For Such A Time as This – April 28, 2021 – Ilexene and Michaela Alphonse

To the Good Folk of the Palmyra Church of the Brethren,
 
Joys and Concerns
If you have a joy or concern you would like us to share and pray about, please call, text, or email it to me.  If you would like it included in our Sunday Worship sharing and prayer time, please share it with Pastor Bill that week by Thursday evening. 
 
See this Saturday’s “Weekly Update” email for any new prayer concerns.
 
Thank You:
To all who call others to check in on them and to share our emails and devotions.
 
Today’s Devotion:
“Compelling Vision” is our denomination's effort to identify a shared vision that can foster unity in the midst of great diversity and dividing differences.  A thirteen session Bible Study has been developed to undergird this statement.  We are using pieces of the Bible Study in our weekly devotion email.
 
Today’s reflection was written by Ilexene and Michaela Alphonse are a pastoral team in the Atlantic Southeast District. Ilexene pastors Eglise Des Freres Miami, a Haitian multi-language congregation. Michaela pastors Miami First Church of the Brethren, an English-speaking congregation in North Miami. Michaela (Camps) served as our summer intern in 2004 and 2005.
 
Shalom,
Dennis

Compelling Visions Statement
Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.
 
Session 3 – Passion
What does it mean to be spiritually passionate?

Scriptures - Matthew 5:14-16; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
 
Reflection – Ilexene and Michaela Alphonse
“…they put [the light] on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16
 
In a dark room, the smallest light draws attention. A pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of food.
 
Using these two common concepts, Jesus gives us an idea of what it means to be spiritually passionate. Being spiritually passionate means having an observable zeal, or an enthusiasm, directed by the Holy Spirit for the same things that God is passionate about (Matthew 22:37-39). This kind of zeal is informed by God’s Word (Jesus) and radiates from within. It manifests itself in how we live, and it affects our surroundings. Like salt with food, this spiritual passion preserves and enriches its environment. Much like a lit candle in a dark room, this spiritual passion is ignited by Christ to provide illumination and warmth for those who are in the dark and cold.
 
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12
 
Spiritual passion, or zeal, that honors God does not exist for itself, but is to be shared. Salt is still salt even if it loses its flavor and is no longer useful. Light that is too intense can cause irreparable damage (think cancer) or blind those around it rather than help them see. A person with spiritual passion guided by the Holy Spirit considers context and others’ needs to be effective in bringing glory to God.
 
It is important to remember that salt and light have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other. Salt is a mineral. Visible light is electromagnetic radiation. They are not the same, yet the nature of both profoundly impacts our lives on earth. Each of us is unique and wonderfully made by God, the Creator (Psalm 139:14). Because Christ’s nature is at work within us, we can live out that nature in an expression that is authentic to how God has fashioned us.
 
“…others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ. . .” 2 Corinthians 9:13
 
Spiritual passion is observed through obedient action to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Period.
 
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
 
Spiritual passion is often dampened by the idea of being consumed with nothing left to offer. Burnout is a real thing felt by many. Spiritual passion is also dampened by the idea of scarcity–not having enough (fill in the blank). Amid the reality of burnout and scarcity, one must look to God. Zeal for the things of God should consume us, but we must turn to God often for replenishment. God’s replenishment can come in the form of material goods, extra hands to help, and rest. We do well to accept these blessings so that we can continue every good work God has for us to do.
 
Sending
Is your “why” the same as Jesus’ “why”? Is your “what” the same as Jesus’ “what”? What about the “why” and “what” of your congregation?
 
In prayer, ask God to align your “why” and “what” to Jesus’ standards, personally and as a congregation. Ask for clarity and guidance from the Holy Spirit for a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual fervor.