"God's Branch will sprout green and lush. All the discards and rejects will be reclassified as 'holy'. God will mark everyone with his glorious presence."
How do we get in on this thing? God has been growing a branch through David's line. Jesus is that branch. The Christ says, "I am the vine. YOU are the branches." We are grafted onto this holy branch. When we are marked with the cross in baptism, we are re-classified, no longer to live only for ourselves, but now also for others.
"Love one another as much as you love yourself." We prayed for Bob last night. Adi wanted to know where he was going to be sleeping. I told her, "Father Bill's." I hope I was right. I am now even more committed to that ministry of housing all of the homeless on the south shore.
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What kind of fruit are we supposed to be producing in connection to the vine? Paul tells us, "What happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."
ReplyDeleteOur homeless friend, Bob, was at the church this morning when I arrived. He had lost his blanket. I gave him one from our home. I again asked him if there was any other way I could help and he said no. Please pray for him.
ReplyDelete"Sign me up, for the Christian jubilee. Write my name on heavens scroll!"
ReplyDeleteLookin forward to that new Jerusalem. What can I do God, to get it here sooner?
Over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.
ReplyDeleteWas Bob sent to be a lesson and a blessing to us by God? Bob was at the church early, maybe all night. He had lost his blanket and would accept no other help, only a blanket to stay warm. Bob is giving us insight into ourselves and our mission to provide warmth, shelter and food to those who have nothing. God will send more Bobs our way; we should be ready to offer warmth, shelter and food, a kind embrace and God's love. If they only need a blanket, have one ready to give. If they need food, find food or take them where they will be fed. If they want shelter, take them to shelter. Be kind and respond to need. Create God's canopy here so all can find refuge.
This afternoon, Laurie Grassey called me. A couple of her friends in Worcester found themselves homeless. I connected with a pastor friend of mine on Facebook and he took care of them. As we are searching for that one big social ministry project, maybe God is trying to let us know what it is. BTW, I saw Bob again today, this time a half mile from church. I recognized the blanket I gave him.
ReplyDeleteDyan got home tonight at 9pm from the church. She saw Bob's wheelchair in front of the Sanctuary doors. We put together some food for him and I brought it down hoping he would accept it. We spoke briefly and I gave him the food. Lord, please keep watch over him tonight.
ReplyDeleteReading over the social ministry minutes, I noticed that Terttu had recommended we read the book Breakfast at Sally's: One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey by Richard LeMieux. Is it coincidence that this one topic keeps coming up or is it a call to action?
ReplyDelete