An impact is a forcible contact between two or more things.  When God moves forward there is an impact.  God meets darkness and evil with light and love.  Jesus' impact on our lives comes as our sin, struggle, hurt and pain, meet his goodness, healing, mercy and hope. When those who accept the adventure into a life with God meet the world, we will meet the same things God meets.  We feel the impact on our lives.  The challenge is to move forward with God knowing that what lies ahead will be real life even when the impact includes joy and sorrow, hurt and healing, death and life.   We will remember stories like: sending of the 70 (Luke 10:1-20), references to the many encounters Jesus had with people.

On this Sunday we will be receiving stewardship commitments.  We are offered an opportunity to focus on what the journey ahead requires of us.  What do we need for the journey and what must we leave behind?  Excess baggage will surely slow us down and having the right tools and getting in shape will bring unimagined joy to the journey.  We get in shape by walking with God in worship, prayer and reading scripture.  We find meaning in the walk as we look for opportunities to give and receive love and care.  We lighten our load by giving with outrageous generosity.  When we let go of the grip we have on our things we find new energy and a freedom that makes the journey a joy.  4 of 5 part series

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