Fields United Methodist Church

Jesus Along the Way: Words of Hope and Grace.                     By Pastor Tom Joyce

August 18, 2020

“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away: see, everything has become new!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

As I write this note to you, the early morning air is rushing into my study. Prior to opening the window, the room was stuffy and stale, giving an impression of a place with no energy that created just a “blah” feeling. But once fresh air began to flow, my mind woke up and there was truly a feeling of newness in the air; I could even hear clearly the birds singing in the woods not far away. So it is with accepting Jesus Christ as Savior; in Christ there is a freshness to life, a crispness that only comes through grace, and a new opportunity to live a life of celebration and hope for the moment to come. The “old” that has passed away is all that just makes life stuffy and stale; anger, vengeance, judgment, resentment, and a sense that the world must revolve around “you.” These things have one thing in common; they lack the presence of Jesus Christ in your life. You cannot live life in the abundance of Christ’s love and be angry all the time, it just does not work. Nor can you have the strength to celebrate life to the fullest when your time and energy is devoted to judgment, resentment, and vengeance. Jesus says, “come to me all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) The “old things” of life, the burdens, are terrible not only for your physical health but especially for your spiritual health. Jesus is calling you to let go of all that stuff and begin to live a life of grace and hope along the way. It is not only healthy; it is pure joy. It is new life that can only come from accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. So let the fresh air of faith enter your soul and transform your life. “O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love. Let him fill your heart and satisfy your soul. O let him have the things that hold you, and the Spirit like a dove will descend upon your life and make you whole.” (“Spirit Song,” by John Wimber. #347UMH) Celebrate the newness and freshness of life this very moment and to the end of the age.

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Fields United Methodist Church