Love God • Love One Another

God wants to lead us to a place of wholeness and peace. This requires the awareness that we are never outside the bounds of God'a presence, love, and grace. Because of who we are and whose we are, Jesus suffered, died, and rose again to bring us to himself. #conqueror #loved #messiahyl

Today is Reformation Day! While teaching about the Bible's book of Romans, Luther realized that the righteousness of God was not "God is right, and you're not" so God has to punish you; rather, God wants to give you righteousness, to make you right with God as a gift. We are little Christs, filled with the presence of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. This presence of Christ in us makes us righteous, allowing us to live out God's love for our neighbors. #spirit #gift #reformation #messiahyl

We are so loved and in God's sight we are worth redeeming from the brokenness and the darkness that so often permeates our circumstances, lives, and world. #WhoYouAre #WhoseYouAre #messiahyl

Welcome! Join us in creating a joyful inclusive space where we can uplift one another at the really big table over wine and bread. Thank you for being part of our community. #GodGave #SoLoved #messiahyl

We hear a lot of talk about love but sometimes we don't see so much of it. Talk is cheap! If we want the people we love to know that we love them then we need to start doing something about it. We need to demonstrate our love by our labor, not our talk. When we love someone, we meet their needs. #LaborOfLove #messiahyl

We no longer face any pressure to be, at least, nominally Christian. Today, a buffet of options and trending social media ideas purport to present what it means to be Christian. In our time, like in the days of the Colossian church, Apostle Paul addresses the idea of: 1) influence of well-intentions people with a legalistic perspective, and 2) gnosticism (finding salvation and escape from the material world by acquiring secret knowledge). Christian life is a journey not a destination...continue to walk with Jesus. #OnTheJourney #messiahyl

Bread and hunger are two things everyone knows about. If you are hungry today for something more: unconditional love, forgiveness, or grace...Jesus is ready for you. Bread may be ordinary and hunger commonplace, but there is nothing more extraordinary about the radical love of Christ. It is truly food for the journey #BreadOfLife #messiahyl

When we are tested, we will need certain supplies to help us grow in our trust in God's plan and his leadership. Before Jesus began his ministry, he was led out to the wilderness to be tested. The way he responded set the tone for the way he would walk the path ahead for us. #supplies #messiahyl

In our fast-paced world and materialistic world, it is easy to get weighed down by possessions, obligations, and distractions. In our difficult seasons, it is important and powerful to be reminded of the promises of God. In the simplicity and humility of traveling light, we rediscover God's richness and abundant grace. #mapping #journey #messiahyl

Matthew 7 says, "Seek and you will find." This seems too simple. Is it possible you can't find God if you don't know what to look for? God's presence is not the "absent" condition. God is always present and at work in the world. The question is...do we anticipate and recognize God's presence. #waiting #resonance #relationships #FindGod #messiahyl

Does God's love have limits? Does God love me? Thankfully, we cannot cross a line that changes these answers. It is not our worth, but God's grace, that determines our lovability. God created everyone. We are built for a relationship with our creator. What God creates, God loves...and what God loves, he loves forever. #GodIsLove #messiahyl

Seemingly, bad things can happen to anyone. Yet, God is still good! God cares about his world and did not make us to be puppets—we have autonomy! What could go wrong? Self-centeredness and sin is often our choice. We have messed things up badly and the world is less good than God created it to be. However, our God is ever-present...God promises to restore us when hurt, damaged, or lost. God can use our sufferings to give us perseverance, character, and hope for the future. As a receiver or giver of restorative love we can be active in God's plan to make the world right and closer to what God intended. #DespiteMistakes #GodLoves #JesusSaves #messiahyl

God's love is extraordinary! Equality is not based on merit or effort—it is based on generosity and mercy for all. In this framework, the first will be last and the last will be first. Everyone has unearned grace and hope! God is good all the time and all the time God is good. #Undeserved #GoodGod #messiahyl

Life has moments of joy and heartbreak. It is often easier to manage when all is well; however, when things go awry, where can you turn? and what are some practical suggestions for loving in a time of crisis? Learn how to acknowledge the tough season, reflect on being loved by God, and gain the perspective that makes it possible to extend that love to others. #LoveInCrisis #messiahyl

