Staying on Track

Scripture Reading: John 8:12

"Later on, Jesus spoke to them again, saying, 'I am the light of the world. The one who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'"

Reflection:

Have you ever sat down to complete an important task only to find yourself distracted? I can relate to this. There have been times when I turned on my computer with a specific goal—to study Scripture, send an email, or conduct research—but as soon as I opened my browser, an advertisement, a Facebook notification, or a news feed would catch my attention. Before I knew it, I was lost in a rabbit hole, far from my original task. Valuable and precious minutes slipped away, creating a significant gap between where I intended to be and where I was.

In John 8:1-11, Jesus faced a similar interruption. He was in the middle of teaching in the temple when the scribes and Pharisees interrupted Him by bringing a woman caught in adultery. Their goal was to trap Jesus and derail His ministry. However, Jesus was not sidetracked. He responded with wisdom and compassion, addressing the situation gracefully, and then continued His teaching with the powerful declaration, "I am the light of the world."

Jesus' example reminds us that interruptions are inevitable and don't have to derail our purpose. His light cuts through distractions and refocuses our hearts and minds on what truly matters.

Practical Application:

1. Begin Your Day with Prayer: Ask God to help you focus on His will and protect your time from unnecessary distractions.

2. Identify and Eliminate Distractions: Pay attention to what pulls you away from your goals and set boundaries to limit those distractions.

3. Use Technology Wisely: Be intentional with using devices, setting aside time for focused work and Scripture study without interruptions.

4. Lean on Scripture: Reflect on verses like Hebrews 12:2 to help keep your focus on Jesus.

Takeaway Thought:

Interruptions will come, but they don't have to define us. Let Jesus, the Light of the World, guide you to purpose and peace.

The Light That Brings Us Together

The Light That Brings Us Together

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." – Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)

Thought for the Day: When I let Christ’s light shine through me, it spreads to those around me.

On Christmas Eve, as our congregation sat together in the stillness of the Mullins chapel, we passed the flame from one candle to another. What began as a single flicker in the dark gradually transformed into a radiant glow that filled the room. The light of each candle symbolized the spreading of Christ’s light—uniting us as a family of faith.

This simple yet powerful tradition mirrors the call we receive as followers of Christ. Isaiah reminds us, “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” Christ’s light shines brightly, not just for one but for all. Like the magi who journeyed from afar to honor Jesus, we are invited to follow His light, bringing hope and unity to others.

Even in the darkest times, Christ’s light remains within us, illuminating the path ahead. When we let His light shine through our words and actions, it draws others closer to Him. Together, as one body, we reflect the fullness of His glory, creating a beautiful display of unity and love.

Prayer Focus: Pray for opportunities to reflect Christ’s light in your community.

Closing Prayer: Lord, thank You for the light of Christ that shines within me. Help me reflect that light daily, uniting with others in love and faith. May Your light shine brightly through our community, bringing hope and peace. Amen.

Based on a sermon by Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow
Delivered to the congregation of Mullins UMC

January 5, 2025

As Christ Forgave You, By Audrey E. Morrow

 If you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But your Father will not forgive your sin if you do not forgive others. Matthew 6:14-15

 We’ve all been hurt, lied to, or cheated on by someone we trust. They did it on purpose, too?  Forgiveness requires us to put away the wrong done to us.  It’s the boss with no apparent humanity—the parents’ divorce, leaving the family in shambles. Your best friend did the unthinkable, and the relationship will never be the same.  “I’m sorry” goes in one ear and out the other; the socially appropriate gesture didn’t quite seem to mend the dent in your heart.  True forgiveness requires a much more excellent source of energy than it takes to respond to a cliche phrase.  Why?  Because forgiveness is hardly about the other person.  It is about your relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

 Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  We must have the mind of Christ to forgive.  Christ’s sacrifice is the gift that keeps on giving.  If we accept Christ’s gift of life, we are responsible for extending the same grace to others.  This can be difficult to hear, but God’s truth is that we cannot be forgiven if we do not forgive (Mark 11:25)

 True forgiveness is impossible to do on our own.  Knowing who we are in Christ Jesus means welcoming God's love into our lives and doing our part to show God's love to others.  Jesus willingly laid down his life for the forgiveness of sins.  His actions signify that God loves us so much that He would put our sins away rather than judge and condemn us. He would instead make a life-and-death sacrifice than leave us to our spiritual destruction.  Yet that same love requires us to dismiss our negativity to be made new. Without God's healing power, unforgiveness breeds sin: hatred, gossip, pride, murder, etc. We cannot freely receive the love of Christ and not share that love with others and think we're straight with God.

