Love God Love One Another

As Christ followers, we are called to live differently than those around us, to resist the forces in our culture that are opposed to God and Jesus Christ, to resist "the way it is". We are called not just to believe in God, but to follow Jesus' teachings. To love and care for others, and live out the baptismal promises. To be "all in" for Jesus and live by God's values. #livedifferently #messiahyl

Live without regrets. Say it loud and say it clear...say it in the living years. Take proactive steps to nurture your relationship with God and others. Live fully in the moment by extending the love God has given us to share. #LiveOutloud #messiahyl

Is the church (at large) a sinking ship? Will the church as we know it survive for 20 more years? It may not endure as we know it, but it WILL thrive according to God's plan. Form this perspective we can be assured that God will work it out. Our job is to embrace the newness.#LoveOthers #GodsWay #WeCanWorkItOut #messiahyl

Jesus doesn't ask for a resumes or qualifications to follow him, he simply asks for a willingness to follow: to trust, to learn, to love, to be transformed. It is sometimes messy, sometimes imperfect, but it is real. Following Jesus is being open to the unexpected, the uncomfortable, and the challenging. It is about sitting at God's table of grace and inviting others to share the amazing unconditional love and grace that has already been shared with us by God. #Welcome #TheTable #FollowJesus #messiahyl

Grace is free, but it is not cheap. The type of grace we receive from God was very costly and its precious value must be understood to be appreciated. Jesus gave his life for us. Count the cost and act accordingly. We show our gratitude as we strive to live obediently (as best we can) following Jesus and sharing grace with others. #FollowMe #CountTheCost #messiahyl

What kind of a follower are you? Online, first impressions make a big difference. This is the same reason Jesus was so popular when he came to the world. Jesus had many raving followers and, in the end, overwhelming critics. The people of the world didn't understand why Jesus came. They wanted something/someone more self-serving. Head the call to follow the truth, not vainglory popularity. #FollowTruth #SeekTheGood #AsGodSeesIt #messiahyl

Like a Super Bowl team thrives on cooperation and coordination, we flourish when we work together as followers of Christ to live with compassion and mercy for others...and work together to create a truly just world for all people both near and far. #SuperBowl #Cooperation #messiahyl

Are you a great worrier? Worry prevents us from experiencing God—who is actively working in the present to help us. Worry sucks the vitality, energy, and joy required to live lives of loving service and compassionate action toward others. Lean in to the radical grace of God. This will shift our focus away from ourselves so that we can boldly and courageously seek how to meet head-on the needs of others. #thrive #abundance #nothalflife #messiahyl

Why did the people of Israel spend forty years in the dessert before "entering the rest" of the promised land? They were afraid to go in! Do we refuse to enter into the rest that God promised? We must recognize that grace and rest don't depend on our effort. Stop, wait, and pay attention...to see what God to doing. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. #WaitForIt #StopAndRest #DayOff #messiahyl

Most people can appreciate and respect the commandment "Do not murder." Another commandment a few before it, though, is likewise important but much tougher to keep. "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." God demonstrated rest after the work of creation and God knows his creations...including us. We need intentional and regular rest (spiritual and physical) or we fall short of our potential. Let your soul catch up with your body. #restinpeace #whileliving #messiahyl

Knowledge and grit are not all it takes to make things go better. A focus on what God asks us to do is a promised path to peace and satisfaction. Living God's values relieves us from the burden of busyness, expectations, regulations, and rigor...religious or otherwise. Take the yoke of Jesus for a uplifting change. #EasyLight #messiahyl

After the Christmas hoopla, it can be easy let Epiphany slip by. Just as the foreign magi searched out baby Jesus, we, too are all on a quest for something far greater than ourself. They discovered, as we learn, everyone is welcome in the presence of the Lord. We are one family! In truth, we are all just walking each other home. On that journey, go beyond the expected to shine the light of love and grace. #LoveGod #LoveOneAnother #messiahyl

Today we hear a new angle on the advent story—which begins in the desert. Historically, a place of struggle and uncertainty (then and now), the desert near Israel and the area of the Jordan River was ground-zero for God's greatest news for mankind. Prepare the way! That means: scrub the steps, be compassionate, show radical hospitality, embody the love of God with courage and holiness. Prepare the way! Jesus Christ is about to rumble through. #preparetheway #newchapter #humblerumble #advent #messiahyl

Be ready, be alert...is not a fear-based faith. Jesus is the light of the world and God's transformative presence can be found in the waiting and expectancy within our current situation. Advent is a time to stay focused and be active in our love for God and others. #Attentive #BringLove #SpillTheLight #messiahyl

Glory to God and thanks to Messiah for our ministry together! "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-15) No matter what our age, background, history or whatever God's best days for us are ahead. The best is yet to come! Celebrating 50 years of providing dignity, health, joy & love through Hope 4 Kids International #Hope4Kids #messiahyl

Who is your shepherd? Who tends to you when you are weak, lost, or in trouble? Ancient kings were in charge of their people this way. However, many kings wandered from this calling and brought judgement and calamity on themselves and their people. Connecting the old and new testament, Jesus is the "Lord our Righteous Savior." His arrival and reign is a mission of love and care for God's people. Christ the King is our shepherd! #ChristtheKing #messiahyl

How do we practice love in our lives? Do we limit love to the confines of our hearts and minds or do we extend it to our relationships, communities, and beyond. Uganda is one of many places where we demonstrate love through actions. We are surrounded by a world in need. Embody Christ by becoming the hands of feet of God. #beserving #giving #oceansoflove #messiahyl

God's provision is everlasting...proven, by example, in the old testament through care for widows and in the NT as Jesus demonstrates care for the poor, needy, and the downtrodden. Jesus is the new covenant that gifts us all grace, mercy, hope, and love everlasting. #DoLikewise #CareForOthers #messiahyl

Free people need guidelines, principles, and advice to live well. What posture is needed to hear the Lord? The Bible (old and new testaments) point to the answer: Jesus. Follow him with an extravagant, committed, undivided love including conscience, heart, essence, soul, and vitality (might or strength). When we strive this way, we can become a community orientated toward morally correct decision making, ethical values, and full of energy for life. #love #action #messiahyl

The Reformation was a pivotal moment in the protestant church. Even as an anniversary could commemorate what happened some time ago we take a moment today to once ago listen to the words of Jesus seeking wisdom and inspiration for our own journey into a more inclusive, compassionate, and grace-filled faith. #reformation #today #messiahyl