Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Grace and peace to you. Our relationship with God is to be one of confession and trust, acknowledgment and hope, a relationship expressed in and through the grace and love given to us throughout the peaks and valleys of our lives. Centered upon God's grace, we therefore are able to confess our shortcomings with the assurance that God will continue to guide and direct us in the way of mercy and forgiveness, and will provide for us the ability to repent, to change, and to follow in faith. Psalm 51 characterizes this in a wonderful way, beginning with our confession and steering us in the manner in which our gracious God transforms our hearts for a way of joy and a right spirit.

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (51:1-2)

This mercy received from God is transformative as the Psalmist affirms:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. (51:10-12)

God continues to direct and transform us in ways that we may receive and understand his mercy, thereby sharing in a spirit of deliverance and praise.

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise." (51:15)

Whatever may lie before us today, may we be assured that God's grace and mercy is with us, constantly transforming us in the way of changed hearts and spirits of praise upon the gifts of salvation and abundant life for all.

Keep the faith!    Pastor John