As Christ followers, we are called to live differently than those around us, to resist the forces in our culture that are opposed to God and Jesus Christ, to resist "the way it is". We are called not just to believe in God, but to follow Jesus' teachings. To love and care for others, and live out the baptismal promises. To be "all in" for Jesus and live by God's values. #livedifferently #messiahyl

Live without regrets. Say it loud and say it clear...say it in the living years. Take proactive steps to nurture your relationship with God and others. Live fully in the moment by extending the love God has given us to share. #LiveOutloud #messiahyl

Is the church (at large) a sinking ship? Will the church as we know it survive for 20 more years? It may not endure as we know it, but it WILL thrive according to God's plan. Form this perspective we can be assured that God will work it out. Our job is to embrace the newness.#LoveOthers #GodsWay #WeCanWorkItOut #messiahyl

Jesus doesn't ask for a resumes or qualifications to follow him, he simply asks for a willingness to follow: to trust, to learn, to love, to be transformed. It is sometimes messy, sometimes imperfect, but it is real. Following Jesus is being open to the unexpected, the uncomfortable, and the challenging. It is about sitting at God's table of grace and inviting others to share the amazing unconditional love and grace that has already been shared with us by God. #Welcome #TheTable #FollowJesus #messiahyl

Grace is free, but it is not cheap. The type of grace we receive from God was very costly and its precious value must be understood to be appreciated. Jesus gave his life for us. Count the cost and act accordingly. We show our gratitude as we strive to live obediently (as best we can) following Jesus and sharing grace with others. #FollowMe #CountTheCost #messiahyl

What kind of a follower are you? Online, first impressions make a big difference. This is the same reason Jesus was so popular when he came to the world. Jesus had many raving followers and, in the end, overwhelming critics. The people of the world didn't understand why Jesus came. They wanted something/someone more self-serving. Head the call to follow the truth, not vainglory popularity. #FollowTruth #SeekTheGood #AsGodSeesIt #messiahyl

Like a Super Bowl team thrives on cooperation and coordination, we flourish when we work together as followers of Christ to live with compassion and mercy for others...and work together to create a truly just world for all people both near and far. #SuperBowl #Cooperation #messiahyl

Are you a great worrier? Worry prevents us from experiencing God—who is actively working in the present to help us. Worry sucks the vitality, energy, and joy required to live lives of loving service and compassionate action toward others. Lean in to the radical grace of God. This will shift our focus away from ourselves so that we can boldly and courageously seek how to meet head-on the needs of others. #thrive #abundance #nothalflife #messiahyl

Why did the people of Israel spend forty years in the dessert before "entering the rest" of the promised land? They were afraid to go in! Do we refuse to enter into the rest that God promised? We must recognize that grace and rest don't depend on our effort. Stop, wait, and pay attention...to see what God to doing. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. #WaitForIt #StopAndRest #DayOff #messiahyl

Most people can appreciate and respect the commandment "Do not murder." Another commandment a few before it, though, is likewise important but much tougher to keep. "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." God demonstrated rest after the work of creation and God knows his creations...including us. We need intentional and regular rest (spiritual and physical) or we fall short of our potential. Let your soul catch up with your body. #restinpeace #whileliving #messiahyl

Knowledge and grit are not all it takes to make things go better. A focus on what God asks us to do is a promised path to peace and satisfaction. Living God's values relieves us from the burden of busyness, expectations, regulations, and rigor...religious or otherwise. Take the yoke of Jesus for a uplifting change. #EasyLight #messiahyl

After the Christmas hoopla, it can be easy let Epiphany slip by. Just as the foreign magi searched out baby Jesus, we, too are all on a quest for something far greater than ourself. They discovered, as we learn, everyone is welcome in the presence of the Lord. We are one family! In truth, we are all just walking each other home. On that journey, go beyond the expected to shine the light of love and grace. #LoveGod #LoveOneAnother #messiahyl

