Scripture: Acts 22:21
Then he said to me, “Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.”
Thought for the Day: The Apostle Paul was recounting his calling from God, and it included a charge to go on a journey to a different group of people in a place unknown to him. It can be a bit unnerving to venture down a road where the destination is unfamiliar, and though you know nothing of the path itself, the potential for danger is pretty certain. It was on this day in 1804 that Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark officially set forth on an expedition into the recently acquired Louisiana Territories. Though skilled explorers, there remained a great unknown for the team led by Lewis and Clark. It was one of those moments where the importance of the mission outweighed the dangers associated with the mission. There are so many throughout history whose courage was inspiring, yet I would suggest that Christianity demonstrates too little courage these days…a religion that was birthed in courageous acts of humility, service and faith. What do most of us risk on a day to day basis? Is the sacrifice of our time, financial resources or reputation worth it? Should we be willing to pursue the mission despite the risk? I would suggest that the world is hungry to see a courageous act. Though let me add that courageous shouldn’t be confused with obnoxious passion that really demands nothing. We see too much of that these days.
Prayer: God of Invitations, we give you thanks for your invitation into grace, though accepting the invitation, we have discovered another invitation to join with Paul in an expedition by which your grace is shared with others. Encourage and support us as we, through faith, begin a journey into the unknown. Amen.
———————————-
“Fashioning A New Framework for Leadership:
Tomorrow Night (Wednesday, May 15) – you are invited to join the first of a two week class entitled Fashioning A New Framework for Leadership. This is for anyone who might be interested in exploring Christian Leadership, though your attendance doesn’t mean you are signing on the dotted line. This will only be an entry into the conversation. The class will begin at 6:30pm, and will run for one hour. Each class will be self-contained, so if you can only come one week, that’s okay.
Dinner at 5:30pm
Class at 6:30pm
——————————–
THIS COMING SUNDAY
PENTECOST
As you can see,
we got some work to do.
Don’t be afraid!
