“The Spirit blows where it will.” There’s really no telling what will happen if we dare to ask.

We are called to awaken our faith, to hold fast to Jesus who once dwelt among us but has now withdrawn heavenward.

His way is not easy but by following him we will be forever changed, and our joy will be made complete.

We are mediators of God’s grace, God’s love, God’s power to save and heal. As branches we receive the life of the vine and pass it along to others.

We are rescued and provided for by the shepherd. We will need that help almost continually.

God looks over this broken and scarred world – and over the broken and scarred people who inhabit it – and reclaims it, and them, with love.

Each and every one of us can know and worship God as no one else can.

You don’t need to be afraid. You are not alone. That is our hope in Jesus. That is our hope in God to make all things new. Now is the time to claim that hope.

Like the residents of Jerusalem so long ago we too are caught up in cries of Hosanna and screams of Crucify. Like the residents of Jerusalem, we too are fickle in our loyalty following first one and then the other.

Following Jesus is a matter of life and death. Or, to put it another way, life and death matter to those who follow Jesus.

Yes, we walked into the middle of a conversation this morning, but more importantly we walked into the middle of an invitation. And that invitation is an invitation to life, and healing, wholeness and salvation.

Why this? Why now? Where is God in all this?

Each of us make decisions daily that hold in tension human values and God’s values.

Let us take this season to look deeper into our identity to see the person God made us to be

Bringing about the kingdom of God, bringing about transformation in ourselves and in the world around us is a constant endeavor

…as we slowly make our way towards Lent, we can spend this time reflecting on this balance in our lives.

Is the gospel of Jesus Christ good news, or is it old news?

…at some point in our spiritual journeys we are confronted with that simple question, will you come and follow me?

Have there been moments or certain friends that have helped you connect with God?

Today, we have the chance to affirm, once again, that God has chosen us and that we now belong to him.