 Cultivating Kindness
Would you consider yourself a kind person? God's message is clear: He calls us to be kind to one another. Kindness requires compassion and forgiveness. Kindness is love in action! It’s only through understanding the joys and sorrows of others that we create space for love to heal wounds. Holding grudges weighs us down and blocks the freedom that comes from extending forgiveness. By following Jesus's example, we can break the chains of bitterness and embrace the liberating power of love. Friends, every day we encounter countless opportunities to cultivate small acts of kindness. A smile can brighten someone's day, a listening ear can ease someone's burden, and a word of encouragement can lift someone's spirit. These simple acts of kindness can transform hearts and foster loving relationships. Let us not forget that we are called to love others as God loves us. His perfect love is unconditional, extravagant, and all-consuming. Today, may the words of this passage be our guiding light, reminding us to cultivate a conspiracy of kindness daily. Onward and Upward+ Fr. Greg
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 Sheep Among Wolves!
Most people struggle when faced with opposition or rejection. As Christians, we should anticipate occasional rejection. After reminding us that not everyone will accept the Good News, Jesus warned His disciples—and us—about the harshness of such rejection. Some will respond benignly by ignoring us and our message, while others will harbor hostile and vengeful attitudes toward the Good News and those who share it. Jesus cautions us that we will be like sheep among wolves. Friends, as Christians equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we need to be strategic and wise in our approach. We must not allow opposition to surprise or discourage us. When we are harassed, criticized, or challenged, we should model Christ’s character by demonstrating patience, peace, and integrity. Even Saint Peter, known for his temper and rashness, eventually learned to embody these qualities. He wrote, "Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then, even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior and give honor to God when He judges the world" (1 Peter 2:12). We must be fearless, but not foolish! Remember, the world is watching us, so "be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves." Onward and Upward+ Fr. Greg  Independence Day
Independence Day, for many, is a day to watch fireworks, cook out, and spend time with family and friends. While there's nothing wrong with those timeless traditions, it's also important to reflect on what Independence Day is truly about. Independence Day to our founding fathers represented freedom for a God-fearing people to seek "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness." What does freedom look like today? The Bible tells us true freedom looks the same as it did more than 2000 years ago. True freedom can only be experienced today, as then, through the blood of Christ. Only by His precious blood can we be "free indeed," not just politically free, but free from the bondage of sin and death. Friends, today, God wants you to experience true freedom! Freedom from sin, fear, worry, addictions, guilt, and shame. You will never find true freedom in a relationship, a job, or a political philosophy, nor will it come by making more money or building bigger barns. True freedom only comes about when we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Only then are we no longer "slaves to sin." So, don't let sin keep you in spiritual bondage! Make this Independence Day your personal Independence Day! Make it the day you confess and repent of your sins, and then you will be "free indeed" to celebrate Independence Day every day! Happy Independence Day! Fr. Greg  Spiritual Gifts
As God's children, we all have a unique purpose and calling. God created us to accomplish extraordinary things, equipping us with the skills needed to do so. It is remarkable that our Creator, who can do anything, invites us to participate in His work. How are you using your unique gifts today? We must remember that our spiritual gifts are meant not for our gratification, but for building up the body of Christ. Friends, Peter encourages us to be faithful stewards of what we have received. A steward is someone entrusted to manage another person's property. Every good thing we have comes to us by God's grace and is intended for His purpose. By wisely using our spiritual gifts to serve others, we fulfill our role as His chosen people. The Lord wants us to use our gifts and talents to bless others and glorify Him. As the saying goes, to keep the gift, we must give it away! So, let us be faithful stewards of our spiritual gifts and strive to make a Kingdom impact! Onward and upward+ Fr. Greg  Transforming Glory
At some point in life, many people find themselves asking, "Why am I here?" Some worldly theories suggest we merely take up space and return to nothingness when we die. Others believe we are the masters of our destiny. However, both perspectives are untrue! The Lord has placed us on this earth to fulfill His divine purpose. God has a unique plan for every living being. As Christians, we all share one common purpose: to conform more to Christ's likeness daily. This process begins here on Earth and will be completed when we reach heaven. Friends, most of the Lord's work in us throughout our earthly journey focuses on our character. He teaches us to be loving, compassionate, and kind like Jesus. Though it may sometimes seem hard or even impossible, the power of the Holy Spirit within us helps us live out Christ's life. We must only submit to His guidance! We should respond to all life’s challenges with one question: "How can God use this to make me more Christ-like?" The Lord is behind everything that happens in life. He either directly instigates them or allows them to take place. All our trials and triumphs are part of God's transforming glory. They help fulfill His purpose in shaping a life that reflects His love and glory in a broken world. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Come Holy Spirit
