 True Freedom For many Americans, Independence Day is a day to watch fireworks, barbeque, and have fun with family and friends. While there is nothing wrong with those timeless traditions, it is also important to remember the reason behind why we celebrate Independence Day. To the early American colonists, Independence Day meant true freedom to chart their own course as a God-fearing people who were seeking “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. So, what does true freedom for followers of Jesus look like today, 245 years later? Well, the Bible tells us true freedom looks the same as it did 2000 years ago, and it can only be experienced today, as then, through the blood of Jesus who died for our sins on the Cross at Calvary. Only by His precious blood can any of us be “free indeed” not just politically free, but free from the bondage of sin. Friends, today, God wants you to experience true freedom. Freedom from sin, freedom from fear and worry, freedom from burdens and anxiety, freedom from addiction, 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 by building bigger barns. Folks, true freedom comes only when we place our trust in Jesus Christ, only then are we no longer a “slave to sin.” So, don’t let sin keep you in bondage! If you find yourself enslaved by some sin today, then make this day, your Independence Day. Make this the day, you confess and repent of your sins, and the “Son” will set you “free indeed”. Then you will be able to celebrate Independence Day, not only today but every day thought-out eternity, that is True Freedom! Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+
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 Reaching Out in Faith for A Miracle
One day when Jesus was surrounded by a multitude of followers, a distressed ruler of a synagogue named Jairus pushed his way through the crowd and fell at His feet. With great urgency he pleaded with Jesus to come to his house. His young daughter was dying, and he knew that the Lord could heal her. Our always accessible Savior, full of compassion, immediately went with him, but along the way, a woman with a chronic disease “came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment” (Mark 5:27). Recognizing her touch of faith, Jesus stopped to heal her. It was just at that moment that Jairus received the news, that his daughter had died. Jesus, sensing his deep disappointment, said to him, “Do not be afraid; only believe” (v.36). Sometimes in our own trials of faith, we experience disappointment and despair. At times it may appear useless to keep believing when things seem impossible. It’s often in those moments that we feel the need to take things into our own hands. We wonder, what’s the use of believing any longer? It’s at that point that we are often defeated, yet this is also the time when victory is at the threshold. Friends, never forget that we have an available, accessible Savor we can always call upon when things seem impossible. So, if you are discouraged today and ready to give up? Remember these words I heard from a wise old man many years ago, “Son, don’t quit before the miracle happens!” Folks, Jesus is still in the miracle business, so keep reaching out in faith and keep believing. Jesus is still stopping the bleeding, still curing the incurable and still raising the dead to eternal life. Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+ My sermon on Mark 5:22-43 can be heard at: https://anchor.fm/saint-barnabas-church/episodes/6-27-21---Fifth-Sunday-After-Pentecost-Reaching-Out-In-Faith-For-A-Miracle-e13hgtd  Standing Strong in the Storm
We live in a broken world filled with sin and all forms of evil, yet we often expect our journeys on this side to be smooth and tranquil, full of comfort, ease, and pleasure. So, when one of life’s inevitable storms comes our way, bringing disruption, chaos, and turmoil, we start wondering where God is. After all, we’re His children, and He is our loving Father, so why would He be letting this storm occur? The disciples would have preferred smooth sailing across the Sea of Galilee too. Yet, in the storm, they saw Jesus in a whole new way. After He calmed the waves with His words, “They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:41). It was only in the fury of the storm that they recognized Jesus as almighty God, who has power even over the physical laws of the universe. His purpose in the storm was not to drown them but to show them His glory and grow their faith. The same is true of us. The storms in our lives are opportunities to see the Lord in a new and magnified way. It’s only in extreme need that we begin to see we have too small a view of God. So, the next time you find yourself caught in a storm, remember, Jesus is in the boat with you. Stand strong with Jesus, rest in His presence, rely on His power, and always remember His promises. Even if the circumstances don’t change, we can change! Friends, Jesus is the Lord of peace, and He alone can calm the storm within us when the storms of life are raging all around us. Trust in Jesus! Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+  Seeing Beyond The Seed
Whether you’re a gardener or not, you’ve probably planted seeds at some point in your life. It’s fascinating to see the first tender sprouts poke through the soil and reach for the sun. The daily growth is magical to watch until, at last, the fruit is ready to be harvested or the flower blooms in brilliant color. So, what can gardening teach us about growing our faith and the kingdom of God? Jesus says, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? (Mark 4:30). The parable of the mustard seed provides us a glorious example of growth. Though the mustard seed was the smallest of seeds known to Jesus’ listeners, what could it teach us today? Jesus went on to say, “yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs” our faith, like the kingdom of God can be compared to that little mustard seed. Although it starts small its growth potential is truly remarkable. Friends, the same growth potential that God places in the little mustard seed, exist within every believer. When you feel alone in your stand for Christ, never forget that the power of God at work in the little mustard seed is the same power at work within you. Never should you be intimidated if your kingdom efforts seem small or insignificant. Remember, that God’s kingdom has other faithful followers all around us. Your faith, no matter how small, can join with the faith of others to accomplish far more for God’s kingdom than we could ever imagine or expect. So, remain faithful and see beyond the seed! Let the SON shine upon you and through you, and keep nourishing your faith daily by His life-giving promises! Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+  Our Faith Family
