A Radical Change of Thought and Life – Luke 24:28-53

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A Radical Change of Thought and Life – Luke 24:28-53

In Luke’s story, Jesus tells us what He wants us to do in 24:47: “a radical change of thought and life should be proclaimed, and that in His name the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed…”. But what does it means to proclaim in the sense of sharing our faith and/or faith experiences with others? People of ALL ages can proclaim their faith in numerous ways, perhaps most importantly in how we treat others.

And just what are we supposed to be proclaiming? The Voice translation offers us wording that beautifully conveys what repentance means: “a radical change of thought and life.” What radical changes in your life can you proclaim with joy?

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Easter – The Promise of New Life – Luke 24:1-12

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Easter – The Promise of New Life – Luke 24:1-12

Butterflies have become my favorite symbol of our faith in the miraculous, a symbol of our hope for beautiful transformation, the necessity of having to patiently wait for the transformation to develop, AND the necessity of living into our potential and our limits.

Our celebration of Easter begs the questions, “What’s YOUR story of transformation? Where are you IN your story of transformation?”
As we dig into and wrestle with these questions, we will often find God creating new life within us. And like the butterfly, we begin to realize that we are not who we once were – individually or as a community of faith. We have become new creations with new abilities so that we can embrace the new opportunities God puts before us.

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Palm Sunday – Our Faith in Dark Days

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Palm Sunday – Our Faith in Dark Days

The legendary stories of Jesus’ birth and death serve as mirrored bookends to Jesus’ unique life. Jesus’ birth story challenges us to look for God’s presence in unexpected places and people. Jesus’ death story reminds us that we are imperfect creatures, prone to fear and putting our own safety and comfort first.

May we always be open to God’s presence, and may we develop a faith so bold that the stones don’t have to shout praises to God.

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John 11:1-44 – “Lazarus, come out!”

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John 11:1-44 – “Lazarus, come out!”

“Lazarus, come out!” These may be the most powerful words in the entire Bible. In the previous chapter, Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepard who leads His sheep with His voice, a voice the sheep recognize, trust, and obey. Lazarus heard and responded. This story challenges all of us, myself included, to listen for, to trust, and to obey when God calls us to do something.

God desires to be in relationship with humanity which means including us as key participants in God’s healing, restorative, transformational work in the people and the world around us. Of what tombs and bondages do we need to come out?
Do we need to give up a vice – something that is causing harm to ourselves or others? What is holding you back from being all God created you to be?
Do we need to start doing something that is life-giving to ourselves or others?

Who can we invite to join us as we nervously step out of our tombs, lovingly unwrap each other, and joyfully begin living resurrected lives?

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John 20:19-31 and Acts 4:32-35 – Rev. Blake Busick – Awaken to Life

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John 20:19-31 and Acts 4:32-35 – Rev. Blake Busick – Awaken to Life

You are made in the image of God, and you are completely and eternally loved, and therefore have great value and worth. And God is a God of of perfect love and eternal joy that overcomes evil and shatters our illusions. These are the realities to base our life on. And it changes everything when we do that.
The only weapons that really defeat evil, injustice and oppression, in whatever forms they present themselves are love, and joy. That’s what Jesus showed us in His death and resurrection, in His crucifixion, and in His rising from the grave is that those are God’s weapons to defeat evil: love and joy.
And so, this season I invite you to join me and Thomas to awaken, awaken to Jesus, awaken to love, awaken to joy.

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Mark 16:1-8 – Jesus has Risen! What’s Next?

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Mark 16:1-8 – Jesus has Risen! What’s Next?

The Good News of Easter is that the rolled stone and the empty tomb tells us that God is at work in our lives doing what we cannot do. God is actively working for us and with us to create new possibilities beyond our imaginations. Rather than worry about possible problems, we can look to our future with joy and hope.
Today, how will we – individually and as a church – respond to the empty tomb, to the risen Jesus? As we strive to follow God’s lead and expand the Kingdom of God within ourselves and throughout our communities, we must ask, what’s next?

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Peace Be with You – John 20:19-31

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Peace Be with You – John 20:19-31

When Jesus says, “Shalom be with you,” He’s saying, “May every aspect of the Kingdom of God in its fullness be with you so that, instead of worrying, you can focus on experiencing and sharing God’s love.” It’s a lot easier to say shalom! Jesus was telling His disciples – and telling us today – that He wants them and us to feel a wholeness and completeness… with God, with the world, within ourselves, and with each other.

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