Saint James Blog

Yesterday’s message was all about the disciples competing to be first. We see this in our own lives when we internally compete to be the best at something, or everything (which sometimes means we are best at nothing). Jesus calls the disciples out on this and seeks to teach us all that it is about being a servant to all, not about being the best or top dog. In one of James’ funniest messages, we were all invited to examine our own hearts. Are we focused on being the best or our best? While good thought came out of the message, one of the best things that came out of it was some good laughs. After the first service, several members went around complimenting people on doing the best they had ever seen with (fill in the blank). It was a light spirited day after what was no doubt a busy holiday weekend for many. Here’s to more good humor as we finish out a great year for Saint James.

This past Sunday’s message was about those times when it is not our own faith that carries us through–it’s something greater.  As we prepare for Thanksgiving it is important to remember those who may be in a difficult place.  We don’t have to look far to see people going through difficult things and yet it can be so easy for us to miss the opportunities to reach out to them.  Maybe we are the ones just hanging on by a thread.  In such times, our faith may be challenged and all we have left in us may be this prayer, “I believe, help my unbelief.”  It is one thing to believe Jesus is our savior, it is another to believe and trust with all our hearts that he will save us.  In my first message at Saint James I talked about how Jesus wants our hearts and the many ways and times in which Jesus’ saving power comes.  I hope that you will take some time away from holiday business and examine your heart, renew your hope, and look to Jesus to save you from whatever you need saving from–be it big or small–nothing is too great or small for Jesus.  Do you believe?  I hope so, but I hope you know that God is big enough to handle our unbelief too.  Peace to your life, Erika.

In last night’s sermon, James talked about why the disciples wanted to set up shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah after the transfiguration. It might seem like a way to honor them, but it could also be seen as a way to keep them longer. If you build a shelter, they will stay. James talked about high points in our lives and how we often try to encapsulate them. Instead we ought to be thankful for them and grow from them, never forgetting them, but also not holding ourselves back because of them.

I hope you have experienced that feeling when God uses the Pastor to speak to you. Yesterday I worshiped for the last time with a community I have loved dearly, but a community that I know I am no longer called to. I wanted to stay with a group of kids who have my heart. God has done some incredible things in that group, but I know in my core that I have to step down.  It hurt to say goodbye even though I know it is just a see you later.

Serving as the Youth Minister to a group of kids in Richmond was definitely a high point in my life. I know God did what He wanted with that time and that I followed His call to this community in His perfect timing. I was hired at Saint James to find a second site. Last night I worshiped in it with some incredible people–new and old. What would have happened if I had chosen to hold hostage what was and not move on as called? That message last night was no accident, I needed to be reminded of that.

I don’t know if the message affected you. I know others got that they needed to celebrate the high points. I hope that even if your mind wonders in worship, your heart is there, and you are willing to let Gods words move you. The thing is, it is never just James or I up there, we are simply vessels.

The title of this post is a question. I hope you will think about it. You are always welcome to shared as inspired, or not. You have a piece of what God was showing me, I’ll continue to pray for what God is showing you.