The Message from Hermese

This week has shown us that faith propels us in our Christian duty of evangelisation and in the ministry of reconciliation – bringing us back into agreement with God. It begins a little shaky, but, by the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit, it grows into more than we could ever dream of or imagine. We have only to examine the transformation in Peter who, in the wee hours of Good Friday, denied that he was a disciple of Christ, yet, after the Resurrection, stridently defended Christ. It turns out, the Resurrection unlocked Peter’s faith. The Resurrection unlocks our faith as well.

By the power of God's love, your week can offer you just that outcome you've been praying for. Trust in God's love.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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)

I believe this for you; I believe it for me. Let us continue in that love.

Mortal, can these dry bones live? I challenge you: prophesy! Say to those dead areas in your life: 'Thus says the Lord God: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.'  Respond in obedience with faith and you will see the power of the resurrection in your life. 

The catechism of the Anglican Church teaches that grace is God's favour towards us, unearned and undeserved. By God's grace, our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts are stirred, and our wills are strengthened. Are we open to receiving God's amazing grace? Friends, do not allow God's grace to be offered in vain: open yourselves to the light and receive the amazing grace of God.

Oh love that will not let me go | I rest my weary soul in thee | I give thee back the life I owe | That in thine ocean depths its flow | May richer, fuller be

Oh light that followest all my way | I yield my flickering torch to thee | My heart restores its borrowed ray | That in thy sunshine's blaze its day | May brighter, fairer be

(Verses from the hymn, 'Oh Love that Wilt Not Let me Go' by George Matheson [1842-1906])

God's love brought us into being; God's love shapes us; God's love sustains us. God's love completes us.

As we journey through our trials and tests, may God's love never let us go.

This week's artwork: Cara B. Hochhalter, Woman at the Well. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=59023

God answers prayers, this we know. If we tell ourselves otherwise might it be because we approach God with the answer already in mind so that we are blinded to God's response to our prayers?

In this week's piece, I examine the difference between Abram (father of our faith) and Nicodemus, who approached the light but left in greater darkness.

Which one are you?

The Lenten journey is one that beckons us towards obedience. In our separation from the things of the world, we are drawn closer to God, a closeness that exists only if we are obedient.

This week's art: 

Piece: A Choice

Artist: Lauren Wright Pittman

We are called to be lights in a dark world. Let your light shine: retreat to receive the revelation of God's word; retreat and allow God's Word to transfigure you.

God is willing to answer your prayers. Are you willing to do what God requires for your prayers to be answered? Maybe, the only thing preventing your prayers from being answered is yourself...