A Sip of Faith

Impossible Made Possible
And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79)
 
This morning, I’m thinking where did the time go? We are approaching Christmas Eve this week, and its as if the month of December just passed us by! During this month, I have been preparing myself….through prayer, meditation, reading the scripture, and fasting…preparing for the second coming of Jesus. How about you? How have you prepared? How has you changed or transformed in order to welcome Him?
 
For a lot of us….we don’t think we will see the second Advent in our lifetime. Or maybe we don’t think it is real…. But I look at it like this….. if I am preparing….and should I be called to heaven before the second Advent… I know that I have served and worked through my preparation to be more Christlike… and thus I hope Jesus finds favor on me when judgement comes.
 
In a blink of an eye….it will be a New Year. And Advent continues beyond Christmas Day. So what will be our plans for change in the New Year? How will we prepare ourselves through being more Christlike? I know this sounds almost impossible, but through Jesus, the impossible is made possible! Our scripture is known as “Zechariah’s Song”. Elizabeth his wife was old and barren. Yet through God’s gift, she is with child who we know as John. The impossible made possible. And in his song, he tells his future child to ‘prepare the way”.
 
This week as we near the arrival of our Savior Jesus…let us prepare the way…by preparing ourselves in being more Christlike…and let us continue throughout the New Year. Ask for strength, courage, and empowerment from God, for only He can make the Impossible Possible.
 
Shalom,
Pastor Dave

A Sip of Faith

 
Finding Joy in Service
12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 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 15:12-13) NIV
 
This past week, we lit the Advent Candle of Joy. Yet it seems as I live within my community, there seems that there isn’t much joy. It seems that the darkness and mess of our world seems to be winning in victory, completely immersing us into its toxic waters. And yes…. even I as a Pastor…. I get swallowed up into it as well, so much that my joy seems to be far away!
 
If you seem to be lacking joy during this season….I have a suggestion to being joy and happiness to you. Remember what Paul tells us in Romans…. That God fills us with joy and hope….with the birth of our Savior. And with that joy and hope, we then overflow…meaning we share with others….this joy and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers us.
 
If you need some joy this week….take a minute or two….and do an act of random kindness….do an act of service….that will bring the love of Christ to them…and put a smile on their face. When you do….you too will feel the hope and joy that only comes through serving our King Jesus Christ.
 
Shalom,
Pastor Dave

Pastor Blog – Oct. 2021

Living in the Image of God

Fall is the time of year when things tend to slow down, just a little. The coolness in the air seems to bring about a calming spirit. I often use this time to reflect on how my life mirrors the image of God. We believe that every person is unique in God’s eyes, whom God created in God’s divine image. God seeks to make us holy and whole through the presence of the Holy Spirit, transforming us in Christlikeness. How do we know that we are truly living in the image of God? Just in case you are not sure, consider the following:

  • Spend time with God in prayer.
  • Study the Bible.
  • Attend worship regularly.
  • Serve others.
  • Use your gifts.
  • Always put God first.

If you haven’t already, try to add one or all of the above into your daily or weekly routines.

Sincere Blessings,

Pastor Kimberly

Pastor Blog – Sep. 2021 – “Let’s Talk About Prayer”

Prayer and action are not opposites but complements in the spectrum of responding in faith. Prayer can be a launching pad to action and then a reflection on the action done, and through it all, prayer is a way of being reminded of the presence of the Spirit in what we do. Prayer builds your relationship with God, and it is one line of communication that should never close.

Sincere Blessings,

Pastor Kimberly

Pastor Blog – July 2021

Greetings NFUMC Family and Friends!

So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:25

Thank you! My family and I appreciate the warm welcome, enthusiasm, prayers, and acts of love shown to us as we prepare to continue God’s work in ministry. We are so delighted for the opportunity to serve. No merger or transition is as comfortable as we would like it to be. However, I believe that God has all power in His hands. I also think that this merger/marriage has a divine purpose, more significant than most can imagine right now. Let us be led by the holy presence of God and open our minds to the numerous possibilities. Continue to pray for me as I pray for you, and we all pray for the Church. 

Blessings always,

Rev. Dr. Kimberly Dugger

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