Category: First Steps

I like Brother Lawrence. He reminds me of those who have street knowledge. There are some in life, who are not highly educated, but have wisdom. They are observers of life, people, and things. They can see beyond the immediate to something on the horizon. Lawrence was extremely gifted this way.

He is famous for his religious life as a kitchen aid for a monastery. What made him unique was that in his common daily routine he practiced living in God’s presence. It wasn’t in worship or in lengthy prayer or mission but in the everyday common task that he found God. He said, “We can do little things for God. I turn the cake that is frying in the pan for the love of him. And when I have turned it, if there is nothing else to call for my attention, I worship God [in the kitchen].”

There lies the lesson for us. When you do your everyday common task—at work, at school, at home—do it in the name of God. Imagine that you do the task as if Jesus is right beside you. Do it as an act of worship. It is then that you will practice the presence of God in all things.

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Galatians 3
• Tuesday – Galatians 4
• Wednesday – Galatians 5
• Thursday – Galatians 6
• Friday – 1 Corinthians 1

Please Pray for:

• Leaders and participants of St. Paul children and youth summer activities.
• Unwillingly absent members.
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones.
• Our new mayor and city leaders.
• Our families, workplace, church, and community.
• Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking.

John Wesley was almost in despair.  He did not have the faith to continue to preach. When death stared him in the face, he was fearful and found little comfort in his faith. To Peter Böhler, a Moravian friend, he confessed his growing misery and decision to give up the ministry. Böhler counseled otherwise. “Preach faith till you have it,” he advised, “and then because you have it, you will preach faith.”

John acted on the advice. He led a prisoner to Christ by preaching faith in Christ alone for forgiveness of sins. The prisoner was immediately converted. John was astonished. The Moravians assured him their personal experiences had also been instantaneous. John found himself crying out, “Lord, help my unbelief!” However, he felt empty within and wasn’t motivated even to pray for his own salvation.  On this day, May 24, 1738, he opened his Bible about five in the morning and came across these words, “There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, even that ye should be partakers of the divine nature.” He read similar words in other places.

That evening he reluctantly attended a meeting in Aldersgate.  Someone read from Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to Romans. About 8:45 p.m. “while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.  I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”

It took him some time to learn how to live the life of faith; for he was not always joyful and thought he had fallen from salvation. It took time for him to see that it is not Christ and good works, but Christ alone who saves and that leads to good works.

As time went on, John Wesley was mightily used of the Lord to reform England.  His Methodists became a national force.  John rode thousands of miles, about 20,000 a year, preaching as only a man filled with the Holy Spirit can preach, telling the gospel of salvation by faith to all who would listen.

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Mark 14
• Tuesday – Mark 15
• Wednesday – Mark 16
• Thursday – Galatians 1
• Friday – Galatians 2

Please Pray for:

• A safe Memorial Day weekend.
• Our new mayor and city leaders.
• Our families, workplace, church, and community.
• Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking.

Thomas a’ Kempis once said:
“Why are you upset when things don’t go the way you wish? Who gets everything his/her way? I don’t. You don’t. No one does. Not one person on earth—not even a king or a pope—has a problem-free life. Do you know who can deal with troubles best? It is the person who is willing to suffer something for God. Thoughtless people say, ‘Look at the happy life that person leads! Money! Prestige! Power!’ But if you consider the riches of heaven, you will see that these earthly things are inconsequential, undependable, and more a burden than a privilege.  They are always accompanied by anxiety and fear.  Our happiness does not depend upon owning a lot of things.  Having enough to get along will do.

Life on earth involves misery. The spiritually perceptive person is even more aware of this because that person sees clearly the effects of human corruption…Friend, don’t give up your spiritual journey.”

If no one gets everything their way and life involves some misery, then perhaps our efforts in life should focus more on the one who brings comfort and peace. Faith in God transcends circumstances. Trust in him in all things and you will find what you need in all things.

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Mark 9
• Tuesday – Mark 10
• Wednesday – Mark 11
• Thursday – Mark 12
• Friday – Mark 13

Please Pray for:

• Our Military –  leaders and soldiers
• Our families, workplace, church, and community
• Those grieving the loss of loved ones
• Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking

Each Sunday we pray what is considered to be the most famous prayer in all of Christendom—the Lord’s Prayer.   This prayer contains two sections that help you reflect on and pray for a greater knowledge of God. The first line of the prayer, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,” reminds you that you should enter into the presence of God with great reverence for the Almighty and personal humility in that holy presence. Later in the prayer, the line “Give us this day our daily bread,” reminds you of your reliance on God’s goodness. This triggers a sentiment of gratitude and leads you back to the humility that comes from admitting your absolute dependence on God.

Give this prayer a try.  Imagine yourself in the presence of God trusting in his goodness for your life.

This week’s reading:

• Monday – Acts 27
• Tuesday – Acts 28
• Wednesday – Mark 1
• Thursday – Mark 2
• Friday – Mark 3

Please Pray for:

• Our Military –  leaders and soldiers
• Our families, workplace, and community
• The Unwillingly absent
• The St. Paul Church family
• Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking