Traces of Grace
Online Worship This Sunday
Don’t miss our worship service this Sunday morning at 10:00am, (note the time change) and live on Zoom! We will also have a Kids Corner with Kathy Boswell that you won’t want to miss. Pastor Sam will be bringing the message “When God Shows Up”. Go to the calendar on our website at fumccollingswood.org/calendar to access the Zoom link and meeting ID. After the service is over, you will be able to view a recording from our website (www.fumccollingswood.org) or our Facebook Group (www.facebook.com/groups/CollingswoodFUMC)
Thought For Today
Have you ever had a plumbing issue that would be annoying at the most inopportune times. We have had a toilet that has a mind of its own, and decides to whistle loudly in the middle of the night or even during the day at times. It did not appear water was running, just a loud whistle. Finally after asking someone and googling for guidance I decided to go to the hardware store and save some money. I bought the parts, took out the two potential problem pieces and replaced them and the problem was solved. Now, for the average guy that might seem easy but for me I was concerned with my lack of plumbing knowledge but how much I could actually trust google. You see, life is full of challenges big and small. In my devotions this week I was reading Jack Graham. He reminded me of an old adage that is so true, about how we view our lives in Christ. I have said this many times before, and I’d like to pass it on to you.
You are either going into a problem, coming out of a problem, or right in the middle of a problem. Where are you? But the good news is that Jesus has promised peace in the midst of our problems. So how can you find confidence in the midst of trouble?
I believe the apostle Paul shares that we can focus as we choose to follow Christ with our lives! No matter where we are in our journey with Jesus, today is a good day to start trusting him fully.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord - Romans 8 35, 37-39
Realize that the circumstances of your life—both the good and the bad—are part of God’s plan for your life. We never know how the Lord can use even the hard days to shape us into his likenes.
So you may not be able to change the circumstances of your life, but you can change how you view them. Don’t see them as enemies, obstacles, or barriers. Don’t let your circumstances devour you! See your problems as opportunities to experience God’s love and power in a greater way than ever before. Let’s rise to the challenges before us. Remember, God’s got this!
If you have any prayer concerns or ways we can serve you, please let us know. We desire to journey with you through these challenging days. Remember, you are loved!
In His Grace,
Pastor Sam and the Staff
