Continuing our journey

Detail from No. 12, Jesus Dies on the Cross; Stations of the Cross, St. Philippine Duchesne Memorial Park, Centerville. (Journal file photo)

Matters of Faith

By Dr. Bascom Ratliff, pastor

Parker / Beagle / Fontana United Methodist Churches

Scripture:  Luke 9: 23: Jesus said, “If any want to be my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me”.

Although we have successfully journeyed through Lent with Jesus, our journey is not complete. Today I want to encourage you to continue your journey with Jesus for the Easter season and maintain your focus on doing his will. 

At the beginning of Lent, I encouraged family and friends to add something to their life rather than giving something up. For those of who made an important life change for Lent, I encourage you to continue with that change. For those who gave something up, I encourage you, if possible, to continue leaving that “something” in your past.

For example, I had a family member that gave up smoking. I have encouraged them to continue their abstinence from tobacco. I had a friend who committed to daily devotions and prayer during Lent. I have encouraged them to continue their daily devotions and prayers. I had another member who committed to greater service to God’s church. I challenged them to continue to serve and to make their service to God’s church a life commitment. I also encourage you to prayerfully consider making these “positive Lenten life changes” permanent.

When I write about continuing our journey, it is simply that we continue to serve, to pray, and to focus our life on following Jesus. As Jesus asked us in the Luke passage, “to deny ourselves and follow him;” I believe that his request is simply that we end our selfishness and love one another as he loves us. I also think it’s important to note that he asked us to do this each day. This is not a one-time event, it is a lifetime event. Christ is asking us to make a remarkable change in how we perceive others and how we love God by serving others. In Matthew 25, Jesus is very clear that what we do for others, we do for him. He also is very clear that as his followers, we are guaranteed forgiveness, love, and care from our heavenly father. What a great feeling to know that we are loved and cared for by our Creator, the most powerful and loving force in the universe.

As we continue our walk with Jesus, I think it is important to reflect on the words of Christ in Matthew 11, verse 30, “for my yoke is light and my burden is easy.” Jesus is simply telling us that following him is a source of comfort, assurance, and support. We are not burdened by rules and laws and regulations. Rather, we are supported and guided by God’s love.

I firmly believe that there is no greater calling than serving God and serving others. Because of this, I challenge you to continue on your journey with Jesus and use the Bible as a map and guide for serving God. During the next several weeks as we celebrate the Easter season, continue to fortify your self with scripture, prayer, and fellowship. Remain faithful in your church attendance and your continued witness to our resurrected Lord. Rejoice and be joyful always in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

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If you are seeking a church family to join you in your journey with Jesus, I encourage you to consider attending our church services at the Parker, Beagle, or Fontana United Methodist Church. Our service times and details are listed below. Please know that when you attend, you will be provided an enthusiastic worship service, fellowship and support, and the unfailing love of fellow believers.

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

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of June at 10 a.m at the Beagle UMC.

We will have Sunday morning services during the month of July at 10 a.m at the Fontana UMC.

We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month.

All are welcome in God’s House.  Come and celebrate the risen Christ.

Dr. Bascom Ratliff  (913-710-5748)

Pastor: Parker/Beagle/Fontana United Methodist Churches