2 Corinthians 1:12-24 Yes

 ^{2 Corinthians 1:12-24}
Sometimes we plan to do way more than we can physically do. I tend to "overbook" myself and end up changing one or more of my plans as to what I will be doing on any given day. I thank God that my congregation and community understands what flexibility is. Sometimes I say yes to something and because a greater priority or emergency arises I will have to change the schedule and say "No, I cannot go," at the last minute.

Paul planned to go to Corinth twice. At first he said yes. But, his travel plans changed and he had to say no. That's the way it is sometimes. Plans change, but God does not change. His plan for us does not change. Sometimes His plan is difficult for our sinful minds to discern. The message of Jesus the Christ does not change. That message is always a yes. Whether we are with you personally or not, the Lord is and He says yes to all who would believe, Yes. you are my beloved child. Come to me all who are weary. Come to me and I will give you rest in my Son, Jesus Christ, your Lord.

God's peace - Pr. J

Luke 13:10-17 Bound and Free

Luke 13:10-17 NIV
I often wonder about being in bondage. I wonder how much I should allow myself to be bound to things of this world if indeed I am free in Christ. We are indeed free in Christ to serve God and one another. However, we (most of us) are bound to something here on earth. Work schedules, bosses, family members, friends and acquaintances regulate what we do and when we do it. Not long ago, I went with a tour group to Ireland. Even the vacation regulated so that at times I felt like we were chained to a schedule. I also have to be very careful about making plans with my grandchildren. I have to give them a lot of maybes or we'll see... If I agree to do something, they expect me to do it. No matter what else might come up, they get pretty upset if the schedule ends up changed. They insist on me being bound to my word, even if it was not a promise, but a suggestion.

Now, commitments are usually good things. A commitment to worship God on Sundays (or any and everyday) is an excellent thing. But, in our parable today of Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath, Jesus reminds us that there is more to worship and honoring God than keeping Sabbath law or traditions. When someone is in need, the schedule must be flexible enough to help them.

In Christ, we are free to be bound to love and serve. By his blood, we have been set free to worship and serve our God and to love and serve our neighbors, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. J