Flames of Comfort

A few years ago when I went with the youth on our annual winter weekend to a mountain cabin, I was awake (as is not unusual for me at these events) at 3am.  Amazingly, quietness reigned at that moment, and a couch was open so I curled up with my bible and journal in front of the wood stove. I don't know about you, but sometimes those sleepless nights really bare the soul. Now, I'm not kidding on this next part but as I read, wrote, and prayed feeling rather lonely and vulnerable, I asked God to remind me of God's presence.  Seriously, this happened.  Within moments of my prayer, the wood stove which contained coals, popped and began dancing in flames. Yep, a divine coincidence that the log Jim had placed on the coals a bit earlier ignited at just that moment. I feel really silly at times sharing these types of stories, yet I am a believer that God is the supreme worker of coincidence, and I was comforted.

Flames,  water, clouds--God's presence was made known and is made known through pillars of fire, in burning bushes, fiery furnaces, and through parting waters.  The senior high youth watched a bit of The Radicals on Wednesday evening including the martyrdom of Michael Sattler who was tortured and burned for his beliefs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjJBEGcllE4 His wife Margaretha was drowned for her faith. Is it not a comfort that God's presence would be in the flames and in the water with them and with all of us at those times?

This week Mick's message is called "Through Fire and Water" with his text from Luke 3:15-22 telling of Jesus' baptism and drawing on Isaiah 43:1-7.  "Fear not, for I have redeemed you, O Israel: I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God..." Is 43:1-3a
I will join you in the Upper Room at 9am, and our worship time begins at 10:15am.
http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

I look forward to hearing from those of you attending the music and worship leaders retreat at Laurelville this weekend! http://www.laurelville.org/ 

A "Discovery Class" for persons contemplating baptism will be offered this winter and early spring. If you are interested, let me know!

Our ingathering for this month is Progresso Soup, enough to fill the 88 food pacs we share with children in need in the Pequea Valley School district each week.

Prayer for today: The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, upon many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful, the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. Ps 29:3-4

Let us hear your voice today, Loving God, whispering your words of comforting presence to us in water and flame. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God on earth as it is in heaven. In JESUS name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too. 

Love and Light!
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd