Last Sunday, I mentioned two Greek words for time: Chronos and Kairos. Today, as we consider Jesus' statements in Luke 21:25-36 about the indications of the end times, these two notions of time will help us better grasp how to live as His disciples—ready, faithful, and hopeful.

Every one of us has likely faced situations where we felt the need to defend ourselves—whether in a job interview, presenting our credentials to prove we’re the best fit, or in a moment of conflict, trying to clear our name. The world tells us we must fight, prove, and survive.

Waiting can be one of the most stressful and difficult situations in life. I've experienced several moments of waiting, and I can assure you that it's never easy. One of the most memorable moments was when our youngest, Marvin, swallowed a coin.

This week has brought significant change and, for many, a wide variety of feelings. We've felt the weight of recent elections, both nationally and locally, and we've mourned the loss of loved ones. We are in a season of transition and introspection, a time when we may feel uncertain or divided. In times like these, we are reminded of the importance of turning back to God for guidance, comfort, and support.

This story demonstrates what it means to live as saints—not as perfect people, but as people who testify to God's power in the midst of pain and adversity. The saints we celebrate today were typically ordinary men and women who, despite their doubts, grief, and losses, believed in God's promise of life and hope beyond despair. They are examples of those who, like Martha and Mary, believed that Jesus was the resurrection and life.

Have you ever walked through your neighborhood with someone who has never been there before, and watched them look around and then see what they see?  If not, try it sometime. It’s amazing what a new person will notice about your street that you just don’t pay attention to anymore. Perhaps that’s a bit like how the crowd felt when Jesus stopped and responded to Bartimaeus in today’s text (Mark 10:46-52).

Have any of you ever really thought about the definition or meaning of servant leadership or what we mean when we say WWJD?  We hear those words but, do we really stop and try and understand them?  Sometimes, I do think however that as humble as we think we might be, we can be challenged with being willing and wanting to serve, and simultaneously being humble.

In today’s readings, we meet two very different persons who, in their own ways, seek answers from God. Job is seeking God’s presence in the midst of his suffering, but the rich young ruler is looking for advice on how to receive eternal life. Both are searching for something deeper: Job wants to see God’s justice and sense His presence, whilst the rich young king seeks purpose and the guarantee of eternal life. These stories encourage us to seek God, especially when we face stillness, perplexity, and difficulty.

Today's readings lead us to the intersection of suffering, faithfulness, and purity. Job is an example of unwavering faith that has been tried beyond our imagination. His account contrasts with Jesus' teachings in Mark, in which Jesus redefines righteousness and emphasizes children's purity and innocence. These scriptures teach us how to respond to pain with integrity and approach God with a childlike spirit.

The Prayerful Salt of the Earth

Pastor Fred Okello

Last week, we discussed how important it is to be anchored in God’s Word in order to serve with humility. Today, the scriptures point us to two profound truths: the power of prayer and our responsibility as “salt of the earth.” These two ideas go hand in hand, demonstrating how our relationship with God through prayer allows us to act out our mission in the world as His faithful witnesses.

Brothers and Sisters, today we meditate on Psalm 1 and Mark 9:30-37. In these scriptures, we are reminded of what it means to live a really blessed life. These verses encourage us to be deeply entrenched in God’s Word and to demonstrate rootedness in humble service to others, just as Jesus did.

Brothers and sisters, we gather once again to meditate on the power of our words. Speech is more than just sounds; it is a supernatural weapon provided by God. God created the heavens and the earth with speech, and we use speech to convey what we value and appreciate.

I was attracted to the words of Psalm 125 and the moving stories in Mark 7:24-37 as I held that list and began to pray. These verses provided a lens through which I could see God's heart for those in need and a reminder of our Lord, Jesus Christ's unwavering compassion.

For the past two months and several more, we have been and will continue discussing what needs to be done in our church and community. As a church, we reflect on some good programs, outreach activities, get-together events, Bible studies, and so on. These are essential and valuable efforts. However, today's scripture reminds us of something even more fundamental—true righteousness beyond appearance!

This week, I was blessed with two influential novels. Marsell gave me The Bluejacket's Manual, a book about military operations that spoke to me because our son is deployed in Europe. It reminded me of our spiritual wars and the importance of being prepared, just like soldiers. Deb gave me the second book, "Mission Possible." We are utilizing the insights to help us design a new leadership structure for our churches. Kotan and Bradford point out that our existing system was intended for megachurches, yet our smaller, relationship-driven congregations thrive on connections, shared meals, and service. This has pushed us to reconsider our approach, concentrating on what is essential—being connected, present, and serving one another in love.

Life is a journey that presents numerous possibilities, challenges, and opportunities. As believers, we are called to walk wisely, choosing choices that honor and reflect God's plan. Today, we will draw ideas from Solomon's wisdom in 1 Kings 2:10-12 and 3:3-14 and Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 5:15-20 to help us live lives of purpose, discernment, and gratitude.

Today, we look at the wisdom found in Ephesians 4:25-5:2. This passage provides guidance on how to live as God's children, reflecting His love and truth in our daily lives.

Jesus, the bread of life, provides eternal sustenance beyond our immediate needs and desires. As we grow in our relationship with Him, let us focus on the eternal nourishment He provides and put our complete trust in Him.

Share testimonies and stories about God's work in the church. Celebrate small and large victories together, demonstrating how God is moving across generations.