Open wide!

We must welcome the future, remembering that it will soon be the past; and we must respect the past, remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible. –George Santayana


Some people think we are nearing a crisis in this country.

By the year 2045, there will no longer be a single, racial majority; in fact, we will be a “majority of minorities.” More and more, we are truly becoming a “melting pot,” or “salad bowl,” welcoming people from every corner of the world, inviting them to make a fresh start, living life in freedom and relative safety.

Many people see this as a frightening prospect. There is talk of building walls to keep people out, sending people “back where they came from”—even when it means sending them back to war and destruction. Some seem to have forgotten that Jesus was far more interested in bringing people together than dividing them over things that just don’t matter.

Honestly, the church should be excited by this prospect. After all, the Kingdom of God reigns when there is neither Greek nor Jew, slave nor free, male nor female—for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). No longer will we be known for our segregation on Sunday mornings. The love of Christ will be all that matters. Together, we will turn our eyes forward into a future where love truly wins.

Are you ready? Are you on board? Will you open your heart and be the change the world so desperately needs?


Monday Many, many studies show that people come to church (or any event or service) because they were invited. Ask God to show you someone whom you could invite to worship. Pray for an opportunity to do so. John 21:26-27

Tuesday Pause and reflect on the unconditional love Christ offers to each one of us, just as we are. Give thanks and rest. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Wednesday Where is there chaos in your life? Pray that God would bring peace, comfort and hope to an area of your life that feels out of control. Give thanks and rest. Isaiah 42:5-9

Thursday Who has had an influence on your faith journey? Consider writing them a note of thanks. Ask God to guide your heart in being a light to others. Pass it on. Acts 2:42-47

Friday John Wesley saw value in small group meetings as a way to deepen relationships. Consider where you find relationship at your church. Thank God for this family. 1 Samuel 12:22-24

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, listen. Is the Spirit leading you in a new direction? Pray for clarity and for courage to follow faithfully. Exodus 4:10-12

Sunday As we gather this morning to worship, meditate on the hymns. As St. Augustine observed: The one who sings, prays twice. Give thanks and lift your voice! Isaiah 42:10-11


Love thy neighbor. Thy homeless neighbor. Thy Muslim neighbor. Thy black neighbor. Thy gay neighbor. Thy white neighbor. Thy Jewish neighbor. Thy Christian neighbor. Thy atheist neighbor. Thy racist neighbor. Thy addicted neighbor. Just love thy neighbor --Anonymous

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