Lenten Faith

As we continue our journey through Lent and into spring, I can not help but look at how Great our God is. What an awesome God we have that has invited us into a loving relationship. One that he not only does not need to have but one that is totally for our benefit. One in which we get to partake in. A relationship in which God gives us everything that we need to experience heaven here on earth. Can we live our lives here on earth without God and this wonderful relationship - yes we could, but I contend that it cannot be as happy or as fulfilling as it is with Him in it. That is why as Christians one of our responsibilities is to do what we can to focus our energies on strengthening this relationship. You see the neat part about this responsibility is that it benefits only us. Because of this relationship we get to turn our daily activities here on earth, into wonderful experiences that God has given to us to partake in his Kingdom. As we begin to allow God's love to wash over us and as we fall in love with God, our focus on life changes and we see true love working around us. We begin to look at people as God's beloved children and we treat them as the wonderful and beautiful creatures that God intends them to be. We all have the opportunity to live our lives this way every day. God promises us that His love can and does CHANGE OUR STONEY HEARTS AND GIVE US HEARTS FOR LOVE ALONE. As I worship with such a loving and believing community I get to witness this in action. It is in and through you that God is working and showing me this every day. How Blessed I am to be part of your faith family. Together I want us to never forget that it is through God's love for us that we are called and set apart. Not to be better than anyone but to serve others and show them this love and forgiveness in action. No matter where you are in your faith journey, I pray that we may take this Lenten season seriously, and allow this Awesome God of ours to show us how wonderful we are and how much His love can do in our brief life here on earth. Then as we experience His resurrection we will be part of His wonderful Kingdom.  

May The Lord Bless and Keep You,

Rev. Stephen W. Barch