TUESDAY TALK Good afternoon! I would like to make a few observations about people from this past week. People are funny: I watched with in amazement as a 20 something young man ran down market street in the pouring rain carrying a Razor scooter, a much faster form of transportation.

People are creative: With great joy, (and perhaps a bit of envy) I have been witnessing a whole host of people using their vivid imaginations fundraising for a single night of fun. It was so great watching in real time what God was going to do!

People are selfless: With great smiles people have given their time talent and things to make the comedy show and all the other ministries of the church happen.

People love to love and be loved: Next Sunday morning come to church and experience for yourself the give and take of love flowing back and forth and to and fro…no need to explain…just experience. People have faith beyond what my mind can comprehend.

I was speaking to someone after church and they were explaining to me how they wouldn’t be in church on the next week as they were going to worship in the home of a shut-in. They explained how they couldn’t miss it because this has become a tradition over the past few years as their friends health has deteriorated. As we talked I couldn’t help but notice the joy and genuine happiness that filled this persons continence. Their smile bright, their love contagious, their excitement obvious. As our conversation drew to a close, I asked if there was anyway I could pray for them. After a slight pause but still smiling broadly came the response. “Please be praying for my car to be fixed by Friday because I just found out I have cancer (A pretty aggressive type) and I have to go out of town for tests.”

People have faith…I asked how they were doing, you know, how they were holding up. The answer quick and sure: “Oh I’m not worried, God’s got this! I just need my car fixed!”

People have faith…As we parted ways, I couldn’t help but ponder to myself if I had such faith to say in the midst of crisis…”Oh, God’s got this.”

Perhaps my friend’s faith is grounded in the promise of the Word of truth which says: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.” – Psalm 27:5-7 (NIV).

I stand amazed at the faith of God’s people. I am mesmerized by their reflected beauty of God’s grace. I am challenged to do better… I hope you are too! In His grip…

Pastor Bud