I cannot think of a single advantage I have ever gained from being in a hurry. But I can name a few opportunities and memorable moments that I missed out on because I chose life in the fast lane.
Discontentment drives many of us to live life rushing from one thing to the next. We are always searching for the next best thing. Discontentment says I deserve better than what I have at this moment.
If you grew up around the church, you have heard Philippians 4:13 quoted: “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” But you may have never heard it in its context.
The writer is writing from a jail cell. He is saying in whatever situation I have found myself in, I have learned to be content. Why? Because the Lord gives strength.
No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can have confidence that God will give us the strength to be in the moment.
Jamey
Walk By Faith
“Because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father.” - Galatians 4: 6
Weekly Prayer
Lord, you know this past week when we said we didn’t have time to reach out to a friend, but we spent the time binging on Netflix, or when we made up an excuse not to help when we weren’t doing the thing we said we were doing, please forgive us.
Please help us be open to the interruptions in our life this week and give us eyes to see them as grace moments. Then, maybe we can create space for miracles to happen.
For the one struggling with finding joy, send laughter and encourage the one not having the strength to clean the house or talk to others. For the one tempted to walk down a road, they need to stay off of, give clarity.
Thank you for blessing our messes. And for loving us at our most unlovable.
Thank you for sending Jesus to be with us. Take us by the hand and lead us to where you are asking us to be with others. Amen.
Meme of the week (I got two this week)
Dad Joke
What did Baby Corn say to Mama Corn? Where's Pop Corn?
How does the moon cut his hair? Eclipse it.
I have been thinking………..
Freedom. We throw that word around a lot. It has shown up a lot during the debates around Covid, masking, and other social ills.
It seems that since modernity, we have reduced freedom to autonomy. It has become simply freedom from something (or someone), and there is no discussion about freedom to or for the benefit of something/someone else.
Freedom reduced to autonomy becomes individualistic. As a follower of Jesus, freedom must factor in love of neighbor. I am freed from sin, guilt, shame, and the power of death to be free to love my neighbor, enemy, and myself.
And on a different topic……..
I have a hard time saying “charcuterie” as in the charcuterie board. Who came up with that word? Why not just say meat and cheese board? Or this and that board? Charcuterie!
All I hear is Alan Jackson singing, “Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee,” and I want to say, “Way down yonder on the charcuterie board…..it gets meaty and cheesy.”
Dr. Steve Swanson and his wife Jodi Swanson, along with their three children, have been called to join God on mission among the beautiful people of Tanzania. Dr. Swanson is a pediatric doctor who cares for babies and families and provides training for future doctors in Tanzania. We are blessed to financially partner with Dr. Swanson in his work of building bridges to Jesus and the people of Tanzania.
If you would like to financially support Dr. Steve and Jodi Swanson or learn more about their ministry, please email Misty Leach at mleach@gfumc.com.
On this MLK weekend, I am reflecting on how I was able to hear Bishop Desmond Tutu lecture at Emory University. I am giving thanks for his witness.
Photo of the Week (photos taken by me) (I took this photo a few years ago of my son reading some of MLK’s speeches and writings.)
Have you ever wanted to study the book of Revelation? Then, please make plans to join me beginning Wednesday, February 3, 2022, for a Zoom-based study.
Opportunity to make a difference
Who do you know that constantly demonstrates the love of God? We want you to nominate that person and tell us a little about how they serve others and share the hope of Jesus in our community.
I appreciate your help! We’ve got a special celebration planned for those chosen to be honored, so nominate someone today!
Please email me your nominee today!
jamey.prickett@ngumc.net.
One more thing…………. I want to see all those having fun in the snow pictures! If we get snow, it is Georgia, you know.
The picture is from a few years ago. We are more prepared this year.
Send me your snow photos. I want to share them in my mid-week post. Text them to me at 706-870-5871 or email at jamey.prickett@ngumc.net.
Great memes!
Totally agree about freedom - we need to truly identify what we are being freed from (and who is setting us free) in order to experience and see how we can then live free. Then comes gratitude and joy - enough to share.