Meet Mary Ann ...

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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explores the ongoing value of three characteristics of the Jewish tradition: giving alms, prayer, and fasting. In the mind of the Messiah King these forms of service continue to add value to the Kingdom of God. A pertinent question for us to consider is, "How do these practices impact my life during these months of pandemic and isolation? Am I using this time as an opportunity to please God or simply focusing on my own needs and state of mind?Watch at: https://youtu.be/i9_xi9eeris

The apostle Paul uses the athletic image of running a race to capture the dynamic of knowing Jesus. Our relationship with him is not like a casual walk in the park, a slow drift on the river, of life or an aircraft flying on automatic. No, it is a call to intentionally align ourselves with Jesus in all of our changing circumstances and to do so passionately and enthusiastically for the glory of God.Watch at: https://youtu.be/Nle4TM6xy2c

The apostle Paul describes our relationship with Jesus as a life of freedom. In Christ we are not bound by a set of rules but are guided by the Holy Spirit as we follow the way of Jesus. As we listen to the Spirits voice we grow into spiritual maturity reflecting the image of Christ in our everyday experience.Watch at: https://youtu.be/DzO4GsFDMuY

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Pauls wisdom teaching to the Ephesians provides us insight on how to use our time well regardless of the circumstances we face. His words encourage us to open ourselves up to the Spirit by living lives of praise, gratitude and wisdom. In these days of COVID-19 we have been given an opportunity to examine how we use our time and how to live fruitfully before God and one another.Watch at: https://youtu.be/edJ5FWHKRY4

The Apostle Paul has a recurring ailment and he prays to Jesus for its removal. In his mind the condition is completely a problem that gets in the way of his ministry and adds no value to his life. Jesus' surprising answer is 'no'. Instead, Paul is to draw upon Jesus' enlivening presence amidst the trials of his suffering. Perhaps, in our COVID-19 season we also are invited to drill down into Jesus' abiding presence and experience his succor of grace which is greater than our immediate need.Watch at: https://youtu.be/_8vHxwhQWRY

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