 If you need to ask God to help you forgive, pray this prayer: "This is tough, but I believe in Jesus and His love for me.  Help me to choose Christ's way.  Help me to accept that You offer forgiveness for wrongs done to me.  Help me understand that in the fullness of Christ's love, I must offer forgiveness because I accept it.  Be glorified in the lives of those who have done wrong to me, despite their mistakes, because I trust you to do the same for me.  Amen."

Discussion questions:  What does it mean to love our neighbors as ourselves regarding forgiveness?  Why does God’s forgiveness depend on our forgiveness?

Written by Audrey Morrow in 2015  while serving as the youth director at Capleville UMC. In Memphis, TN

The Remembrance Tree: Honoring Love, and Healing Through Grace"

 

On the first Sunday of Advent in 2024, the Grief Group Ministry at Mullins United Methodist Church introduced a meaningful tradition: the Remembrance Tree Celebration. I was humbled to speak at this sacred gathering, where we honored the lives of loved ones and friends we lost. 

Grief is a complex journey, often filled with emotions—gratitude and sorrow, peace and regret, joy and longing. Whether our relationships are harmonious or marked by unresolved issues, we carry both the beauty and the burdens of those connections. 

Considering this, I was faced with an important question: How can we celebrate and find peace in a "remembrance tree of celebration" amidst such a range of emotions? I wanted to explore how God’s love and promises allow us to celebrate, heal, and hope, even amid life’s complexities. The following is my response to this relevant question.

*****

Placing an ornament on the Remembrance Tree carries profound meaning, whether the relationship with our loved one was filled with joy or marked by challenges. Here’s why we can celebrate in both situations:

When the Relationship Was Good

A good relationship leaves a legacy of love, joy, and connection. Placing an ornament on the tree becomes a moment of gratitude for the blessings shared, the lessons learned, and the pleasure experienced. It is a tangible way of saying, “Thank you, God, for the gift of this person in my life.”

Philippians 1:3 – "I thank my God every time I remember you."

• This verse reminds us to celebrate the gift of god relationships and their joy in our lives.

• God's Grace is Bigger than Our Failures: The ornament represents the hope that God’s grace can heal wounds and mend hearts, even when forgiveness wasn’t exchanged before death.

• Growth Through Challenges: Difficult relationships teach us lessons about ourselves and others, often shaping us in ways we don’t realize.

• God’s Redemption: Placing the ornament acknowledges that God can bring beauty out of brokenness.

• This verse teaches us to find hope and growth even in painful situations.

• In the joy of good relationships, He gives all blessings.

• In the challenges of complicated relationships, He is the restorer and redeemer of brokenness.

• The ornament reflects God’s unwavering faithfulness, no matter the nature of the relationship.

• Gratitude for Good Relationships: A joyful "Thank You" for love shared.

• Hope for Healing: An act of surrender for unresolved issues.

• A Declaration of Faith: A reminder that God’s love and grace are sufficient.

The ornament symbolizes the beauty and depth of a relationship that enriched your life. It declares that love endures, even beyond death, and that your loved one’s influence continues to shine like the light on the tree.

When the Relationship Was Difficult

Even in a strained or broken relationship, there is reason to celebrate because:

Romans 5:3-5 – "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Placing the ornament becomes an act of surrender—letting go of pain, regret, or bitterness and entrusting the relationship to God’s redemptive power. It symbolizes the belief that God is not done writing the story and that healing is always possible.

Whether the Relationship Was Good or Difficult, We Celebrate God’s Faithfulness

In both cases, we celebrate because God is present through it all:

Lamentations 3:22-23 – "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Every ornament on the tree is a testament to God’s love, mercy, and grace. It is a visible reminder that God's hand was at work, whether relationships were smooth or strained, and His faithfulness never wavered.

Placing an ornament on the Tree of Remembrance allows us to honor relationships' beauty and complexity. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the God who holds everything together.

Amen

Dear Baby Boomers

Dear Baby Boomers,

 We are the generational group born between 1945 and 1965, and we've witnessed profound global, national, and cultural changes in the first 20 years of this century. For some, these changes have been challenging and unsettling, while for others, they've been a source of satisfaction. But let's take a step back and look at history. Our generation was born out of another era marked by similar upheavals—challenging and rewarding times, depending on one's perspective.

Life on this planet is constantly evolving. The writer of Ecclesiastes describes life as like smoke—something you can see and experience but never fully grasp. Alongside this, we face the inevitability of time, death, and the randomness of life.

Yet, amid these uncertainties, God's message of hope, deliverance, and victory stands firm.

As I journey through life, it's a great joy to meet people who love God and Christ, those striving to find their way through the complexities of life as they work out their salvation, as Philippians 2:12 instructs. It's also a blessing to encounter those seeking a new and transformed life in this chaotic world.

Our shared love for God the Father, Christ our Redeemer, and our fellow man brings light into dark places, equipping us to face the difficulties of our changing times. "For such a time as this," we are called to encourage believers, give hope to the hopeless, and guide the lost.

