summer devotional 7/31/20

Summer Devotional
July 31, 2020
Pastor Jim Hardenbrook

A few days ago I overheard two friends concluding their visit. I could tell they were very good friends and had enjoyed their visit.

One of them finished that visit with this “blessing”: Stay negative!

Six months ago that “blessing” would not have been a blessing. But right now it is. “Staying negative” means, “stay healthy.”

It makes me think about the power of words. They matter.

One of the most famous things St. Francis did not say is, “Preach the gospel and if necessary use words.” It’s cute but not possible or true.

Jesus “went about doing good” and used words.

The choice isn’t between using words or not using words. It is more a choice of choosing our words and our actions. Too many of us are using our words poorly or sinfully.

During this time of disturbing uncertainty those who follow Jesus can be positive lights in a dark and divided country by the words and actions we choose…even as we encourage people to “stay negative.”
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You are loved and I hope you stay negative,
Pastor Jim