The Fellowship of Joy

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” -John 20:19 “...as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." Peace is: Presence – Suddenly, Jesus is present among them, before them, and for them. The presence of Jesus releases them from their terror and calls them out of hiding. Ease – The General come into a room of privates and someone calls, “Attention!” Then the General says, “At ease,” and the troops take a more relaxed stance. Activated – Jesus says, “As I was sent, so, I am sending you. Courageous – God’s peace gives us courage. Energizing – In this encounter, Jesus bestows the continuing presence of God and himself with them, breathing and saying, “receive the Holy Spirit. "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost." - John 20:22 Then sa...

Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest (Luke 19:38) Today, we join the eternal chorus of welcome as the Lord Jesus Christ enters into our consciousness as the King who comes in the Name of the Lord. He is the Prince of Peace and righteousness. His Kingdom comes with glory and praise, but also with a cross of pain and disgrace. Yet, He willing enters into the sphere of time, space, and judgment to face whatever stands between Him and His mission to bring all who welcome Him into eternal fellowship with the Father. Let us lift our voices in worship as we worship Him. https://medium.com/@tomsims/he-showed-up-a6f9a2475a59 #PalmSunday #conviction #entry #triumphalentry #palms #jerusalem #luke #jesus #thepassion #courage #compassion #empathy #Conviction

  Photo by Tijs van Leur on  Unsplash There is a way through the desert. There is an oasis. In fact, you are an oasis for others. You are chosen to declare God’s praise. God makes a way for you through any crisis. It will be a way that you have not imagined. Hear this sermon based on Isaiah 43:16–21.

There Is No Cause for Delay. What Do You Have? Start Using It. As faith is exercised, so does our capacity to bring about positive change in  our lives and in the world. The stories of Elisha and the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 and of Jesus feeding the multitudes in Luke 9:10-17 both amplify this truth. Faith involves taking what you have, giving it to God, and putting it to use with the confidence that it is enough to get started. In the process, not only does your faith grow, but also your capacity to do good with it. There is a question followed by a directive. The question is, "What do you already have." The directive is, "Start using it." ----------------------------------- 2 Kings 4:1-7 Now the wife of a member of the company of prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but a creditor has come to take my two children as slaves.” Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have ...