It is my prayer that this becomes a reality as we share God's message of hope, deliverance, and victory:

1. Hope is the confident belief that there is a positive solution for every situation we face in life, even when we can't see or understand it. This hope is made possible through Jesus Christ. We are confident that this fallen world will be redeemed because of Jesus' resurrection and our work of redemption as the body of Christ.
2. Deliverance means that God has made a way for us to be freed from every oppressive and depressive situation through the victory of Jesus over death, hell, and the grave.
3. Victory is accepting what God has done through Jesus's life, death, and resurrection. It allows us to live victoriously in Christ Jesus by embracing the Holy Spirit's guidance, teaching, comfort, and empowerment.

May God's grace and peace be with us all.

Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow

 

Be Not Afraid

Adapted from an article by Dr. Lisa Hancock, UMC Discipleship Ministries 

"Jesus said to them: 'Do you see all these great buildings? Not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.’ Mark 13:1-8 (NIV)  

When I hear the word “apocalypse,” I often remember disaster movies. These stories are filled with destruction, creating an almost overwhelming sense of doom. And sometimes, when I read texts like Mark 13, the apocalyptic language evokes that feeling. Jesus speaks of the temple being destroyed and of “wars and rumors of wars”—it’s intense! But what if Jesus’ intention wasn’t to scare His followers but rather to reassure them?

Jesus knew His disciples were in awe of the temple’s beauty and strength, yet He wanted them to look beyond what they could see and place their faith in something even more significant. Earthly structures may crumble, Jesus tells them, but God’s presence remains steadfast. This message is for us today, too. When the world feels unstable—when we see political unrest, natural disasters, or personal hardship—we don’t need to let fear take hold. Instead, we can root ourselves in the truth that God is with us, even amid chaos.

Our worship is one way to remind ourselves and each other of this truth. By reciting a statement of faith, praying for those suffering, or singing songs of God’s faithfulness, we declare together that we trust God’s presence and promises. Worship becomes a powerful act of truth-telling, allowing us to face the world’s uncertainty with courage.

As we go about our week, let’s choose words that uplift, stand up for what’s right, and show up for each other. May we face our fears with faith, knowing that God is creating something new, even through difficult times. This is not the end—God’s love endures, and so can we.

PRAYER:
Loving God reminds us that You are with us when we are tempted to let fear take over. Help us speak and live Your truth courageously. May our worship and our words bring hope to a fearful world. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We can trust that God is our steady foundation in times of fear and uncertainty.

David’s Life of Worship: Through Repentance

David's Life of Worship: Through Repentance

By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow

Worshiping God when all is well is one thing, but how do we worship Him when mired in sin and iniquity? Iniquity represents immoral or grossly unfair behavior, such as hatred, unforgiveness, jealousy, prejudice, and selfishness. Living in sin while claiming to be a true worshipper of God would be hypocrisy. However, true repentance is the transformative act of worship and the pathway to healing and restoration with God.

David's story offers a profound example of this process. Though a king chosen and beloved by God, David succumbed to sin when he saw Bathsheba bathing and, overcome by desire, committed adultery with her. To cover his sin, he orchestrated Uriah's death and took Bathsheba as his wife. This stark reality shows how even a man after God's heart can be led astray by the corruption of power.

Yet, the narrative does not end in despair. God sent the prophet Nathan not to condemn David eternally but to guide him back to righteousness. Confronted by Nathan's parable, David recognized the depth of his sin, confessed, and repented, acknowledging God's holiness and accepting the consequences of his actions. Nathan assured him of God's forgiveness and clarified the earthly consequences of his sins.

David's response teaches us several key lessons:

1. Submission to God's Will: David's repentance and worship reflect his submission to God's authority and acceptance of His judgment.
2. Repentance Leads to Restoration: True repentance is essential for restoring our relationship with God, revealing our humility and need for divine grace.
3. Trust in God's Mercy: Even amidst sorrow, David's worship underscores his trust in God's mercy, believing God's compassion surpasses his sins.
4. Model of True Worship: David's story exemplifies true worship, which involves turning to God in times of joy and during despair and judgment.

David's worship affirms God's justice and illustrates that, despite severe transgressions, there is always a path to renewal through genuine contrition. This narrative serves as a message of hope and restoration, showing that we are not alone in our struggles with sin and guilt. Figures like Manasseh, the Prodigal Son, St. Augustine, John Newton, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer experienced profound repentance and transformation, reflecting the possibility of redemption.

In conclusion, David's worship after his child's death serves as a potent reminder that true worship involves seeking God's comfort and guidance in all circumstances. As we gather to worship today, let us open our hearts to God's transforming presence, seeking His grace and renewal.