Celebrating our life in Christ

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor

Beagle, Fontana, Parker United Methodist Churches

John 10:10. (Jesus) “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”.

Galatians 5: 22. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Although Easter has now passed, let's consider continuing our journey with Jesus in the spirit of the Lenten season. We have celebrated our journey during the past several weeks. On Easter, we celebrated the life, death, and resurrection of our risen Savior. Our burdens are lifted. Our sins are forgiven. We have been adopted into God's family. And we have been gifted with the Holy Spirit.

Now is a great time to confirm our commitment to continue our faith journey with Jesus. Hopefully, during the past several weeks we have explored our faith. We have made adjustments to our faith journey to better deal with obstacles and barriers to our relationship with God. We now have an opportunity to assess our faith and put into place those activities and commitments that will fuel our continued journey with Jesus.

As we continue our walk with Jesus, I am recommending that we consider adding some additional elements to our spiritual toolbox:

1. Continue to make prayer a priority. Regular and open communication with God will help us to remain focused on our faith and our relationship with God. Additionally, because we believe that God hears and answers prayers, it is important to regularly talk with God about our joys, concerns, and struggles.

2. Continue to read and study God's word. Consider expanding your reading to include religious articles and commentaries. A sound knowledge base will strengthen the foundation of our faith.

3. Review the gifts of the Holy Spirit and develop a reliance on these gifts in your thankfulness and service to God. These are the greater gifts. And as we continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ, our reliance on the Holy Spirit will help us to stay connected and nourished for our continued journey.

4. Adopt an attitude of service. Serving others and serving God is a good way of spreading the good news and the love of Christ. Doing for others is in keeping with the encouragement of Jesus (see Matthew 25) to actively care for others.

5. Deliberately let go of those burdens and sins that plague you. Jesus promised to take our burdens and forgive our sins. I encourage you to take Jesus at his word and joyfully give your frustrations and aggravations to Him.

6. Celebrate the risen Christ. In all things celebrate your relationship with God through Christ.

7. If you're not already keeping a journal or log of your travels with Jesus, consider doing so. Recording aspirations, hopes, and thoughts during our journey of faith will help us remain deliberate and focused on God's work with us.

I urge you to attend church and continue your daily devotions and praise. We have witnessed and benefited from the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have been adopted into God's family and we have great cause to celebrate.

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If you are ready to worship and serve a loving God who welcomes everyone to His family, please come worship with us. We will give you a warm welcome, a hot/cold drink, and a homemade cookie. And, most important of all, we will give you an ample sample of God’s wonderful and unfailing love.

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We will have Sunday morning services during the month of April 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Beagle, Kansas United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month May 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Fontana United Methodist Church.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month June 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Parker United Methodist Church.

We serve communion on the first Sunday of each month.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate with us.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana

United Methodist Churches