| The other day I went to the mall. It has been years since I went to purchase something at a mall. How things have changed because when I was a teenager, I think I went to the mall each weekend. Often, my friends and I would go to the mall just to walk around and visit with other friends. It was our hangout! During my recent visit, I thought about those directional signs that were strategically placed to help people shop. If you wanted to find a particular store, this was your guide. The sign had a map of the mall with a large arrow that said, “You are here.” It was your starting point to find your way. Without it, one would be lost. God’s work of transformation has a starting point. It might not be a sign with a giant arrow, but there is a starting point for each person which is the same: Honesty. John Calvin said, “A person can only know God to the degree they know themselves.” The Holy Spirit’s work begins when we are honest with ourselves—this is who I am. Without honesty, denial reigns and we play games with God and other people. We run from who we are. We present to others what we think they want or will approve. God’s work of redemption begins with honesty. It is our starting point. Maybe God is showing you a sign: You Are Here! Don’t run from it. Sit for a while, and begin with honesty on the path to wholeness.  This Week’s Readings: * Monday – 2 Corinthians 6 * Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 7 * Wednesday- 2 Corinthians 8 * Thursday – 2 Corinthians 9 * Friday- 2 Corinthians 10 Prayer Requests: *An immediate end to the crisis in Ukraine. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Give our leaders extra wisdom as they navigate this pandemic and economic uncertainty. *Help 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 |