Monday, January 1, 2018

THIS ENDS THE BICENTENNIAL YEAR OF DEVOTIONS.  THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS WAY OF CELEBRATING SHARON’S 200TH YEAR!   BLESSINGS TO ALL WHO ENJOYED THIS ENDEAVOR!

DREAM THE FUTURE 

Judy Lentz

Matthew 28: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

As we close the year of the Bicentennial Celebration for Sharon Community Presbyterian Church, we look once more at the logo for this historic occasion. “Celebrate The Past, Dream The Future” We have devoted the majority of the year celebrating the past. Now it is time to ‘dream the future’.
Dreaming is a favorite for me. I have always had wonderful dreams. At times I would say as I retired for the night “Wonder what I will dream tonight?” I am not a believer of dream interpretation – too much manipulation of thoughts for me. I am, however, a strong believer of envisioning the future. Some have credited me as being a visionary. I choose to believe it is my strong faith that enhances those skills.

So what might we envision for Sharon. We have started on a new path with our new pastor, Rev. Becky Branch-Trevathan. Many, including me, have believed that God has been revealing his plan each step of our journey. God doesn’t reveal his plan unless we purposely seek his guidance and direction. I am praying fervently for spiritual growth and continued vitalization of the ministry at Sharon. I ask you to join me in this prayer so that our dreams of strengthening the future will occur – remember God wants us to grow. He wants us to spread the word – His word is the guidance we seek as it is written in Matthew 28.

At a children’s time in another church we belong to in our southern home, the pastor was talking about God’s love for us and how important it was for us to ‘spread the word’. A little eight year old boy immediately spoke up and said “That’s what he tells us in Matthew 28; that’s the Great Commission”! I was astounded!! To hear these words come from the mouth of an eight year old was so reassuring in these troubled times. As faithful Christians, let’s do our part to ‘spread the word’.

Prayer:    Dear Heavenly Father – we have read your words of guidance and are doing our best to spread your word to others. Please know we are dreaming about our future as your followers. We praise you every day and get so excited when you reveal your plan to us. Keep us on the path of spiritual growth and vitalization and give us the strength needed to overcome any adversities along the way. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen