

Change. That's a hard word to say - because sometimes that means things we don't want. But Christ tells us that he did not come to bring peace:
Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I have come instead to bring division. - Luke 12:51, Common English Bible
Following Christ does not mean that we will be without hardship. The Luke passage goes on to say that fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and sibling against sibling - will be divided. That's hard to think about - isn't it? But I see it even now - division over theological issues - division over psychological issues - division over sexual issues.

That's where grace comes in. We need the grace of God to go before us - to intercede on our behalf.
So, I'd like to ask a favor. As we approach Pentecost and the 2nd installment of #DreamUMC - pray for the church - not just The United Methodist Church but all churches - every denomination. Pray for unity - bind us together.
Almighty God,to you all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from you no secrets are hidden.
Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(The Opening Prayer, A Service of Word and Table, The UM Book of Worship pg 33)
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