Psalm 55:14

“What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.”

“CREATING A PLACE OF FELLOWSHIP, UNITY AND KINDNESS”

While God is very personal with each one of us, we can never forget that we are in this world together. The Lord’s Prayer begins with “Our Father,” not just “My Father.” Each one is a part of the body of Christ, and we need each other.

The Bible reminds us that it is easy to get confused about who life’s enemy really is. Soldiers are aware of how dangerous “friendly fire” can be. It is just as true in our homes and daily lives. (Parents, children, spouses, friends, and many others sometimes battle against each other while the real enemy looks on with pleasure.) “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…”

There are a lot of troubles that we can’t help; but there are many others that we have the power to heal. It is essential that reconciliation begins with forgiveness. This is the Jesus Way.

The cross is how Christ made reconciliation possible. His last order of business while in a dying human body was to plead for our forgiveness. Without it, the sacrifice at Calvary would have been in vain; there would be no reconciliation with God.

Do we want love and life restored, or do we prefer to have the last word, to be the one who is right. Why not be family and friends again?

This world is in desperate need of living examples of what forgiveness and reconciliation looks like. People need a place of refuge, unity, and kindness; a place where differences are settled by walking together with Jesus long enough become like Him, and true brothers and sisters. (It worked for the disciples.)

Hurting people are coming through church doors every Sunday. What would happen if, in any of our churches, this was someone’s last effort to find peace and the redemptive arms of love; would they find it?

“Every day they pass me by. I can see it in their eyes. Empty people filled with care, headed who knows where? On they go through private pain, living fear to fear. Laughter hides their silent cries, only Jesus hears. People need the Lord…”

Grace and Peace, Rev Ray