In Whom Do I Trust

This will seem even a bit more rambling than usual. We (First United Methodist Church, Peoria, IL) celebrated our 175th anniversary last weekend. It was a wonderful opportunity for those of us new to FUMC to meet some of the previous pastors, hear their most memorable moments and watch their reunions with people who they have not seen in years. On Sunday morning Bishop Gregory Palmer preached from Psalm 19 and Philippians 4. Points to ponder from that message were:

• we have been created to give thanks to who God is and all He has done
  
• we are to remember that the heavens declare the glory of God
• we must not lose sight of our created state and that as created beings we are to praise and give thanks to our Creator
• the difference between us and other parts of God's creation is that we get to choose who or what we will follow........choose wisely
• it doesn't take much faith to praise God when things are going well, we must remember that our praise is not contingent upon the economy
• we must allow ourselves to be shaped by God into a people of praise, this is really contrary to our very nature
• we must not be a people who only traffic in history, with our knowledge of the past we can look to the future
• THE BIBLE IS FULL OF "CHARACTERS" and yet when a fellow believer steps out of line we jump all over them [I am thankful David isn't running for president, he would make Bill Clinton look like a monk. my thought added]
• we must look at our past as a way to view the future. . .[do we not have the best people running for political office because we get wrapped up in their past rather than their present and future, me again]
• we must see where we have come from so we can see where to go
• we are not to be blinded by our past so we can't see the future
• we can't let our past encumber us in the present and future
• What am I pressing toward? What next can Christ help me do? All our programs should reflect our confidence in the resurrection!

Each of these thoughts is a separate blog but I will allow those who stumble upon this site to examine their thoughts and decide what they need further reflection upon.

Please remember to get out and vote, pray, fast, and then cast your vote. No recommendation from me, no endorsement, just an admonition to exercise your civic duty.

Peace and Grace