Fields United Methodist Church

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

October 15, 2020

“Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.” Acts 3:8

I have always been amazed by dancers, how they are able to jump, move, and tell a story with each step, and through it all keep rhythm with the music they hear. Being able to dance is truly a gift from God. What is also a gift of God especially to you is accepting the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that heals the soul, transforming your life while “walking and leaping” to the rhythm of God’s eternal presence. When we first moved to town there was a man I saw walking early in the morning with a noticeably different step; it was one of determination and joy. Every time he walked by a newspaper delivered at the end of a driveway, he took the paper right to the door of the home to make it easier for the person receiving the daily news. Driveway after driveway, with care he did his thing, helping his neighbor along the way. I came to know the man as one of great faith who made a lasting impact on me and certainly on those who were part of his life. When Jesus enters our lives, the witness we can’t help but share is one of joy and love of neighbor, those along the way no matter where we go in life; our “neighbor” are all those for whom Christ died, which is everyone on earth.  Living a life of faith is contagious; it is “walking and leaping and praising God” in our soul with every step we take and word we speak.  You may not be able to dance, leap, or even walk, but the witness of your soul claimed by our Lord Jesus Christ will change the world for the better. You have been blessed with new life and all you need to do is turn back and accept the saving grace of Jesus Christ. You are a blessing as you have been blessed; praise God!