Presence Day 4: Presence By: Jack Reed, Jr.

“In those days he went out into the hills to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called his disciples, and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles.”
                                                                                                                                     - Luke 6:12-13

The second promise we make when we join the church, (after “our prayers”), is to support it with “our presence”.

First Jesus prayed.  Then he chose his disciples because he needed a fellowship.  He needed to share; he needed to live with others.  We also need both solitude and fellowship.

Jesus needed help to accomplish his ministry.
Just as God accepts us as who we are; but He doesn’t leave us where we are, so we are both accepted – and we accept others – as we become the family of God here at First Methodist Church Tupelo, seeking to do God’s work together in the world.

Jesus had a healthy rhythm to his life; prayer, time with friends to enjoy being together in relationships, to give service to others, time alone, prayer.

Personally, I am always glad when I have to come to church; to be restored, to recharge my batteries, to give thanks to God for all of my blessings, to be reminded of the grace and mercy of God, to try to center myself in a pathway of love and service, and to simply enjoy the many happy hours that church provides me – and us.

To see an old friend, or make welcome a visitor; to be reminded of someone I need to visit in the hospital, or of someone I should write.  To celebrate and laugh with others as we share a good time in their life, or console a friend who’s having a tough time.

Our presence is important – to us and to our church family.

PRAYER:  Dear God, help me to align my life with our church’s mission: to “Love God, love neighbor, celebrate and serve Christ together”.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:  “If we are too busy to come to church, we are too busy.”

Written by Jack Reed, Jr.

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