The need to belong and be part of a community has probably never been more important than now after months of isolation and social separation. Being disconnected from our biological or church families has taken a heavy toll on us all. A person may have many acquaintances and be involved in a number of organizations and activities, but that’s not the same as the feeling of belonging. Long ago Jesus redefined God’s new family plan when He said “Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother (Mark 3:35).” Later Saint Paul, would assure the early Christians in Ephesus that being “in Christ” through faith made them part of the family of God’s people and His household. The same is true for us today. Today God’s household is the church, our faith family. Everyone who is a follower of Jesus needs to find a home and a church family with other faithful believers. That’s not always easy. There may have been times or even right now, when you have felt isolated, like a foreigner or a stranger. Perhaps the church you are now attending has not been as welcoming as you would have liked. You may even be tempted to give up on it. But being among God’s family is His will and gift to you. Being an active part of a church family is a crucial part of our discipleship. Once we do find our place in God’s family, we likewise need to become ambassadors of Christ to welcome others. Brothers and sisters, the benefit of belonging in God’s family and being in His household is a two-way street. Not only are we blessed, but we are called to actively welcome others. Friends, it’s only by giving the gift away that we are able to keep it and grow our faith family. Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+  Lest We Forget
For many in America, Memorial Day marks the start of summer, sun-drenched days, warm evenings, picnics, and vacations. Unfortunately, many fail to reflect on the deeper meaning of this day. The willingness of men and women to answer our nation’s call, knowing the risks they face, yet willing to give their lives to protect and defend this nation we love. What extraordinary examples of service over self! Jesus spoke of such sacrifice in John 15:12–13: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” On this special day, we call Memorial Day, we remember the men and women lost defending our freedom. Their heroic sacrifices have guaranteed the religious and civil freedoms that we all enjoy today, that some in our culture take for granted. Recently, I had the honor of spending the day with the last living Medal of Honor recipient from WWII, US Marine Woody Williams, who received our nation’s highest honor for his bravery on Iwo Jima. As I listened to his humble reflections after blessing the new Gold Star Family Memorial, I was reminded of the sacrifices made by “a few good men.” The fight for that small island in the Pacific caused 26,000 casualties and cost 6,800 lives. It’s hard to fathom what those brave men had to endure in the darkest moments of battle if they hadn’t had their brothers at their side. Friends, we are no different. The battles are different for sure, but nonetheless, they are battles. Today we’re battling illnesses, the loss of loved ones, and addictions. We are battling an enemy who has come to kill, steal and destroy. But we are not in the fight alone! We must fight in the Lord because the battle is His. We must always remember that Jesus has defeated darkness. But we dare not fight without the armor needed to defeat the enemy if we are to be victorious. And like our military, we must never leave behind our fellow believers in the struggle. We are to always support and encourage them! As Christians, let us not forget today the brave men and women who fought and died for us. We must remember them and always have reverent hearts for them, “Lest we Forget.” The Scriptures say to give honor to whom honor is due, and these American heroes truly deserve our honor and heartfelt thanks. And dear brothers and sisters, let us never take for granted the greatest sacrifice, the death at Calvary of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who provides our eternal victory! Grace and peace always Fr. Greg+  Our Constant Companion
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you” (John 14:15-17 NLT). Most of us don’t like being alone for long periods of time. The truth is, we were not designed to live in isolation. At the very beginning, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). But sometimes situations in life leave us isolated and separated from others. Or perhaps we simply feel lonely, even though we are not. Whatever your situation might be, if you are a believer, you are never alone. Jesus, knowing that His followers would feel abandoned and alone after His crucifixion and ascension, promised to send an Advocate who would never leave them, the Spirit of truth. The same One who came to them at Pentecost still abides with every believer today. He has been sent to walk with us as our comforter, our enabler and constant companion. The indwelling Holy Spirit, unlike human companions, is perfectly adequate to meet our every need. Since He knows us intimately, He can comfort us in pain and loss when no one else can. Anytime we find ourselves perplexed; He knows exactly what we should do. And since the future is visible to His eyes, He is aware of all the details that concern us. Our constant companion has also promised to guide us every step of the way, calming our fears and helping us overcome our inadequacies. Since we were created for God, it is only through His Spirit that we are made complete. He is the believer’s answer to aloneness: He’s always available and will never leave or forsake us. When others let you down, the Comforter, our advocate and constant companion is always present to lift us up with a quick reminder that with Him living within us, we are never alone. Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+  Divine Peace
