First Steps – February 26, 2024

Our world is saturated with grace, and the lurking presence of God is revealed not only in spirit but in matter—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 Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, in a child licking a chocolate ice cream cone, in a woman with windblown hair. [I would add in the conversation, laughter, and joy shared across a table as friends and family share a meal] (The Ragamuffin Gospel, 91).
 
The key is to look for God’s grace everywhere.  It flows from heaven into the depths of creation.  I am convinced that the more I look for it, the more I see it.  What about you?  Can you stop today to notice, look, and search for God’s grace?  It is waiting for you to see all the beauty of God’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 violence 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.

“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