 A Labor of Love!
Do you occasionally feel discouraged in your work? Do you ever wonder, are my labors making any difference? Does the enemy ever whisper in your ear, “your labor is in vain?” If you ever have such feelings, you’re in good company. The Bible is full of faithful servants who felt that way before us. Even the Apostle Paul wrestled at the thought of laboring in vain. But Saint Paul found encouragement in the promised resurrection and left the Corinthians and each of us an exhortation to remain faithful in a “purpose-driven life” even when it seems in vain. Friends, when you become weary, and the enemy says your labor is in vain, reflect on today’s passage and be propelled onward and upward. We must never listen to Satan’s lies! As believers, ours is a labor of love for what our Savior has already done for us. So as Saint Paul says, remember, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Col. 3:23-24). So, seek your strength in the Lord, then “Rise Up” put your hands on the plow, and don’t look back! The Lord has told us our labor for the Kingdom is never in vain! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+
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 Lest We Forget!
Memorial Day marks the start of summer, sunny days, warm evenings, and picnics for many Americans. Unfortunately, many fail to stop and reflect on the deeper meaning of this day. We must reflect on the brave willingness of men and women who answered our nation’s highest call, knowing the risks they faced, yet willing to give their lives to protect and defend this nation we love. What extraordinary examples of service over self. On this solemn day, may we thankfully remember those who lost their lives defending our freedom. Their heroic sacrifices have guaranteed the religious and civil liberties we enjoy today. Friends, as Christians, we know we are all battling the world, the flesh, and the devil who has come to kill, steal and destroy. But we are not in this fight alone! We must fight in the Lord because the battle is His. As Christians, let us never forget the brave men and women who fought and died for us. We must faithfully remember them with thankful and reverent hearts, “Lest we Forget.” And let us never forget or take for granted the most significant sacrifice ever made for mankind by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who provides us our eternal victory! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Show Me and Teach Me!
Our earthly journey in this life can often be challenging! Sometimes life can seem like a maze of turns, stops, and quick drops. Navigating our journey to eternal glory is not easy, but we are blessed to have a loving God who is always willing to give us divine direction and wisdom. We must seek God, trust Him, and obey His guidance and teaching when we can't see the way. When David lost his way, he said to the Lord, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." He didn't seek direction and say, "Lord, if You promise me an easy path, I'll follow and cooperate." Friends, David went to the Lord before he started his journey, the way we go to our GPS for directions today. David said, "Lord, show me and teach me," and I will make my next move. He wanted more than directions; he wanted God to be his personal guide and teacher on the journey. Let's face it; asking God to show us where to go next is one thing. Opening our hearts and minds to His divine teaching and correction is another. What a perfect illustration of "letting go and letting God!" If you need direction today, pray for the Lord to fill you with humility, then trust Him as your leader, teacher, and counselor for daily guidance on life's journey. Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Abide In My Love!
Jesus said these words on the last night of his life before dying on the cross out of love for all believers. The Church and generations of followers have clung to these comforting words for centuries. As the decades pass by and our loved ones pass on, we all gradually begin to more fully understand the true meaning of abiding love. The world promises abiding love in many ways, but wrinkles and wisdom and God's Word teach us abiding love are only found in Jesus. The question becomes, in who or what are you seeking unending love and hope through today? Friends, the world promises lasting love and hope in many alluring ways. Our Savior Jesus knew in our sadness; He alone would be our joy. In our disappointments, He would be our hope. In our darkness, He would be our light. In our pain and suffering, He would be our grace. In our sickness, He would be our healing. In death, He would be our life. Jesus knew nothing would separate us from His love if we abide in him. Saint John experienced that abiding love isolated on Patmos. Saint Paul experienced it numerous times and put it like this "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:38-39)." That unending love, is only available when we abide in Jesus. Thanks be to God! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg  Overcoming Our Troubles!
Let's face it; this world has growing troubles of the likes we have never seen. Whether economic, environmental, cultural, political, or personal, I have found that most people live with troubled hearts. It's easy today to become overwhelmed and anxious, to feel powerless, afraid, and confused. Those feelings can lead to anger, frustration, depression, and despair. Do you recognize or wrestle with any of these feelings today? If so, you're not alone! In today's passage, Jesus says, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (John 14:1)." In these comforting words, Jesus calls us back to the only trustworthy source of peace in this troubled world. He is reminding us to trust God and focus on him! Jesus would later say, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33)." Friends, overcoming this life's troubles starts by trusting our Good Shepherd to feed, lead and meet the needs of our troubled hearts daily. When you fully surrender and trust in Jesus at the start of each new day, you will gradually notice your troubles fade away. Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg  Following The Good Shepherd! Who are you listening to or following today? There is a cacophony of voices in this world seeking to fill our ears and minds with lies and false information. Research shows animal and human newborns can recognize their mothers' voices very soon after birth. That bond is critical for our survival! As John chapter 10 reveals, learning to recognize and follow the Good Shepherd's voice is also critical for our survival. Friends, learning to discern his voice has never been more important than today! As followers, knowing we belong to the fold and can trust our Good Shepherd is comforting. The more time we spend in his presence, the clearer we can recognize his voice amid the lies around us. Our Good Shepherd tells us, "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (10:10)." If you are looking for abundant life amid the litany of lies and broken promises today, I encourage you to listen to the Good Shepherd's voice in word and prayer daily. Let Jesus, our Good Shepherd provide, protect and direct your life with his unconditional, unfailing love! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Using Your Gifts!
