First Steps – May 24, 2021

 

Peace is a calm mind that is not perturbed by adversity, troubled by a remorseful conscience, or disturbed by fear. – Author Unknown

If a person does not keep pace with one’s companions, perhaps it is because one hears a different drummer.  Step to the music which one hears, however measured or far away. – Henry David Thoreau

How true are both of these quotes? I think they are linked. People suffer from the desire to keep pace with everyone else. It is the scorecard, and most believe they are failing. Unfortunately, it is a sliding scale that can never be conquered, because it is fueled by envy and a lack of inward peace.  

What is interesting to me is the work of the Holy Spirit that seeks to purify the inside of a person. Long before there is an outward change in a person, God’s Spirit changes the heart. Part of that transformative work is to form peace – inner peace. If the inside of a person is broken, then the outside will follow suit. However, if the inside is whole – at rest – then the actions will follow.  

Today, listen for a different voice of God. Step to that voice; follow that voice and allow it to create a heart of peace. Can you hear God beckoning you to come away with him? Seek him and you will find him.

 


This Week’s Readings:

  • Monday – John 1
  • Tuesday – John 2
  • Wednesday – John 3
  • Thursday – John 4
  • Friday – John 5
Please Pray for:
  • Our Ministers – Shane, John, and Buddy, our staff, and our members and families.
  • The High School Graduates in the Class of 2021
  • The eradication of Covid – 19.
  • Families in crisis.
  • Loved ones battling illness.
  • Those seeking to find their way.
  • The United Methodist Church.
  • Our leaders, our country, and our world. 

“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