Pastoral Update 4 September 2020. On August 30th I completed my second reading through Scripture for 2020. In my reading, reflecting, and praying of Scripture I have chosen a couple of different paths instead of reading straight through Genesis to Revelation.

First I have read through Scripture using a chronological plan (readings are compiled according to recent historical research, taking into account the order in which the recorded events occurred). The second method I used is an historical plan (the order of the readings is based on Israel’s Hebrew bible progressing from Law to Prophets to Writings, while the New Testament is based on the order of the authorship of the books.

Last Spring I challenged you to join me in reading through the New Testament. In reading through the Scriptures I have challenged you and continue to challenge you to answer the question: “Who is God calling me and FPCH to be?”

In my reading through the Scriptures through the lens of “Who is God calling me and FPCH to be?” I have discovered a transformation in myself. I am being transformed in my heart, mind, and soul into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:29; Philippians 2:1-11). In other words, I must decrease so that Jesus Christ can increase in me.

What I am noticing about this transformation is from the inside out my thoughts, feelings, outlook about life is changing: Changing my relationship with God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; changing my relationship with my family; changing my relationship with the people of God. The change is how I can in untrusted environments or in untrusted relationships be able to trust because of my trust in God.

Please read Scriptures daily … pray daily … be transformed into whom God is calling you to be and as St. John ties in Revelation 21:1-5:

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”