"Your mess becomes your message." That's a quote from my doctor at the integrative medical clinic I am at in California this week. I think there's great truth in that, and it's good news for all of us!
Jesus came to live in our messes with us. We get to take those messes-whether physical, emotional or spiritual-and use them for good.
We all know people who have gone through great trials in life and it has become their message. Some of them are in our fellowship! They speak powerfully to others out of what they have experienced and how they have overcome. They are wounded healers. They give testimony to the great works of the Lord in the midst of their messes. Indeed, their mess has become their message... and their ministry. It is their God story.
I see how the messes of my past have certainly affected my current message. My whole message of "Up the Down Staircase," came out of the pain of my divorce many years ago. Whenever I go through trials I see a greater revelation of God's love, grace and provision for me, and it goes directly to my heart. If I listen I hear the gospel with fresh ears. It has not only become my message, but my ministry.
It is all part of the redemption plan of the One who
"...causes all things to work together for good to those who love God." Romans 8:28
And now, today, I face another major "mess" in my life: a cancer diagnosis. This experience is causing me to learn and grow in my faith in new ways, and to listen to a new message of hope and healing. I believe it will also become a new ministry.
Friends, God is all about redemption and that includes redeeming our messes. Once again, it's all about our God story: our
messes become or
message which becomes our
ministry.
Hallelujah!
Greg~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THIS WEEK
Fellowship of Followers: Sunday Evening, June 10thRead through the end of the book, friends. This stuff is too important to put off. Fellowship of Followers meets on Sunday night, June 10th
at 6:15 PM at Greg & Jeane's house. This is your chance to take your faith to another level. We will practice hands-on what Jesus does. Prayerfully consider this.
Monday, June 11th: Womens' Bible StudyWe're studying the women of the Bible and this week Florella
will be leading us to discover Hannah. Hannah became Samuel's mother. There are some interesting lessons to be learned through her trials of being childless for a long time and her relationships with other women and her husband. Our reading is 1 Samuel Chapter 1 and Chapter 2: 1-26 .
Meet Monday, June 11th at 7:00 pm at Darlene's home. Phone for directions: 623-866-2947.
If you didn't get your copy of the Summer Calendar remember to pick one up the next time we meet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SUMMER EVENTSSunday, July 1: . Tickets:
$27.00 per person.
If you've driven the 101 Loop lately you can see the big white tent! This is your chance to see a Cirque du Soleil show at a fraction of the cost. They are spectacular. This particular show combines two circus traditions - acrobatic performance and the art of clowning.
Call Bob at 623-326-9047 to
get your tickets now. We have only a few group tickets left at a great discount, so first come - first served.
A great mid-summer break!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ON-GOING
DivorceCare:
Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 PMCommunity Church of Joy
21000 N 75th Ave
Glendale
If you are going through a divorce or have unfinished emotions and feelings regarding a past divorce, come for this series of videos that can help you heal and move forward. This is a small group setting.
Call Jerry for more info at
623-972-7651.Healing from LossThis 12-week workshop involves reading, reflection, homework and sharing. The next workshop will begin this fall. Please call Greg for info:
602-622-1488.
