Rectors Ramblings

by The Rev. Jim Stewart

     It is amazing to think about all the good that God gives to us throughout our lives.  We all have been blessed in many ways and through many avenues.  God is not just in our churches but in our daily lives. 

     The call to discipleship did not come in the Holy space in Luke as Jesus called Peter and the other fisherman, but in the midst of the fishermen’s daily work.  The point is significant not because God does not call people in a holy place, (Church, Temple or Synagogue) but because it is a further sign of the work of God’s kingdom reaching into the arena of human life.

     God’s call is very unpredictable and can come from any place at any time.  Are you prepared for the call?  More importantly are you listening for the call?  The call can be as simple as God putting a ministry that is very important to Him in front of you and we as humans look at it and think it is not that important.

     I have found that over the years I have had a number of calls that I thought were not important but decided to do them anyway.  The reward has been remarkable.  Not for me necessarily but for all involved.

     The season of Lent is about to start on March 5th with Ash Wednesday.  We as followers of Jesus Christ are asked to go into a time of silent prayer and fasting.  It is not intended to be a show of how wonderful we can be, but a time to spend with God thinking about Good Friday and then the resurrection on Easter as it approaches.  The great sacrifice.  I have been asked many times what I will give up for Lent.  This is a private issue between God and the one fasting.  Some people give up food and show how hard that can be to others.  This is not a fast about God, but about the person. 

     A true fast is one that God knows about and you are doing it for Him in silence.  I have found in the past sometimes a fast can be about spending an extra hour a day studying God and the Bible.  God wants your presence with Him, not necessarily in the temple but in your own arena of being human.  Fasting is about giving of yourself without recognition.  Remember the importance of this season and bring yourself closer to God in all that you do no matter where you are.

 Many blessings throughout this season of love.