universe can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” All the miracles of Jesus were accomplished out of this enduring love.

Jesus did not feed the multitudes by himself. Jesus blessed the food; the disciples distributed it. This miracle was for the disciples as much as it was for the hungry crowds. And, this miracle is for us. It reminds us that God’s goodness, generosity, spiritual and physical nourishment and love go far beyond that deserted place by the Sea of Galilee it extends across the whole world, it is here in Peachtree City, Georgia.

God our Father,

Gifts without measure flow from your goodness

to bring us your peace.

Our life is your gift.

Guide our life’s journey,

For only your love makes us whole.

Keep us strong in your love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Deuteronomy 31:6

 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

~ Deuteronomy 31:6