My wife and I returned yesterday from a quick trip to B.C. I wish I could say it was to see some of the pre-Olympic practices! It’s understandably fever pitch up there and it came even closer to home when a distant relative I met was going to be carrying the Torch yesterday. That had to be cool!
 
Instead of being entertained however, we attended a memorial service for my aunt who died suddenly last week of a massive stroke. I hadn’t seen most of my relatives for years – some for over forty! You can imagine the changes. I wonder how I was able to maintain my youthful appearance all those years? Yeah – right. 
 
There is something very special about reconnecting with people who have common roots and memories. I’m sure getting older fuels that enjoyment even more. Maturity for many of us, tends to minimize material stuff and maximize relationships. The reminder of the reality of death also raises the value of life! So, in just twelve hours we packed in non-stop conversations about our families, health, locations, jobs and spiritual journeys. Some of us are already making some plans to catch up in more leisurely settings than funerals.
 
Speaking of, it was so encouraging to talk to some of my extended family who since I last saw them, had begun following Jesus. God extended the invitation and some of them responded with something like, “I want to stop calling my own shots and by faith alone, through grace alone, in Christ alone – begin a personal relationship with Him.” They stopped grading themselves “on the curve” and instead accepted the truth that they weren’t God, He was! Hearing about and seeing some of the changes He’s been making over the years in some of their lives was a gift I will always treasure.
 
So, as we continue following Jesus together as a faith community at Grace, I invite you to open your eyes and hearts to see Jesus for who He really is – the life-changer. Don’t stay stuck in the past, nor rely on your moral resimae for the future. Why? Because Christ has already put His credit card down to pay for your pardon. Just humbly reach out and receive it as the awesome gift it is – new life now and forever!
 
We never know who, when, where or how Jesus might be calling. So if you know Him, stay close so you can be part of how He’s changing people, from the inside out! Pray for family, friends and even strangers - all who matter so much to God. “Show and tell” the great story of how Jesus is “morphing ” you to live for and look like Him. No matter what your age or stage in life – it’s never too soon or too late to say “yes” to Him. Your “world” and others will never be the same! God’s peace and power be with you all.
 
Dennis
Connections Pastor