Who or what guides your thoughts and actions? The Holy Spirit, which arrived on Pentecost and now resides in the hearts of baptized believers, empowers us to control our thoughts, words, and deeds. When Joshua confronted what seemed like an insurmountable barrier, the floodwaters receded only after he boldly stepped into the rushing current in faithful obedience. God's power flows forth from our faithful and obedient actions. We must be faithful and obedient to unlock that power. When we move forward in our weakness, doing the right things despite our fears and feelings, we unleash the power of the Holy Spirit. Friends, we can’t just sit around and wait for spiritual growth; we must actively nurture our growth through God's Word daily! Scripture tells us that we are “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The Greek word for “transformed” is metamorphosis; it’s the same word used to describe the change a caterpillar undergoes in becoming a butterfly. This is a beautiful illustration of our spiritual transformation when we faithfully allow the Holy Spirit to reshape our thoughts and actions. We are then gradually transformed from the inside out, becoming more and more Christ-like, empowered, and emboldened to soar to new heights. May we continue to nurture our faith in God's Word to unlock the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Divine Peace
Have you ever been on a lake during a severe thunderstorm? I have, and it can be terrifying. Yet as the wind and waves rage, just below the surface, the storm has no effect, and all is calm. That’s what the peace of Jesus is like. It’s not the absence of life's storms or troubles, but a profound calmness amid them. Just before His death, Jesus comforted His disciples with the soothing words from this well-known passage. He wasn’t saying their lives would be tranquil or calm. They were about to face many storms and trials, but Jesus’ divine peace would sustain them. Friends, Jesus offers us the same peace, but we must choose to accept it. We will all experience doubts, worry, and turmoil during life's storms. Yet, we don’t have to cling to those feelings. We can accept Jesus’ offer of divine peace, which transcends all understanding. To experience that peace, we must develop a personal relationship with Him. The more we know, trust, and obey Him, the greater our peace will be in the storms of life. If you haven't done so yet, invite the Prince of Peace into your boat and allow his divine peace to wash over you! Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Lest We Forget!
Memorial Day marks the start of summer, long sunny days, warm evenings, and picnics for many Americans. Unfortunately, many fail to pause and reflect on the sacrificial meaning of this day. We must never forget the 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. What extraordinary examples they provided of service over self. Friends, on this solemn day, may we all thankfully remember those who lost their lives defending the religious and civil liberties that many take for granted. As Christians, let us never forget the brave men and women who fought and died for us. We must always faithfully remember them with thankful and reverent hearts, “Lest we Forget.” And let us never forget the most significant sacrifice ever made for humanity by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who provides us freedom from sin and eternal victory in his presence. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Bless the Lord
Singing God’s praises can be challenging during difficult times, but we must remember that this has always been the case. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us, "There is nothing new under the sun." Today's Psalm encourages us to bless and praise the Lord continually. When we engage with God through His Word, our understanding of Him deepens, much like looking through a magnifying glass. We start to see the wonders of His nature and deeds more clearly, prompting us to respond in awe and praise through all things. Friends, consider Paul’s response to his imprisonment in Rome. Rather than complain about his circumstances, he accepted them gracefully, trusting in God’s plan. Throughout his many trials, he continued to bless and praise the Lord. Even though he couldn’t establish new churches from prison, his testimony and prison epistles have blessed countless souls. Whatever you're facing—be it good or bad, temporary or long-term, you have the chance to bless the Lord through your circumstances. Doing so not only deepens your appreciation for Him but also serves as an encouragement to others who are blessed through your faithfulness. Even those who don’t believe are often inspired when they see believers going through life’s challenges with peace, praising the Lord. Onward and Upward + Fr. Greg  Hearing His Voice
How well do you know the Good Shepherd? Are you listening to Him and following Him? There's a cacophony of voices around us, trying to fill our ears and minds. Research has proven that many animals and human newborns can recognize their mothers' voices soon after birth. That bond and relationship are critical for survival! This Good Shepherd discourse reveals that learning to hear and follow our Good Shepherd's voice is essential for survival against an enemy who wants to deceive and destroy us. Friends, learning to discern the Good Shepherd's voice has never been more important than today! Knowing we belong to the fold and can trust our Good Shepherd is comforting, but the more time we spend in His word and presence, the clearer His voice becomes amid the enemy's lies. Our Good Shepherd tells us, "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came to believe that they may have life and have it abundantly (10:10)." If you are looking for abundant life amid a litany of lies and deception, I encourage you to listen to the Good Shepherd's voice in word and prayer daily. Enter the fold and let our Good Shepherd provide, protect, and direct your life with His unconditional love and care! Onward and Upward Fr. Greg |