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You Have a Choice

Last Sunday we celebrated an amazing woman’s 97th birthday at the early service. Shirley Schrodt now lives in Independence, but always comes back to Salem to celebrate with her friends. She has touched so many of our lives, and we love the excuse to have flowers and treats for her special day! I wanted to share with you something amazing that happened behind the scenes that morning:

As I set up around 7:15 a.m., I noticed the icing had slid off the tops of 12 of the cupcakes. I hadn’t purchased many, so I crossed my fingers hoping we’d have enough. As worship began 45 minutes later, I noticed Colleen and Doug Hall coming into the narthex with cupcakes! When I thanked her later, she said she was praying that morning and God told her to buy cupcakes for church, so she did. Woah!

One of the amazing gifts we are given by God is free will — we are not forced to follow Him, but to make our own choices. In our scriptures this Sunday, Joshua tells his followers, “… choose this day whom you will serve … as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” In the Gospel reading, many of those following Jesus turned away after hearing his difficult teaching. When Jesus asked his disciples if they also wished to leave, Peter told Him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Choices are hard, and we frequently question ourselves even after we’ve made a decision. I believe that God guides us — maybe not as specifically as Colleen heard (wouldn’t that be great all the time?), but if we think of others as we choose, I believe we are closer to God’s plan in our lives. As you make decisions this week, listen for His guidance, care for each other, and know that He is always here for us, no matter what we choose.

In Christ’s love,
Heather Lewis
Director of Music and Worship

Tags: Weekly Word