A New Revelation!
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times…”
This quote from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, could describe the times in which we are living in 2021. While 2020 shook us up with the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 has not been so kind either. In fact, I saw a post on January 7 that read: 2021 isn’t working; I want to cancel my 7-day trial!
We are witnessing the eroding, or even the imploding of America, right before our eyes. But conflict is nothing new for God’s people. For there, in the pages of the Bible, we find story after story of the people of Israel turning away from their God, following other gods, leading to death and destruction, then crying out to God for help. In fact, that is the majority of the Old Testament! God’s people doing their own thing, resulting in conflict.
When things aren’t as they should be, and you can’t fix what’s wrong – that’s when you need revelation from on high. We need divine vision; we need to look at things through Jesus’ eyes. We need a new revelation, a word from the Lord.
The story of Elijah is one of conflict and revelation. The prophet found himself running into the wilderness, hiding from Jezebel. Then God spoke in a whisper and gave him a revelation that stirred a revolution within him (1 Kings 17-19). We need a new revelation.
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and Human Relations Day this weekend, we find ourselves continuing to strive to be that beloved community of which King spoke. One that cares for our neighbors and puts the needs of others before our own. We need a new revelation. One that will stir up a revolution of justice, love, and unity.
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8
Join us for a week of service activities that will honor Dr. King and bless our community. Some are on-site and others involve Porch Drop collections. Please see our website for the menu of activities and to sign up. Worship with us online this Sunday at 10:00am, at www.umcgt.org, as we continue our Righteous Resolutions series. This week’s message: A New Revelation.
And join me this Monday at 8am, and every Monday, for 15 minutes of prayer and devotion on our prayer line, where you can call in and listen, or give a prayer request if you like. The phone number is: (727) 731-7163. Call in on Monday, and be a part of this time of Scripture, prayer, and hope. This is also a great way for those without internet to stay connected with the church and hear the voices of friends, so please spread the word to our senior saints, and to those who may live alone.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other,
as indeed you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Blessings,
Pastor Linda