Liberty Fam,
We are inching closer and closer to Christmas and I think there is even talk of snow this week. I have spent a fair bit of time in colder climates so I wouldn’t mind getting a little snow. The changing of the seasons reminds me of a lot of the different seasons of life. This Advent we are focused with believers from all around the world and throughout history who remember hope, peace, and this week, our focus is love.
Pastor Karen reminded us on Sunday that love is so much more than a feeling or perspective. Love is nothing less than God. God is love. What a simple, profound message we received this week. Has love for you been more of a feeling or emotion or is there some room to grow in remembering that God, the living God, is love? I know for me I can forget that the God I serve embodies the fullness of love. What a God!
We have been experiencing some newness during our worship gatherings where God is speaking in and through others by His Spirit. One thing that I have seen happen over the years is that God speaks in profound ways and we know that it is the voice of the Lord in our midst. There is no denying that reality. We are so prone to wander though as funky, little sheep. We, if we are not careful, can reduce the voice of the Lord and His instructions, to background noise throughout our days and weeks. The Lord is speaking and in many cases that requires a response. As you think back to the specific things the Lord spoke this week at church or in your personal time with the Lord, what demands a response? In what ways do you need to honor the Lord with your obedience? In what ways does God want to use Liberty to exalt Jesus in our community and among the nations?
I am harping on this one more than usual because of the tendency I have seen in my own life to reduce preaching or the gifts of the Spirit down to the level of, “Oh thanks God, it is cool that you are kind of, sort of with us.” God Emmanuel is indeed with us but He is also holding our hand, cheering, wooing, celebrating, convicting, challenging – He is doing so many of those things and I so long for we as LVC to be the kind of people who respond to the Spirit with obedience. The big one for me personally is that I would help others in my life reach their God-given potential and not pull back when they are afraid. I have several one on one meet ups this week where I know the potential is there. Please pray that I would honor the Lord with my obedience in leadership. How can I specifically be praying for you on this one?
Let’s lean into the love, everlasting love of God this week. The holidays can bring up many memories, some we would like to remember and some we wish we could forget. The God of love is right there with us. He will not leave us alone. Never, ever, ever. 😊 We are a family and as we follow this God of love, may we continue to portray family-like behavior of trusting each other and bearing one another’s burdens. One of my dear friends told me years ago about folks brand new to the country who were trying to find their way as refugees. She stated, “Don’t make them ask for help. Come alongside and love.” I have never forgotten that as it was a timely reminder to serve each other along the journey. May the God who is love be so apparent in our church family inside and out.
With you on the journey,
John
John D. Trotter
Senior Pastor, Liberty Vineyard Church
Sunday’s sermon: Advent with Love (Pastor Karen Sculley)