As God's children, we are all given a purpose and a responsibility! God created us to do extraordinary and unique things that He has equipped us to do. We have all received different God-given gifts so we can display His glory to others and point them to Him. When you think about it, it's remarkable that our creator, who can do all things, has invited us to participate in His work. How are you using your unique gifts today? We must remember, our spiritual gifts are not for our selfish gratification but for building up the body of Christ. Friends, Peter charges us in this passage to be faithful stewards of what we have received. A steward is one entrusted to manage the property of another. Every good thing we have received is ours only by God's grace and intended to be used for His purpose. Wisely using our spiritual gifts to serve others fulfills our purpose as God's set-apart people. The Lord wants us to use our gifts and talents to bless others and glorify Him. As the old saying goes, to keep the gift, we must give it away! So, be a faithful steward of your spiritual gifts and make a Kingdom impact for Christ today! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+  Diffusing Our Doubts! Have you ever doubted God? At some point, we all have or will! The Apostle Thomas was dealing with doubt after the Resurrection when Jesus appeared and said these words to him and us. Doubt often creeps in when our expectations aren't met or we think God will act a certain way. So, how should we diffuse our occasional doubts? First, we must discern the actual cause of our doubt. Is our doubt being caused because God isn't behaving like we think He should? We must all remember God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours! Secondly, we should always clarify our doubts with other mature Christians. Friends, our doubts become more ominous when separated from other believers. That's why it's so important to be engaged at church and not just be a spectator. We must be around other worshipers who can help and encourage us when we stumble or falter in our faith. We must never forget "iron sharpens iron" as Proverbs 27:17 tells us. Even when doubt creeps in, or our faith flounders and we struggle to believe, God still loves and believes in us! God's Holy Word assures us, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself" (2Tim. 2:13). Remember these simple steps and God's blessed promises when those inevitable moments of doubt creep in. Eastertide Blessings, Fr. Greg  Our Living Hope!
Webster's dictionary defines hope as: "to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment." Hope is a belief or expectation that something will happen. We may often experience discouragement, depression, or despair if it does not. How can one remain hopeful in this broken world of pain and suffering? First, we must remember the reason for our confidence is our relationship with Jesus! We have been born again into a living hope in Jesus' resurrection victory. As Jesus redeemed followers, we are new creations, no longer prisoners to this world of sin and death. With the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we are co-heirs with our living Savior. Friends, God has given us a living hope in Jesus, and He also gives us grace for each day of our earthly journey to eternity. As the redeemed, we shouldn't react to our trials as the world does. Instead, we are to live by faith in the "with confidence in what we hope for" (Heb. 11:1). So, when this dark fallen world or dreary days of doubt begin to overwhelm us, remember to place your hope and focus on Jesus. Look for encouragement in God's Holy Word and remember His promises in Christ Jesus. Jesus promised to be with us to the end of the ages, for He alone is our living hope and eternal hope. Thanks be to God; he has Risen Indeed! Easter Blessings, Fr. Greg+  Never Forsaken!
Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you? Sometimes when life spirals out of control, and there seems to be no one to help us, we may feel deserted. When our earthly support system disappears, it can often feel like God has abandoned us too. Being in the midst of a storm is scary; feeling alone or abandoned in a storm is even more frightening. In Psalm 22, David voices his frustrations about not feeling God in a moment of need. He also acknowledges that even though he feels abandoned, he never was because God is good. Friends, in times of fear, frustration and isolation we can cling to the truth in scripture about who God is and how much He loves His Children. The same promises David clings to in his suffering can comfort us when we can't see or feel God's presence. The Lord will test us with trials to mature us, and it may even seem like He has forsaken us at times. St. John of the Cross referred to these days of doubt as "the dark night of the soul." God hadn't left David, and he will never leave us! God has repeatedly promised, "he will never leave or forsake us." God's righteousness and faithfulness conclude David's lament, and he follows this Psalm with the most comforting words found in scripture in Psalm 23. Friends, God is good; All the time! Onward and Upward! Fr. Greg+ |