Have you ever been on a lake during a storm? I have, and it is a terrifying experience. As the winds and waves raged, the boat was tossed around like a toy while the rain came down in sheets as lightning and thunder filled the sky. However, at the same time not far under the surface, where the storm had no effect, all was calm and quiet. That is what the peace of Jesus is like. It’s not an absence of life’s storms, conflicts, or troubles but a deep calmness in the midst of those circumstances. Just before Jesus’ death, He comforted His disciples with these calming words from this well know passage from John’s Gospel. He wasn’t saying that their circumstances would be tranquil and serene. But to the contrary, they were about to go through some tremendous storms and trials, but Jesus’ peace would provide the calming strength to sustain them through all they would face. Jesus offers us the very same peace; however, we must choose it. Friends, all of us will experience inner doubts, worry, and turmoil during distressing situations, yet as believers, we don’t have to cling to those feelings. Instead, we can choose to accept Jesus’ offer of divine peace which passes all understanding. If we want that peace, we must develop a more personable relationship with Him. The more personally we know Him, trust Him, and obey Him, the greater our peace becomes. After telling His disciples not to be troubled, Jesus then said, “Believe in God, believe also in Me.” If we have faith in His unconditional love, we know that He has control of our every situation, and we know that all things work out for our good. I pray that you will surrender every fear and anxiety to Jesus today and I pray that you will allow Him to guard your hearts and minds with His divine peace. Grace and peace always, 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. If it doesn’t, we may experience discouragement, depression, or even despair. In this world of constant challenge and despair, how can one remain hopeful? First, we must remember the reason for our confidence: our relationship with Jesus! As redeemed believers, we are reborn into a living hope in Jesus’ resurrection victory. In Jesus, we are new creations, no longer prisoners to this world of sin and death. With the promised Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we are co-heirs with our living Savior and our true eternal home is in heaven with Him. Second, we must spend time in God’s Holy Word! Romans 15:4 says the Bible was written to give us encouragement and hope. When the world presses in on you and dims your hope, the Psalms are a good place to turn. The Psalms, express the writers’ feelings and can provide us comfort and hope. Finally, always remember and rely on the Lord’s faithfulness. Trusting in God will always turn out for our good, always! Our God has given us a living hope in Jesus and He also gives us grace for each day of our journey. As the redeemed, we shouldn’t react to our trials as the world does. Instead, we are to live by faith in the “confidence in what we hope for” (Heb. 11:1). Friends, when this fallen world or our circumstances begin to overwhelm us, focus on Jesus. Look for encouragement in God’s word and remember God’s promises to us in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3-8). Jesus promised to be with us to the end of the ages, for He alone is our living, eternal hope! Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+  Love Refreshes Hearts
The Apostle Paul is writing from prison to his close friend and believer Philemon, who was thought to be a wealthy leader of the Colossian church. Paul’s purpose for this letter was to convince Philemon to forgive his runaway slave (Onesimus) and to accept him back as a brother in Christ. He starts this short letter acknowledging and praising Philemon for his faith and its impact on others. Imagine your pastor or maybe your boss saying to you in front of others “Your tender and compassionate love, affection, and support have given me great joy and encouragement because you have refreshed (revived, lifted up, encouraged) the hearts of others (family, friends, coworkers).” What a kind and motivating compliment that would be! As Christians, we should strive to be loving, compassionate, encouraging, and supportive to all. As a Pastor, I often have to address conflicts and other personal issues in people’s lives. Daily I pray for God’s grace and ask Him to help me love and encourage others. Specifically, I ask the Holy Spirit to help me “walk in love as Christ loved us” and show me how to refresh the hearts of others. I also ask the Holy Spirit to help me manage my emotions so I do not allow them to lead me outside God’s circle of love and to be silent when I am upset, frustrated, or angry. I also ask God to help me be sensitive and empathetic towards others at all times. I’ve come to realize far too often as leaders, teachers, or parents, we often fail to refresh and lift up the spirits of others. Dear friends, ask God to speak to you about any relationship in your life that you can become a source of love and compassion. Look for ways to refresh the hearts of others and recommit to live and work in the “Circle of Love,” and then watch as God changes you and the world around you. Grace and peace always, Fr. Greg+ |