UNION Theological Seminary Celebrates Senator Elect Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock

 

Do Not Fret Thyself, Have Faith

The pre-recorded message for today can also be found in its entirety at this podcast link:

The full link in case you have difficulty with the link impression is:

https://www.spreaker.com/episode/41590786

   "Do Not Fret Thyself", Have Faith"

Scripture: Psalm 37:1-9

Do not fret because of the wicked;do not be envious of wrongdoers,

 for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

Trust in The Lord,and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.

Take delight in The Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart...Commit 

your way to The Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will make your vindication

shine like the light,and the justice of your cause like the noonday. Be still before The Lord,and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way,

over those who carry out evil devices.

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret--it leads only to evil.

For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for The Lord shall inherit the land.

James 2:14-18&20-26

Song-Sanctified

Let's talk. Candidly. Plain English. Just what is it to fret?  To be constantly and visibly worried and anxious.

Now, I know some may be thinking,particularly men and women of action,and do believe that you just can't sit idly by twiddling thumbs,sitting like a bump on a log wishing and hoping, thinking and praying, expecting a miracle...something good 'out of the blue' to happen, well...yes you can. It’s a good thing and there is no loss in expecting a miracle. But it’s often best to expect one while you are doing and have done all you can to give your prayers feet. God will fight your battles but you can’t expect a problem to be solved while not applying any pressure,devising some strategy,calling on a committee or committing some course of action to counter an unexpected onslaught of misfortune, a perceived threat, some usual trial of life or contrary wind set in motion, propelled by devious minds and their machinations or even possibly by an unexpected Act of God. After all,  faith without works is dead:

"What good is it,my brothers and sisters,if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them,"Go in peace; keep warm and well fed", but does nothing about their physical needs,what good is it? In the same way,faith by itself,if it is not accompanied by action,is dead. But someone will say,"You have faith; I have deeds."(James 2:14-18) continue by listening to the podcast here.

Not Slave, But Free

 Today’s scripture, whisked in by the spirit this morning is from the New Testament epistle Galatians 4:31-5:1.

“So then, friends, we are children, not of  the slave but of the free woman. For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

To be updated soon.

Speak Hallelujah!

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peaks of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah for the Lord our God the almighty reigns. —Revelation 19:6

Hallelujah means God be praised! It is to praise and rejoice in God's goodness. Speaking hallelujah in no way suggests that stark realities of grief, loneliness,sorrow, pain, loss or sadness be dismissed or disregarded. These emotions are more evident it seems during this season of advent when the way is being prepared for the celebration of  Christ's birth. The one holiday which not only aligns with qualities of peace,joy,togetherness, hope and love, but which as a community of believers we earnestly seek and make every effort to acknowledge and manifest here on earth.

Speaking hallellujah does not imply to disregard bad things and evil doings of this world with a formulaic command or phrase. It is 'Holy Spirit' powered realization, divine internalization bolstered by faith in God's mighty and enlightening word that negative emotions, situations, actions or circumstances do not have dominion, power nor the ultimate victory.

Rev. Cynthia Wilson

Jonathan and Mali Movin’ On to the Grammys

Congratulations to Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music for their Grammy nominated  record Movin’ On. It was nominated in the category of Best Gospel Performance Song.

The rhythmically upbeat Movin' On is an 

energizing blend of get up and feel good gospel  with r&b and old school soul flourishes. The lyrics meld traditional

 spiritual phrases like from “faith to favor” with hopeful ones like I know my rearview(ooh, ooh) Can't compare to what God will do with my life and “forgetting what’s behind me, focusing on what’s inside me” as he places his hand over his heart in a light hearted manner in the original Movin’ On  video. When I hear the song, I think of moving ahead, “closing chapters and turning pages”... as an often bittersweet feeling, leaving familiar and steady places for new and unknown territory. The move takes courage. 

The song is accentuated at the end with Mali's slick yet God centered rap lyrics alternating with Jon’s smooth and laid back vibrato on this cut.  It’s innovative, spiritual, fun and inspirational.

Congratulations to all the other nominees in this category as well.

, Rodney Jerkins, Lecrae Moore & Jazz Nixon, songwriters

 Wishing John and  Mali all the best.  Get your blessings guys. In this case, your Grammys. Praying for you. Amen.

 

By the way the Grammys will be televised on Sunday, January 31, 2021 on the CBS network. Check your local listings for exact times.