Lenten Reading Day 30

Today’s Lenten reading was written by Edith Stein known later in life and in death as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross . The entire essay is drawing from the imagery of the blood of Jesus, its efficacy and call for all followers to deny self and follow Him

I would like to focus on Stein’s opening sentences. “‘Thy Will Be Done,’ in its full extent, must be the guideline for the Christian life. It must regulate the day from morning to evening, the course of the year, and the entire of life. Only then will it be the sole concern of the Christian.” As to the answer of what that will is you could go to scripture and cite Deuteronomy 6:5, Micah 6:8, and other places that call on God’s people to do and more precisely be this to align with the Divine character. Over a year ago I heard a sermon from Dale Griffin on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 that had a tremendous impact on my understanding of the will of God. If we can focus our desires on rejoice continually, praying fervently, and giving thanks always that is full life only possible in the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks, and repeat.

Grace and Peace

What a different pretty cool day

I would always choose to be with people in church on Sunday, especially the people of UBC. But, that just wasn’t possible today. What was possible was the opportunity to worship albeit quite differently. Thank you for all of your texts and recounting of your worship experiences. If you’d like to comment on worship today feel free to do so below. Also go to this link to find all the messages from today including the lay led message by Dr. Warren Mcwilliams entitled “What’s on your tombstone?”

Lenten Reading Day 29

The reading from “Bread and Wine” today comes from G.K. Chesterson’s “God the Rebel.” Chesterson is centering the passion of Christ on victory of God over the bleakest of obstacles, namely death. One line in particular struck me as an attribute of God exemplified in Jesus that I don’t think we often consider. Chesterson says, “ Alone of all creeds, Christianity has added courage to the virtues of the Creator. For the only courage worth calling courage must necessarily mean that the soul passes a breaking point - and does not break.” Our God, the Christ is courageous. A word search through any common concordance, online or other, reveals the prevalence of “courage” in Scripture. But I don’t often think of it as a divine characteristic. If God calls His people to courage (Joshua 1:9) than it must be a part of who He is, because He doesn’t command of us what is not available in Him. Furthermore, in 2 Timothy 1:7 were told that we (Christ followers) are not given a spirit (Divine quality of Divine origin) of timidity (the opposite of courage). God calls us to be strong and courageous and that courage is on display in Christ and calls us to go past our own souls breaking point. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6.

Mobile Food Pantry

We have set up a mobile food pantry on the east side of UBC under the drive-thru canopy. If you or anyone you know needs food, please feel free to take as needed. If you would like to donate food, please contact Pastor Justin by phone (405-765-3542) or email (jdunnok@gmail.com).

Another Resource for Families

Greg Cullison sent over a resource for Children’s activities you can find them here.