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.

David's Life of Worship: God’s Way is the Best Way

David's Life of Worship: God’s Way is the Best Way

By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow

 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing , and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV.”

Self-determination is a gift from God, and it can be a force for good when it helps us rise above challenges and work toward the well-being of ourselves and others. However, when self-determination becomes selfish and disregards others, it becomes counter to God’s will and dangerous.

For example, one of Frank Sinatra's most famous songs, "My Way," captures a man's journey of living life on his own terms. Although the song became a national anthem for self-determination, Sinatra himself grew to dislike it, feeling it was self-serving and indulgent.

The challenge is to navigate the tension between personal goals and the well-being of others. As Christians, we must overcome our tendency to do things “my way” and align our actions with God’s way. Here are some guiding principles:

1.    Do Things God’s Way: Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices and be transformed by the renewal of our minds, discerning God’s will.

2.    Trust in God’s Plan: Ruth 1:16-18 shows us the importance of trusting in God’s unknown plan, as Ruth committed herself to Naomi’s path.

3.    Recognize God’s Purpose: Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has plans for our welfare and hope.

4.    Depend on God’s Strength: Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

5.    Commit to Growth: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 teaches us to run the race of life with discipline, aiming for an imperishable prize.

6.    Honor God’s Word: Romans 15:4 highlights the importance of Scripture for our instruction, endurance, and encouragement.

In the end, our mantra should not be “I did it my way,” but rather, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Paul’s letter to the Ephesians encourages us to acknowledge what God can do in and through us when we live according to His way through Jesus Christ.

David's Life of Worship: Dance to the Glory and Honor of God

 

David's Life of Worship: Dance to the Glory and Honor of God

2 Samuel 6:1-5; 12-19

By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow

In a vibrant city where excitement buzzed like electricity, King David prepared for a celebration that would be etched in history. Jerusalem was about to host the Ark of the Covenant, the very symbol of God's presence among His people. David, a man known for his passionate devotion to God, was determined to honor this sacred arrival with a display of worship that mirrored his heart's deepest joy.

As the Ark approached, David’s enthusiasm was palpable. He wore a simple linen ephod, a symbol of humility and devotion, and danced with all his might before the Lord. The streets of Jerusalem were filled with the sounds of joyous celebration—harps, lyres, tambourines, and the shouts of a jubilant crowd. David's dance was not just an expression of joy but a reflection of his life, dedicated entirely to God.

Yet, this celebration was not without its challenges. The journey had been marred by a tragic incident when Uzzah, in a moment of fear and misunderstanding, reached out to steady the Ark and was struck down. This event served as a powerful reminder of God’s holiness and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and obedience.

Despite this setback, David’s faith did not waver. He learned from the incident and continued the journey, this time with renewed respect for God's commands. Every six steps, sacrifices were made, and David’s heart remained focused on honoring God. His dance continued, and his worship became a living testament to his unwavering devotion.

In the quiet of his heart, David knew that worship was not just about the grand gestures but also about a daily commitment. It was a way of life, reflecting a relationship with God that permeated every aspect of his being. His dance was a public expression of a private reality—his love for God was woven into every moment of his life.

As we reflect on David’s story, we are invited to consider our own lives. How can we integrate personal holiness with our social expressions of faith? How can we let our worship extend beyond a Sunday service and become a daily celebration of God’s presence?

Just as David’s worship was all-encompassing, so should ours be. Let every breath, every action, and every moment be a testament to our devotion. When we wake each morning, let our first thoughts be of gratitude. As we go about our daily tasks, let our actions reflect our love for God. Whether in our roles as parents, friends, workers, or community members, let us infuse our lives with worship.

In the spirit of David’s dance, let us make every day a celebration of God’s goodness. As we live out our faith in practical ways—through service, kindness, and integrity—let our lives be a continuous offering of praise.

Closing Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of King David and his passionate worship. Help us to reflect that same devotion in our daily lives. May our actions and attitudes be a continuous dance of praise, honoring You in every moment. Teach us to integrate our holiness with our public lives, making our worship truly express our love for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The Sufficiency of God's Grace

The Sufficiency of God's Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9

By Rev. Dr. Russell M, Morrow

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [a]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [b]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! Amplified Bible, Classic Ed. 

It was the summer of 2005, a time meant for joy and family adventures. My wife Elaine and I, along with our three children, my five-year-old brother Joseph visiting from New York, and a young boy from our church, embarked on a trip to the Crazy Horse Monument and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Our journey also included a stop at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN, to enjoy its famed amusement park.

The amusement park buzzed with excitement, and we encouraged the children to have fun. I gave my oldest daughter the responsibility of keeping a watchful eye on little Joseph. My mother had taught my sisters and me about the sufficiency of God’s grace, a lesson that would soon be tested.

Joseph, whom my mother adopted even though was born with fetal alcohol syndrome, while she was overcoming cancer, was a special child. As the older kids enjoyed the rides, they soon realized that Joseph was too small to join them in a particular attraction. Instead of bringing him back to us, they told him to wait at the gate.

Moments later, my children came running to me with panic in their eyes. "Daddy, we lost Joseph." My heart sank. Fear, worry, and anger surged within me. What would I tell my sister who had guardianship over Joseph? I had lost my brother in the largest mall in America.

With dread in my heart, I began to walk through the mall, scanning the crowded expanse for any sign of Joseph. It felt as if God was guiding me by the hand. Amidst the chaos, I was drawn to an arcade. There, sitting in a race car, lost in a game, was my little brother Joseph, blissfully unaware of the panic he had caused.

Despite the fear and worry that had consumed me, God's grace proved sufficient for all of us. This experience taught us a profound lesson about the enduring and encompassing nature of God's grace. Even in our moments of failure and fear, His grace provides guidance, protection, and reassurance.

God's grace, as defined by theologian John Wesley, encompasses prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. It is an undeserved favor, freely given and covering all stages of the Christian journey. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This statement underscores the adequacy and power of divine grace, especially in times of struggle and weakness.

In our lives, we encounter God's grace powerfully in our struggles and weaknesses. Recognizing our limitations allows us to experience His strength and resilience. In our relationships, grace nurtures forgiveness, patience, and compassion, reflecting God's love. Life's unpredictable challenges test our faith, but God's grace supports us, enabling us to endure and overcome with hope and strength.

The good news in God’s message of hope, deliverance, and victory is clear: His grace makes us resilient, providing strength in our times of weakness and sustaining us through challenges. God's promise of sufficient grace helps us endure hardships, offering hope and strength beyond our abilities. Living with confidence in God's grace assures us that it is enough for every situation, bringing peace and contentment by meeting our needs and reducing anxiety.

Within a community, believers are encouraged to support one another, uplifted by the assurance of God's grace. Understanding the sufficiency of God's grace empowers believers to serve others, trusting that God equips and sustains them in their efforts.

Hymns and poems beautifully express the theme of God's grace as an all-sufficient force. "Amazing Grace" by John Newton, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas Chisholm, "Grace Greater Than Our Sin" by Julia H. Johnston, and "His Grace is Sufficient" by Annie Johnson Flint, all articulate a comprehensive view of God's grace as all-encompassing and ever-sufficient. They emphasize that in every situation—whether salvation, daily provision, enduring trials, seeking comfort, or the assurance of forgiveness—grace is abundantly more than enough.

These hymns and poems provide profound reassurance and encouragement, reinforcing the belief that God's grace is the bedrock of the Christian faith, offering perpetual strength, comfort, and redemption. With this faith, let us approach the Master, confident in His ability to bring healing and transformation to every area of our lives.

How Can I Not Forgive?