Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
OK, the sermon last Sunday was about nothing! And everyone was so appreciative. They said, “Pastor, thanks for nothing.”
So please remember NOTHING that I say.
There is NOTHING we can do to make God love us more, and there is NOTHING we can do to make God love us less.
We do not control God. God is going to love you, even when no one else does, even when you are not very loveable.
Going to church will not make God love you more. Giving all that you have to the poor might make someone’s day, but it will not make God love you more. God’s love cannot be earned or purchased with money or good works.
NOTHING. The Bible tells us that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.
And what is included in NOTHING? Everything the Bible tells us. That’s right EVERYTHING is included in NOTHING. There is not a single thing “in all of creation that will be able to separate us from the love of God.” Romans 8
Mental illness cannot separate us from the love of God.
Cancer cannot separate us from the love of God.
Divorce, disability, bankruptcy, addiction, that’s right – NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.
We should not be motivated by fear. NOTHING should be done out of fear. Our lives are important. Our work is important. God needs us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a hurting world.
We should do our best to leave this planet and our community better than we found it. What motivates us? We live our lives as a response to God’s grace, God’s love, God’s gift of life for us.
We are motivated to work for the common good, for our children and grandchildren, NOT to earn our way to heaven or to earn God’s favor.
We live our lives in gratitude, giving thanks, blessed to be a blessing!
Please remember SOMETHING and that SOMETHING is NOTHING. NOTHING can separate us from the love of God, and NOTHING includes EVERYTHING.
Live free, live generously, and love.
Pastor Jim
