First Steps – February 19, 2024

Our world is saturated with grace, and the lurking presence of God is revealed not only in spirit but in matterā€”a deer leaping across a meadow, in the flight of an eagle, in fire and water, in a rainbow after a summer storm, in a gentle doe streaking through a forest, in Beethovenā€™s Ninth Symphony, in a child licking a chocolate ice cream cone, in a woman with windblown hair.Ā [I would add in the conversation, laughter, and joy shared across a table as friends and family share a meal] (The Ragamuffin Gospel, 91).
Ā 
The key is to look for Godā€™s grace everywhere.Ā  It flows from heaven into the depths of creation.Ā  I am convinced that the more I look for it, the more I see it.Ā  What about you?Ā  Can you stop today to notice, look, and search for Godā€™s grace?Ā  It is waiting for you to see all the beauty of Godā€™s presence everywhere.




This Week’s Readings:
-Monday – James 4
-Tuesday – James 5
-Wednesday – 1 Peter 1
-Thursday – 1 Peter 2
-Friday – 1 Peter 3


Things to Pray About:
-The violenceĀ and finding peace in our city, state, country, and in the world.
-Pray for guidance, healing, protection, strength, courage, and faith.
-Our unwillingly absent members.
-Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
-Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
-Family restoration through forgiveness.
-Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

ā€œDonā€™t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā€ – Philippians 4:6