Koinonia: April Edition

“Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.? Isaiah 53:18-20

I love that the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and our salvation coincides with the beginning of spring. Life that was dormant springs into action, and flowers bear witness to it vitality. Then through the season fruit are developed to nourish the rest of the natural world. I hope you will take time this spring to thank God for the splendor His creation, and in doing so, also reflect on the new life we have in Christ.

Indeed, though many of us have been walking with the Lord for years, each day is a new day. Each day is an opportunity for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each day we can bear witness to His grace and live as the redeemed. May we never miss the opportunity to bless the Lord and bless one another as He has blessed us.

This may be a spring for our church as well. We’ve asked God to help us nourish our root, and He has responded by truly blessing our fellowship. He is drawing us closer to the cross and further from the shore. He is drawing us closer to His agape and further from our divisions. He is drawing us closer to His hope and further from our fears.

It sure feels like God is preparing us to blossom. There is still much watering and fertilizing to do. There is still much pruning as well. But we are walking with Him in faithfulness and it is exciting to see what He produces. So when you see life sprouting this spring, give thanks to the Lord and let Him know you are ready to walk in newness, personally and with your church family. Let’s not ponder things of the past, but be ready to walk the pathway God carves into the wilderness.

-- Pastor Justin