THE PASTOR’S CORNER

THE PASTOR’S CORNER


Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I am writing this letter to all of you, I am looking at the September calendar and wondering where August went. And by the time you read this, many of us will be wondering where September went. Time does have a way of slipping away from us. Apostle Paul had wise words to share with regard to ―time slipping away.‖ In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote, "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the Word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should. Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:2-6)


Making the most of the time. How do we make the most of the time we have? Something to think about! John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, had some suggestions on how to live our lives in order to make the most of the time we have:

1) Do No Harm

2) Do Good

3) Stay in Love with God


Reuben P. Job, retired United Methodist Bishop, in his book Three Simple Rules, A Wesleyan Way of Living, shares his thoughts about Wesley‘s three rules for living. Job offers the following prayer to help us begin our day:


Inviting God’s Intervention in Our Lives

“Loving Teacher, come and make your home in our hearts this day. Dwell within us all day long and save us from error or foolish ways. Teach us today to do no harm, to do good, and assist us that we may stay in loving relationship with you and our neighbor. Help us today to be an answer to another’s prayer so that we may be one of your signs of hope in the world you love.”

At the end of the day, Job suggests a time of reflection wherein we:

Remember: A time of reflection on the day‘s experiences. Note the positive and the negative experiences and ask, ―How have I contributed to each. What is God saying to me through the events of this day?‖

Confess: A time of owning up to our own weakness, failure, and sin.

Forgive: A time of asking for and accepting God‘s forgiveness and a time of offering forgiveness to ourselves and to all who may have injured us or those we love.

Give thanks: Give thanks for each of the gifts of life that God has granted this day.

How are you making the most of your time?

Something to think about…….

And All God‘s Children Said,

"Amen"

Pastor Karen