Help...we need somebody...
In February 1964, sixty years ago, a quartet of young British musicians arrived for the first time in the United States. They were introducing a new type of music, wearing unique hairstyles, and singing simple, but profound and catchy songs. Ironically, one of their most famous albums, released in 1965 was simply titled "Help". Titled after a song where the beginning lyrics state "Help, I need somebody. Help, not just anybody. Help, you know I need someone, help. With the message basically being we all need one another. The Beatles were welcomed by many, but just as many distrusted, disliked, and even feared them. There were extremists who proclaimed they were of "the Devil". Move forward sixty years and most of us revere the Beatles and know several of their songs by heart.
Sometimes it takes time, persistence, and patience to really understand situations or even people. Jesus and his disciples dealt with this throughout His ministry. Some understood Him, realized who He was, and followed Him unashamedly. Others doubted. And many misunderstood, denied, and even wanted to remove Him from their World. We often think that these people were naive and even the enemy. When in fact, many were dedicated to their religion and were trying to protect it from heresy. The problem was their preconceived view and dedication to their religion, blinded them from experiencing God's greatest gift, His Son, Immanuel. We are in the season of Lent, a time to help us focus, more clearly, on the incredible life, love, sacrifice, and gift of grace given to each of us through Christ. I encourage you to pause a little longer each day, focus on the gift of Life found in Christ, and give thanks. May nothing separate us from truly experiencing first hand, the incredible love of our Lord. And in doing so, may we begin to prepare to celebrate the event that changed mankind, Easter. Remembering that yes, we all need somebody, not just anybody, but we all need to know personally the life changing love through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
”Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6)
Last Sunday was super and souper. We enjoyed delicious food, and quite the variety, at our potluck And as always, you came through. I challenged you, with just one week's notice, to gather 65 cans of soup - and you did and more. 75 cans, plus a box of nonperishable food items, were gathered for GraceWorks. And these were good, delicious, soups too. A hot meal in a can. Someone may enjoy your gift this weekend during this cold streak. Thanks for caring and sharing. And did you see the various opportunities for you to be involved, Third Friday concert, Mobile Food Bank, Study of Matthew, Ladies Book Club, and more. You really do belong here! (By the way, I have been told that March's potluck will have an "Irish theme".
We are deep into our look at the early Christian Handbook, the New Testament book of Proverbs, the Book of James. I look forward to seeing you Sunday. And as always...
Remember, YOU ARE LOVED!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in 2024"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)