Olympics and Unity
The Olympics officially ended yesterday with the Americans (USA, USA) winning the most medals…again. If these Olympics were anything, it was weird. A strange opening ceremony that got people all in their feels, surfing in French Polynesia, e.coli in the River Sine, and other disruptions. We could focus on all that did not go right or we could focus on all that united us. Whether it was watching our women trance all other track and field athletes, strange Australian break dancers, or Steph Curry shooting over a 7’4” Wemby to win gold for America; there was much to unify us in a divided, political atmosphere. Paul talks about running the race. We run the race, because we know there are many rooting us on. We keep going, in unity, to reach where we know we truly belong! This is a lesson for the Church. We must focus on what makes us who we are, rather than what we think we are not. Unify and love one another. These are commandments of our Lord Jesus. So, cheer and enjoy! God is with us as we race together.
Grace and Peace!
-Zac
Back to School
I do not know if I ever really left school! It is just one of those feelings, right? When summer comes around and you see kids all over, you begin to wonder, “When does my summer start?” Then, you remember you are an adult and must work during the summer! Oh, the humanity! However, summer ends. Like all good things, they seem to come to an end. My friends, that is the beauty with God. Jesus says he came to give life and life abundantly. Our Scripture from yesterday was John 6. Jesus feeds the 5,000 and they were looking for more. Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life”. Those that eat of him shall never hunger again. We feed people physical food because Jesus met physical needs. We also offer Spiritual food, which Jesus offers in abundance. Come and join us on Wednesdays or go to your local worshipping community and receive the food that Christ has to offer. Summer may end, but the love of God cannot be stopped!
Grace and Peace!
-Zac
Are you Ready?
I am thankful for so many wonderful volunteers, community members, community organizations, and churches who work together to love our neighbors on the Northshore. Are you ready to keep on keeping on? So many are in need and it is our opportunity to show others how we love. What can you do? Sign up to care for our neighbor, give so that this organization can continue to care for others, pray for those who receive love and care from Just Love, and love one another. That’s all! Much love to you all on this day!
Grace and Peace!
- Zac
Exiles.
I feel like a spiritual exile. We live in a culture that the philosopher Charles Taylor calls, “the Immanent frame” which is a socially constructed space that frames our lives entirely within a natural, rather than supernatural, order. In other words, in this frame there is little room for God or the Transcendent. We miss so much because of this. It is the problem with the modern world. We just can’t seem to find enough in this world to make us believe. This contributes to the feeling of exile for the Spiritual types. Action is necessary, but contemplation and reflection is as well. It’s like saying all I need is water, but no food to survive! We need both. In order to free ourselves from this world, which is held in captivity to the gods of politics, economics, and ideology; we must liberate our spiritual lives and live as truly as disciples. So, where are we and what is God doing in the world? How can we make a difference in the lives of those who are in exile as well?
Grace and Peace!
- Zac
On Belonging.
We all belong to someone, someplace, or somewhere. When we introduce ourselves we normally include where we were born and where we have been. We were made to be individuals, but we were made to be in communion. The word communion is not just a Christian word, it is a word that means in community. How does an individual know who they are if they do not have a community to call them and affirm them?
Many still feel like they do not belong, but belonging is something necessary to be a full human being. We belong to God. Those of us who were baptized belong to Christ. We belong to our church, social group, etc. We belong to our blood kin or those closer to us like our friendship group. Belonging is essential to understanding who and whose you are. I am thankful to belong to so many wonderful groups. When my self-esteem is low, they remind me of what I have done already. When I want to give up, they remind me that I have much more good to give.
We belong to each other. We belong to the world that God created, but more importantly you belong, because God created you to belong!
Grace and Peace!
-Zac