God promises to bless Abraham with descendants as numerous as the stars in the heavens. God also promises his descendants will be a blessing to all the nations of the earth. The people called Methodists are blessed! We are blessed to be a blessing to others.
Our resources, buildings, and wealth are given to us by God in order to bless those around us. These blessings are food given to a neighbor in Texarkana who has need, a teacher who leaves a comfortable paying job to travel to the Congo to teach children, and thousands of other small and huge blessings. Truly we are more blessed when we give than when we receive.
The central guiding principle of Christianity is Jesus saying, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Our example is Jesus sacrificing his will and comfort, laying down his life for his friends. We love like Jesus when we sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others. It is risky. We sometimes think of Jesus meek and mild. He is not. His love will cost your complacency and selfishness. The blessing is the adventure of a living God.
This summer we the people of First UMC, St. Luke’s, and Williams are entering into a new adventure. We are partnering with each other in a new Parish ministry. Parish ministry focuses on the mission field at our doors, not on those who already worship with us. The field of Texarkana USA is ripe for the harvest. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth workers.
When “new” occurs, the “old” passes away. Resurrection occurs after death. Following His example, each of us will sacrifice a part of ourselves just like Jesus. The possible blessings are beyond our imagination; a change in our hearts, a clearer focus on our calling as disciples, and greater fruitfulness in our communities.
Our District Superintendent Bill Taylor sent us a letter. You can read that letter here. I hope you sense his excitement of doing a new work here in Texarkana. Our Bishop and District Superintendent support the new Parish arrangement, but for it to bless us we must individually and as a community follow the lead of Jesus Christ in our hearts and actions. Will you join me in this new adventure? See you in the mission field!