Today we hear a new angle on the advent story—which begins in the desert. Historically, a place of struggle and uncertainty (then and now), the desert near Israel and the area of the Jordan River was ground-zero for God's greatest news for mankind. Prepare the way! That means: scrub the steps, be compassionate, show radical hospitality, embody the love of God with courage and holiness. Prepare the way! Jesus Christ is about to rumble through. #preparetheway #newchapter #humblerumble #advent #messiahyl

Be ready, be alert...is not a fear-based faith. Jesus is the light of the world and God's transformative presence can be found in the waiting and expectancy within our current situation. Advent is a time to stay focused and be active in our love for God and others. #Attentive #BringLove #SpillTheLight #messiahyl

Glory to God and thanks to Messiah for our ministry together! "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-15) No matter what our age, background, history or whatever God's best days for us are ahead. The best is yet to come! Celebrating 50 years of providing dignity, health, joy & love through Hope 4 Kids International #Hope4Kids #messiahyl

Who is your shepherd? Who tends to you when you are weak, lost, or in trouble? Ancient kings were in charge of their people this way. However, many kings wandered from this calling and brought judgement and calamity on themselves and their people. Connecting the old and new testament, Jesus is the "Lord our Righteous Savior." His arrival and reign is a mission of love and care for God's people. Christ the King is our shepherd! #ChristtheKing #messiahyl

How do we practice love in our lives? Do we limit love to the confines of our hearts and minds or do we extend it to our relationships, communities, and beyond. Uganda is one of many places where we demonstrate love through actions. We are surrounded by a world in need. Embody Christ by becoming the hands of feet of God. #beserving #giving #oceansoflove #messiahyl

God's provision is everlasting...proven, by example, in the old testament through care for widows and in the NT as Jesus demonstrates care for the poor, needy, and the downtrodden. Jesus is the new covenant that gifts us all grace, mercy, hope, and love everlasting. #DoLikewise #CareForOthers #messiahyl

Free people need guidelines, principles, and advice to live well. What posture is needed to hear the Lord? The Bible (old and new testaments) point to the answer: Jesus. Follow him with an extravagant, committed, undivided love including conscience, heart, essence, soul, and vitality (might or strength). When we strive this way, we can become a community orientated toward morally correct decision making, ethical values, and full of energy for life. #love #action #messiahyl

The Reformation was a pivotal moment in the protestant church. Even as an anniversary could commemorate what happened some time ago we take a moment today to once ago listen to the words of Jesus seeking wisdom and inspiration for our own journey into a more inclusive, compassionate, and grace-filled faith. #reformation #today #messiahyl

Jesus teaches us the many blessings of the acts of faithfulness. Invited to live aligned and trusting in Him, we find ourself on solid ground. In coastal California, we eyewitness how the wise build their house on a foundation of rock rather than sand. This concept is worldwide universal to building a faith and life on, and in, Jesus. #Beatitude #BuildYourHouse #OnTheRock #messiahyl

Would you be generous enough to share a french fry with someone who bought them for you? This simple story and analogy is a means for understanding our relationship to God—the provider of all things related to our life...including french fries. Generosity is a cheerful act of worship, thanksgiving, and love for God, our provider. #frenchfries #generousliving #messiahyl

Of course, you can choose to be anything you want!...choose truthful, compassionate, and merciful. Learning to live that way isn't an overnight transformation; rather a lifelong intention. Mercy "received" is the state of our condition. Thanks be to God for this grace!...and the reciprocal chance to show compassion to others. #ripple #mercyme #mercyyou #transformed #messiahyl

Are you living the good life?...experiencing the good life is found while learning to live by God's values. The kingdom of heaven is not just a place after death; it is also on earth when we do God's will. When we hunger and thirst for God's righteousness (wanting to have things right) we discover both our shortcomings and God's forgiveness. Aware of our blessings, we can operate similarly—offering blessing and grace to others. #TheGoodLife #Hungering #Thirsting #JesusSaves #messiahyl

What are you looking for in life? listening for in a leader? Is meekness top of list? Jesus wants us to question the prevailing cultural narrative that equates power and control with success. He wants us to realize there is an alternative to the pursuit of dominance and power, pride and arrogance. Jesus challenges to an alternative way of living. #DoHumble #ShowStrength #BeMore #messiahyl

