Thoughts on a Movement of God

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

It has been another tumultuous week with Trump refusing to acknowledge the election results and the virus raging through the country. But there was respite with the decisive results of the election, a vaccine closer to distribution, and positive news from the Supreme Court hearings on the Affordable Care Act.  And I realized that God’s grace and timing has been at work through all of it.  This has not been solely a human battle, but one fought on a spiritual level where the enemy seeks to kill, steal and destroy our joy by dominating our consciousness with fear and rage.  But with love, faith, hope, joy and hard work we will prevail. And although I know that God gifts and directs our path individually, today I pictured a flock of birds rising together in formation in the sky.  I thought about what my priorities need to be in this ongoing spiritual battle, and I considered the role of my church.   Although individual churches and denominations have their strengths within their congregations, I thought the following elements for a movement based on God should be in place to thrive and grow.

A universal love for God, each other and creation supported by an uplifting worship service that renews and strengthens the spirit within us so that we can spread the love and joy of God to others.  A study of the Bible which deepens our understanding of God and directs our spiritual journey as a disciple of Jesus. An understanding that we are not destined to be sinful, but need to be self-aware and reflective knowing that we are accepted and loved as a child of God. A ministry that recognizes that as humans we can be broken and hurt both emotionally and physically by others, and we need healing through the presence of prayer and the witness by others of God’s love.   A collective movement that addresses poverty, discrimination, and environmental issues not isolated to a single church or denomination but is in solidarity with all who fight for social justice.  And a universal prayer focus that sustains both individuals and the church.