Swing Low

If you missed either of the last two Sundays at ROC Church, then you missed out on a powerful time in the presence of the Lord! The most moving moments for me have been the ongoing testimonies of God’s transforming power at work in our midst. We have heard of people overcoming addictions, gaining new insights, finding acceptance and forgiveness, and growing in faith. And, yesterday Marie Douglas blessed us all with a beautiful, spontaneous testimony in song that fit perfectly with the main point in our passage – only the Holy Spirit can orchestrate such things. I’ve been thinking all day about the powerful spiritual she shared:

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.

Sometimes I'm up, and sometimes I'm down,
(Coming for to carry me home)
But still my soul feels heavenly bound.
(Coming for to carry me home)

Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.

In a real sense, we know that no matter what we face the Lord will carry us through – all the way home. We don’t need to worry. We are God’s children – Receive who you are! He will take care of us – Become what you have received!

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
~ Matthew 18:1-5

Lay down the weight of worry so that you can run and jump and play as His child. Enjoy the day He has created for you. This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Remember, as the wise, older grandfather said in the Grace Card, “Sunday is just the locker room. Monday through Saturday is when we play the game.” We need that time in the locker room, but now is the time we practice our faith. Play well this week!

Love Your Neighbor

This is an incredible image of Egyptian Christians who formed a barrier to protect their Muslim neighbors while they pray during the chaotic time of protest. We have much to learn from our brothers and sisters.