| I’ve always been one that likes explanations. I want to know how things work and are accomplished. I think that is why I didn’t come to faith easily. Early in my life, accepting things I can’t explain was difficult. I use “was” because I’ve become more comfortable with mystery throughout the years. As I’ve gotten older, and more mature, I attribute the growth to faith. For instance, Jesus’ death was a real death, a historical fact. It has been well documented. Death and burial. His heart stopped. His brain activity stopped. He was dead. The grand mystery is that he became alive again. Unfathomable to behold especially since I wasn’t in the tomb watching him come back to life. However, there is enough evidence for one living 2000 years after the fact to believe his resurrection was a real event. Frankly, the leaders of the day only had to produce his dead body which would have ended any debate. At the same time, the disciples sealed their testimonies with martyrdom. They went from “running for the door” when Jesus died to ardent believers after the resurrection. They received no financial gain for being a follower of Christ. Something happened that produced a change. Well, it stands to reason with a high degree of probability that Jesus was resurrected. What a mystery. As mysterious as it is and as unexplainable as it is, it shapes my life. Not just my life, but billions of lives before me. Paul in 1 Corinthians said it this way, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…for the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Acts 7 *Tuesday – Acts 8 *Wednesday – Acts 9 *Thursday – Acts 10 *Friday – Acts 11 Prayer Requests: – Families traveling throughout the summer. _Our unwillingly absent members. -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 |