Jumbled Thoughts — Week of August 26

Throughout history, God has chosen leaders not necessarily based on their abilities, but on God’s ability to give them what they need when they need it. Today, we take a look at Moses. Moses was a man who was perfectly happy taking care of his sheep in the desert. He had no real desire or interest in doing anything more; he was content. He had family, enough to eat, and a group of people around him who helped him when he needed it. Moses had given up the life of luxury, and he was sure he was going to spend the rest of his years tending to his herd. Then God called him. God didn’t say, “Moses, because you are an awesome speaker with a lot of great leadership qualities, I am going to send you to set my people free.” Instead, God essentially said, “Moses, I am going to send you to the people I love, and I will go with you through it all.” Of course, Moses had all kinds of reasons why he couldn’t do it. And every time, God reminded him, “I will be with you.” “No, I can’t talk.” “I will be with you.” “I can’t do this.” “I will be with you.” Eventually, God even tells Moses to take his brother Aaron with him. Every time Moses had a reason he couldn’t do what God was asking, God had a way to make it possible. There is an old saying, “Can’t never could do anything.” I think that saying puts into perspective those moments when we tell ourselves we aren’t good enough, we aren’t capable enough, or we simply can’t do what God is asking of us. God says, “I am with you. You will be okay.” As we continue to live our lives and see reluctant leaders do great things, remember this: If God can take a man who was simply tending sheep in the desert and make him the one who would lead a people out of slavery, then there is no reason to believe that God cannot use you, too. You may not feel like a leader. You may not think you have the right skills or abilities. But God has never depended solely on our abilities. God has always been willing to give us what we need when we need it.                                                                                                                       Sunday was an amazing day as we baptized Jack Marriott. It is one of the ultimate privileges of being a pastor to baptize a young baby. This is a part of who we are as United Methodists. We believe that God’s grace is ever-present with us, even from birth. What a comforting feeling it is to know that God’s grace is with us from the very beginning of our lives. This Sunday, our youth will meet for the first time since I have been here. I am looking forward to seeing what our youth can become with the leadership and support of a great group of volunteers. I am excited to see where God leads this ministry. Our pantry continues to serve no less than 120 families each week, even during the slower part of the month. Thank you to all of our pantry and Sue’s Table volunteers who faithfully show up each week. Your willingness to serve makes a tremendous difference in the lives of so many people in our community. I also want to remind everyone that we have weekly Bible study on Monday nights, beginning at approximately 6:00 p.m. We are currently reading and discussing The Story of God, the Story of Us by Sean Gladding. This is a refreshing study that looks at how our story is tied directly to Scripture. If you would like more information, just see me and I’ll be happy to fill you in. Finally, a quick note on the parsonage kitchen remodel: We now have countertops and are beginning to restock the kitchen! Thank you to everyone who has helped this project get as far along as it has. I am grateful for all the work, time, and generosity that has gone into making it

happen.                                                                                                  Have a blessed week,

Ryan