The list of people who are blessed (poor in spirit, mourning, meek, insulted, persecuted, and lied about) seems opposite what our society and culture might call "blessed." Jesus teaching in the Sermon on the Mount seems UPSIDE DOWN. Thankfully, it is not contrary, but it takes a new worldview to see it (a lens of God's grace). #Blessed #Happy #Privileged #messiahyl

Celebrating 60 years of loving God and loving one another, we look forward to the future with hope! We will never change the world by going to church, we will only change the world by being the church. We must embrace a transformative mindset to adapt to the issues of today and serve others in meaningful and relevant ways. Despite a changing future, we can be steady—Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. May hope and love sustain us together. #60Years #AllAboutLove #LoveGod #LoveOneAnother #messiahyl

Striving to see things from a divine point of view helps us gain perspective. We can "get it" in one moment and then totally miss the bigger opportunity God is curating. We can get distracted easily by striving to win the game of life. What will it do to gain the whole world and lose your soul? Living generously for the benefit of others helps us become who we were made to be. #InChrist #YouHaveEnough #Relationships #GiveLove #messiahyl

Our society elevates toxic pride and self-sufficiency. The pull is substantial! Trusting in God is "easier said, than done." Casting our anxieties on the Lord is not a sign of weakness; rather, this act of acknowledging a need for help and receiving grace is the very practice that brings peace to our seeking soul. Embracing daily moments of stillness with God leads to greater freedom and awareness of God's provision for our needs. #NotAlone #GreaterFreedom #CastingAnxiety #messiahyl

Laughter is a beautiful and universal language that brings joy into our life. (Ecc 3:4) Our capacity to feel deeply and empathize with others is a gift from God...and the very nature of God. Holy humor is good medicine and balm for our souls. Laughter brings a shared camaraderie and we should practice it often! #HolyHumor #GiftOfLaughter #messiahyl

In a world crying out for transformation, the key is loving those who God loves—seeing every person as a fellow bearer of God's image—even those who personally oppose or align themselves against us or God. Radical grace received helps us stand in the gap and strive for alignment with God's moral imperative to love and allow redemptive power to flow through us. #OurJourneyTogetherIsShort #LoveYourEnemies #messiahyl

How open and aware are your eyes and heart for the needs of others? The Christian imperative is to live-out love for others. We are saved by a faith that integrates good works to serve Jesus. We serve Jesus by serving others...who are are one and the same! #Neighbors #LoveOverFear #messiahyl

Jesus demonstrated his love by giving His life for us. In the Good Samaritan parable, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor as God loves us. But who is my neighbor? If you were down in the ditch, who would you not expect to help you out? If you were the one on the road, who would you be least likely to help? Focused on the good news, we realize God loves everyone, especially people we don't think deserve it. Everyone is welcome, even us! #WhoIsMyNeighbor? #messiahyl

When does eternity start and end? We often talk about eternal life as the time after we die. If eternity started before we did, we are living in eternity today. The big question is: "Are we living now in an eternal relationship with God?" Are we living God's values? They are "Love God, love others, love yourself"....but, importantly, I am third. #NotAboutMe #GodsHandywork #messiahyl

If Jesus were in our world today, what would He see? On a journey of faith, the bible's Phillip told Nathaniel: "Come and see!" Like us, Jesus accepts Nathaniel just as he his, where he is at, in his place of disbelieving doubt. See the world as Jesus does. Share this welcoming message with others. #ComeAndSee #messiahyl

How you spend your time, how you spend your money, what you think about will affect what's important to you. Thoughts often become actions, actions become habits, and habits shape our character. Try a 60-day challenge to invest in a spiritual practice to grow closer to God. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." #intentional #living #messiahyl

The desire for freedom is universal...if something, misunderstood. The true nature of freedom is not best served by asserting rights of personal freedom, but, rather, liberated freedom that allows openness to serve God and others in gratitude. It is transformative and rewarding because it is fully aligned with how we were created. #serving #messiahyl