First Steps – April 10, 2023

Easter Sunday is over. Frankly, I always have mixed emotions on Easter Monday. On one level, there is a collective sigh of relief, because all the events are completed. Energy levels can be replenished and restored. For a pastor, Lent/Easter and Advent/Christmas are incredibly busy, so with the passing of those days, there comes that time for renewal. Every pastor enjoys Easter Monday, normally with a slow start to the morning, an extra cup of coffee, a late arrival to the office, or an extra day off.
 
However, there is a longing for Easter to linger for just a bit longer. With each season of preparation (Lent and Advent), we live differently—like we should live year around. It is for this reason I grieve Easter’s passing. After all, we are Easter people, and our job is to “Easter” the world. We do this with our witness. In both our words and deeds, people are drawn to Christ by what they “witness” in another person.  They are drawn to Christ by what they see in us!
 
Therefore, this Easter Monday, let the day linger for a bit longer. Continue to live the Lenten life of witness that draws another to the Resurrected Lord. 
  

 
 
This Week’s Readings:
*Monday – Colossians 1, Colossians 2, Colossians 3, Colossians 4
*Tuesday – 1 Timothy 1, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Timothy 3,
*Wednesday – 1 Timothy 4, 1 Timothy 5, 1 Timothy 6
*Thursday – Titus 1, Titus 2, Titus 3
*Friday – 2 Timothy 1, 2 Timothy 2, 2 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 4

Prayer Requests:
-Family restoration through forgiveness.
-Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not.
-Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
-Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. 
-Guidance for those seeking to find their way.
-Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6