Greetings Holy, Healthy and Happy People of God,

As I write this to our faithful, devoted, compassionate and missional community of Jesus Christ, there is the possibility of an unusual and beautiful exchange.  This exchange is unrealistic, but reassuring for those who are willing to participate in the process.

Anytime you exchange a personal purchase or a gift, you either receive money back or exchange the gift for a different size or another item.  No one ever gives you more value than what you initially paid (or possibly you receive less).  In a letter to the church at Philippi, Paul writes from the prison cell in Rome.  What’s remarkable is his extremely joyful attitude.  He recommends that our prayer requests are of tremendous value, but maybe more important is simply being in the PRESENCE of GOD!  We serve a God of covenant.  The covenant calls us to participate and contribute to the advancement of the gospel.

“Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.  Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7

In God’s presence there is the beautiful exchange, we give God all of our problems and God offers peace.  And within this peace exchange, we experience insight, discernment, courage, hope and grace.  Remember peace is a reservoir that draws us in to the presence of God.

Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,

“Know Peace, Know Christ!”

As always, remember, God’s will for us is good, we must do the rest!

Pastor Stephen