​     Of all the things that people want, at the top of the list for most of us would be good health.  Indeed, to have and do any of the other things that people want, a person first needs to have good health.
     And so when the Psalmist prays for his health to be restored, we all can appreciate such a prayer.  But now how does God answer such prayers?
     As we see in this Sunday's Gospel reading, sometimes the Lord heals with just a touch (as we see in the woman who touches Jesus and is healed in Mark 5).  Sometimes with Jesus' words, a person is healed and even raised from the dead (as we see in the little girl raised with the words, "Little girl, get up".)
     The problem is, Jesus doesn't promise that that will ALWAYS happen.  We no longer can touch Jesus' clothes (as the woman in Mark 5 did).  And while Jesus spoke the words to raise the little girl, He doesn't do that anymore; at least not yet.
     Oh the day will come when all people will be raised and given glorified bodies without any illnesses.  As the Scriptures describe heaven, it includes no more tears, death or pain (Revelation 21:4)
     But what about in between the times when Jesus walked the earth with His healing ministry, and when the glorified Christ will receive us into the eternal life prepared for us?  That's where you and I are now.
     Here's what we can do now:  First, we certainly can pray for healing, and even for resurrections.  And keep in mind:  while God is all-powerful and do anything He wants to do, He is also sovereign and has the authority to heal right now, or to wait, or to work through other means.  
     And so just as a parent of a young child may not give what a child asks for, or not as soon as she/he wants it, so God answers our prayers in various ways.  I know of  people healed immediately, in later weeks, months, years, and for some, the healing comes after death, when given a heavenly body.
     God also most often is working through the body of Christ:  through the people in whom He chooses to work.  Like doctors, medical science, social workers, police, teachers, the church, etc.  And so you and I become the means through which God brings healing and new life to people.  I am not able to cure a person of cancer.  But I can support the cancer society that is working to do so.  I am not able to raise the dead, but I can save loves through the protection and care and help that I can provide through all kinds of agencies and actions and words.
     So let us trust in the God who created all of us and all things, and who knows us better than anyone else!  Let us trust in the God who so dearly loves each and every one of us that He sent us His Son to redeem us all.  And let us trust in the God who heals, raises the dead, and ultimately will restore us all to perfect health and an eternal life with Him!

God Bless,

Pastor Steve

    In this Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us to "Love God,,,and your neighbor as yourself."  And then Jesus is asked this question.   "And who is my neighbor?" 
    Jesus answers by telling the story of the Good Samaritan, who helps the man who was robbed and beaten up, in need of care.  And so Jesus answers the question by leading each of us to help those in need.  
    This week we are reminded of many opportunities to be a good neighbor who helps those in need.  Tomorrow is Juneteenth, a federal holiday in the US, commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  It was on June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.
    But there is a lot of work yet to do in our country, as we continue to see racism in our nation.  And exploitation (defined as "treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work") is a problem across our nation and world, including sexual, labour, domestic and other forms of exploitation.  Marginalized people continue to struggle in our society, due to their race, sexual orientation, social-economic status, disabilities, and for other reasons.
     Perhaps it is best to sum up all of these groups of people, as those in need, those hurting, and those whom we can help.
     So how can we help?  How do we love our neighbor?   Our faith and life in Christ is a wonderful source of love for all people.  Jesus came to be Savior of the world.  He died for all.  And now He lives in and through each of us as we bring God's love to one another.  In fact, our Savior is also in those who need our help.  As He tells us in Matthew 25:40, "just as you did it to one of these (who are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, in prison, etc.) you did it to me."

     May we see the needs of our neighbors!  And may we use the resources we have to help others in need.  In so doing, we will be loving God and our neighbors.

God Bless,
Pastor Steve

​     A mustard seed was believed to be the smallest of all the seeds, and in the days of this writing of Mark 4, it was the smallest seed used by Palestinian farmers.  Yet this very small seed grew to a mustard shrub that could have a height of 10 feet!  
     This tiny seed that grows into a large plant is used by Jesus to illustrate the growth of God's kingdom.  Small beginnings, yet great endings!
     Consider the people and things that start out small and insignificant, and end up having a powerful impact on people and nations!
     The birth of famous people like  J. S. Bach, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Jesus of Nazareth!
     The wars won that changed the future of nations, such as WWII, and others.
     The invention of electricity, all kinds of transportation, and so many other scientific discoveries.
      All these things began with one person, or one event, or one idea.
     And certainly the greatest example of small beginnings with great endings is that of God's Kingdom, beginning in the birth of the Baby Jesus, and in faith.  And ending in the eternal life celebrated in heaven by all of God's redeemed!
     Of course, the ultimate beginning of everything is God.  And He is not something small!  Yet He chooses to work in small, insignificant people and ways.  And it leads to huge and powerful results.  Like the word of God that created the world.  The birth of a baby that became Savior of all.  The waters of baptism that brings the Holy Spirit and saving faith.
     And God continues to create and grow His kingdom in what appears to be small and insignificant ways.  LIke in a word you or I say and it leads to faith and love in others.  Or an action that leads to comfort and hope given to many.  Or sharing resources that combine to help in so many ways.
   May you and I be "like a mustard seed" in all the ways that we can serve in God's Kingdom.  And in all of it, God will be at work!  Just as He makes a small seed grow into a large plant!  So may God accomplish His grace and love in each of us.

God Bless,

Pastor Steve

    This Sunday's Gospel Reading includes these words, spoken by people about Jesus!   Some people thought He was possessed by a demon.
     Jesus didn't say and do things as people expected.  Hmm..  That sounds a little like the  8 words that we often hear in churches, "We have never done it that way before!"
     Over the years, I've seen and heard a lot of things from different people in the several churches where I've been a member, and served as pastor.  And honestly, I've learned a lot!  People can do things differently and sometimes it is better than the ways we have done.
     I think many of us will agree that we all get into habits and ways that can be improved.  And sometimes we need to be challenged to change our ways!  Yes, I said that word:  "change"!   I am certainly an example of change.  Many of you know my story of the big change I made just 6 years ago.  Changes that include my denomination, theology, and inclusion of a community of people that I honestly didn't know much about at all!  So if I can do that, then each of us can look at what we're believing and doing, and be at least open to change!
    And that means that you and I may not do things as other people do them.  Or we may not see people as others do.  Just as Jesus did.  
    As a favorite preacher and author of mine (Michael Curry, former Bishop of the Episcopal Church) writes in his book, "Crazy Christians", 
"What the Church needs, what this world needs, are some Christians who are as crazy as the Lord.  Crazy enough to love like Jesus, to give like Jesus, to forgive like Jesus, to do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God--like Jesus."  (p. 3)
    And so I invite you to be crazy!  And we'll be in good company:  with our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!

Blessings,
​Pastor Steve