KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE SPIRIT

The Rose Parade is something I look forward to every year.  The extravagant beauty of the floats, the old cars and the prancing horses, and the on-going chatter of the host and hostess has become a part of our American culture.  But for me, a parade wouldn’t be a parade without the marching bands!   I played various instruments as a marcher in high school so maybe that’s what draws my interest.  I know how tough it is to keep in step and play an instrument at the same time.   I watched the parade this year with my granddaughter Perrin, who’s just learning to play the flute.  I could tell by her questions she was wondering, “How am I ever going to play and march at the same time?”

With the coming of the New Year we’ve begun another chapter in our walk with the Lord.  I personally like new beginnings.  I’ve started journaling in a new journal.  Like millions, I’m looking – again – at a new beginning to my physical disciplines (another way of saying - the beginning of another diet!).  I like to think about the past and celebrate in my memory, the joy of success.  But I also enjoy the chance to forget my failures and frustrations and begin afresh.  The fact is, my hope is I’ll be able to build on those successes and failures.  A New Year offers us an opportunity for a new beginning. 

But my deepest desire is, like the marcher in the Rose Parade, I’ll be in step with my leader.  Paul notes in his letter to the Galatians, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”  (Gal. 5:25)     We’ve begun as a church with this prayer as part of our focus.  I’m excited to see how He will lead us through the months ahead as we obediently seek to follow Him.  One of the secrets to a good marching band is a good Drum Major.  He or she marks the pace for the band and as all follow the beat, there is unison and harmony in the band.  God's Spirit can provide us with  great leadership!  The challenge is to keep in step with Him.

Pastor Marv