From the Deacon’s Bench — September 2022

By Clay Collins, MSG Chaplain
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“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:5

This month’s scripture can be somewhat confusing to some (I know it is to me: sometimes!). I have dwelt on this topic quite a bit. It was not until I heard a pastor preach on this subject recently that I have some understanding of what it means (or what it is trying to tell me!).

Most of you, who are reading this right now, might disagree with me, but that is your right as individuals. I, on the other hand, might just start a dialog with a few of you (I hope that is the case, as we need to be able to exchange ideas and views with one another).

I do not profess to be a Biblical scholar by any means. On the contrary, I try to maintain an open mind that is ready to receive the “word.” This scripture, to me, is saying that we all are one in the spirit, and the spirit is God the Father. He, and only He, knows us. He knows what we are thinking at all times.

You might think, “If He knows what we are thinking, what we want, and such, then why should we be bothered with prayer?” The answer, as I see it, is He might know what we are thinking and what we want, but He wants us to realize what we need, then ask for it!

It is like children wanting a new bicycle. Do they actually need it, or is it because their friends have one, and they do not want to be left out? As a parent, you know what they need, and that might not be a bicycle at that moment in time.

Yes, we are one in the spirit. We are His, and He is ours! He loves us (we are His children), good or bad.

 Until the next time, remember, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.”

Benediction: “Gracious Father, help us to realize that when we are really one in the spirit and the spirit is God.  Amen.”

Thought for the month:
May the sun shine, all day long,
Everything go right and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
and may all the wishes you wish come true

an Irish Blessing for health and prosperity

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