June 2009
In the third chapter of Revelation, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you and you with me.”
That Scripture is the basis for one of my favorite pictures depicting Christ. It is the painting of Christ knocking at a huge wooden door. It is apparent that he is knocking very softly and very gently. There is no doorknob or handle on the outside. There is no way anyone on the outside could open the door and go in. The only way it could be opened was from the inside.
And what does that say to you and me? Jesus will not come barging into our lives and invade the privacy of our souls unless you and I invite him to do so and open up the door of our own hearts. But the Good News is that he will do precisely that, in your life and mine, if we simply ask him. And if we open up our inner door and if we will give Him the place of special honor, real life begins to happen.
Is your heart full of the love of Christ or is it full of a lot of junk – envy, resentment, anger, hatred, and all kinds of memories of things of the past? Invite yourself to go beyond simply believing and move into actually receiving him in your heart.
Sincerely,
Rev. Ed Arbogast, Jr.
Moderator's Message
I have been finding myself worried a lot lately. About the fire, about our members who’s homes needed to be evacuated, about my family, about myself even sometimes and about you. Of course there’s so much to be worried about – but I try to give it to God and I know that’s sometimes hard. What I’ve been finding is of course the worry and stress is hard on our bodies and souls and if you cannot relieve the worry it will take It’s toll in one way or another. During some of our recent bible studies we have learned that the opposite of worry can be meditation. Now I’ve tried practicing meditation before – several kinds in fact. Yes the “om” kind of focusing on a phrase or word or sound – I’ve done walking meditations and sitting and exercise meditations as well. Sometimes it seems downright silly. However nothing seems to calm me as much as just talking to God. Following the practical mindset that Jesus gave us in every lesson. The knowledge that all is possible with God makes it easier for me to give any worries to God. The knowledge that with all my mistakes and blunders forgiven I can love God with all my mind, all my heart and all my soul, that I am a child of God. That helps me relax, focus, heal, and be at peace. So I guess regular prayer is my meditation. Prayer in It’s many forms are what I find myself doing, such as a favorite scripture, a memorized prayer, active conversation, and even the pleasure of just sitting quietly in the presence of God.
It is a blessing to find that all our members are safe. It is a blessing to know that God is good and Jesus helps me find the daily patience, love and understanding to help others every day. And it is a blessing to know that because I am loved so very much – I have peace, joy and love in abundance that I can share with everyone I meet.
I hope you can find the practice of devotion/meditation that will transform worry and stress for you. There are many paths to this transformation – try them to find which works best for you or use them all. I hope that you find the comfort of the Lord, and can share the love of Jesus with others throughout your day as I have. Share why Pentecost is a wonderful start to the summer as we spread the Holy Spirit to those we meet.
We’ve got several fun holidays this coming month including “hug your cat day” on 6/4, and “smile power day” on 6/15 - I like that one :-) - and “eat veggies day” on 6/17. But mostly I would like to wish you a Happy Pentecost (Sunday May 31st - Welcome Holy Spirit!), Happy Summer (begins 6/21) and Peace!
Lynda Bell
