Happy Wednesday High Places,
Thanks for sitting through a tough one this past Sunday with the parable of the Sheep and Goats. There is so much mixed up in this parable -- like the question, "Do good works save us?'
I feel like I did my best trying to unpack it, after years of struggling with it too... but I also feel like there is only so much that 30 minutes can accomplish. Last week in our bible study we opened up some, especially about how hard isolated passages can feel sometimes. The measure seems to constantly be something so hard to live up to, but it doesn't have to be when we take Our Lord in context, and with a recognition that He times things perfectly.
So in our bible study tonight (Wednesday) at 7:00 PM, we wil dig into the way Jesus ordered his two ending parables. We will look at the parable of the talents and ask why he told this one first, then we head straight way into the sheep and the goats.
We're called to make the most of what we've been given - not the most of what others have - and Jesus asks us to invest that. When we refuse, Jesus goes onto to tell another story, one that says we are actually refusing His provisions to the "least of these."
Excited to share this little insight that has kept me feeling too beat-up over the years. We will be in the movie room tonight at 7:00 PM.
In other news, Martin will be sharing this Sunday. Tracy and I have the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit her mom for her 80th birthday. Pray for us as we travel, as we share some time with mom, and as we make the choice to focus on the "good stuff" that lays a beautiful foundation on which we build our spiritual lives. We all need more of that, regardless of any age.
Finally, we have a few irons in the fire. I realize it can feel overwhelming and trust me that I am seeking God about places and times to slow down. The Periodic Tables are happening and momentum is building, even without me trying to be the pitch man for it. People are hungry (pun intended) to bridge differences and come together to build a better community. Look for sign-up sheets in the coming weeks for any that want to help Oak Ridge pull this off!
Fall, Winter, and even Winter 2022 plans are starting to take shape. Personally, I am excited! Pray for me to find ways to share that enthusiasm, because I truly do believe we're positioned in a unique, wonderful way to share love for each other and the world right now -- especially now -- as we crawl out from under the thumb of this pandemic and social distancing.
I truly hope EVERYONE comes out to support the fellowship of the spirit we will be sharing this Sunday. It mattes when we are all together. Stay safe out there, and until the time we can embrace again - please know you are loved.
In Him,
David
“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone's hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”
~ Vera Nazarian