Greetings, Sterling Wesley family.
I feel led to share some thoughts on the Bible and encourage you, focusing on the transformative power of God’s World. One of my favorite Bible verses is 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”
This passage beautifully encapsulates the divine origin and profound purpose of the Bible. Every Word in the Bible is not a dead fossil written for people thousands of years ago only. It is God-breathed, offering us wisdom, guidance, and correction. It means that when we read, meditate, and study the Bible, God breathes into us with God’s wisdom, inspiration, courage, and strength so that we are equipped to do God’s work, growing in righteousness and faithfulness.
John Wesley, the founder of our Methodist Movement, said, “Homo Unius Libri,” which means, “Let me be a man of the Bible.” Wesley’s profound commitment to the Bible as his primary guide for faith and life is a powerful example for us all. His singular focus on the Scriptures reminds us that the Bible remains our ultimate source of truth and direction in an age of countless voices and distractions.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to read, meditate, and study the Bible. This practice is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual discipline that allows us to listen to God’s voice. By immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, we internalize God’s teachings, enabling us to live out God’s commandments in our daily lives. This deep engagement with the Word transforms our hearts and minds, shaping us into faithful followers of Christ who reflect his love and grace to the world.
I am excited to announce a new sermon series focused on the critical importance of reading the Bible to encourage further and equip us in our commitment to God’s Word. This series will cover why it is essential to read the Bible, practical ways to engage with the Scriptures, and the impact of God’s Word on our faith journey. Together, we will explore how the Bible serves as a foundational pillar in our lives, guiding us in truth and helping us to grow in our relationship with God.
Therefore, let us embrace the Bible with renewed passion and dedication. May we be inspired by the Word to become people of the Bible, fully immersed in the life-giving Word of God. Let us support and encourage one another, always seeking to grow in our knowledge and love of the Scriptures. Amen.
would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your
hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from
hurt and harm!’ And God granted what he asked.
• 1 Chronicles 4:10
to the four seasons in the Midwest, especially the cold and windy
winters with heavy snow because where he came from, they only had hot, hot, hot, and less hot weather.
We are blessed to witness the beauty of nature with its four
seasons. We know that Spring is coming when we see the dark brown grass in the yard turn green and flowers persistently survive and bloom again. With the Spring revival of nature, we may glimpse Jesus’ promise of life after Earth. That’s why we are looking forward to new beginnings and excited to see what God unfolds in the new chapter of life.
Another school year will begin soon, and kids will be busy
shopping for their bags, books, and notebooks. They might want to
spend more time hanging out with their friends, enjoying the last moments of their summer break. And they might find themselves in chaos with things that still need to be sorted out.
Let us keep all the kids, teachers, and school staff in our
prayers and support. When we pray for them, I hope you remember Jabez’s prayer, asking, “God, bless me and enlarge my border. Have your hand be with me and keep me from hurt and harm.” Jabez is not a prominent figure in the Bible.
You can find his name in only two verses in the first book of Chronicles. But his prayer is beautiful, asking God to grant our fundamental life needs. It is a prayer that we humbly ask God to consent to all of us, regardless of our age. Let’s continue to keep one another in our prayers and support.
We will have the Blessing of the Backpacks on August 13 (Sunday). We will have one worship service at 9:30 am around the Gazebo. It will be a time for all of us. Kids will have fun, and we will enjoy fellowship with hot dogs. We will have a moment of worship, blessing our children, teachers, and staff. And we will bless one another. As we bless one another, I hope you hold Jabez’s prayer deeply in your heart.