At the end of our Sunday gathering this week, I said these words, “I am sustained by God’s presence, God’s promises, and God’s people.” Even in my wobbly and weak moments, and I sure have them, I find having that as my sustaining power helps me find my way back to a good place. One of the Bible verses God gave me long ago after my first wife died in our auto accident is, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the Rock eternal.”

Each day as I take another step in my healing program, I find myself even more dependent on Him and less dependent on myself. I am so grateful for God’s enduring presence that I’ve learned to embrace and hold onto Him tightly in times of struggle.

One of the surprises is how God’s people have reached out to encourage and bring lightness to my cancer classroom. I have received a cape that gave me the designation as “Blue Angel.” I’ve received a personalized Super Ron shirt that used a variation of the Superman logo. Others have sent me cards, Bible verses, words to pump up the Spirit within me, and offers of practical help. Thank you to everyone who has shown such tangible love.

Today (July 2), I’m halfway through with my treatment plan. It seems like I’ve been in this classroom for months, but it’s only been three weeks. Please pray for me because every doctor, nurse, and technician has told me that the most challenging part is yet to come. I am trusting God for the strength and courage I need to fight the good fight ahead.

Since Kimberly and I knew that I had time before things became more complicated for me, we figured out a way for her to travel to Denver to see our new granddaughter this week. What a joy it has been for her, and it’s also been a huge help for Ryan and Tessa as they parent this new baby together.

I reminded Kimberly that in every wedding I perform, I mention that life will be filled with moments of elation and joy (like the birth of a child) as well as moments of grief and sadness (like the loss of a loved one). That’s life. Jesus said it well when He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Into every life will come sorrow, but we don’t have to live as people who don’t have hope. We live with hope because Jesus has overcome death! I tell the couple that those who build their lives on Jesus Christ and His church are better prepared to face the inevitable uncertainties of life.

Student’s and Children’s Summer Camps are happening this year. Yay! We appreciate Michael Bauer, Semeria Bjorkman, and Bobby Breaux for their diligence in finding camp opportunities for our students and children. Our young people have been through so much disruption in our COVID logjam. Camp offers them a chance to be kids and be reminded that God is with them and for them. Parents, you can find out more on our website. Check it out! 

July 3 Community Celebration and Serve Opportunity. We’re going to participate with our Grass Valley Downtown Association’s celebration of our nation’s independence by serving a pancake breakfast and providing fun carnival games in downtown Grass Valley on Mill Street from 9:00-11:00am. We’re still looking for volunteers who want to help serve. If you’d like to help, please email John or Mare. You’re also invited to come out and join in on the fun! We’re providing music, pancakes, games and even the National Anthem. 

This will be our third week in our This is the way series as we pick up right where we ended The Good Life series that took us through the Beatitudes in the first part of the Sermon on the Mount. In this next section, Jesus gives us the way His followers are to live in this world. When we respond to His call to follow Him, Jesus leads us to a way of life that is both fulfilling and challenging. 

You may have heard of the hit Disney series called The Mandalorian. The Mandalorian are a group who live by a code of conduct that they will not violate or deny. The phrase they use is “This is the way.” That phrase is a bond between them that gives them meaning and purpose. Jesus gives us His way to live and calls us to follow Him with the same kind of commitment.

On Sunday, we’ll begin a section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus begins to contrast His way with the way others might say is the best way to live. He’s going to use a series of phrases that go like this: “You’ve heard it said… but I say.” Folks, this is where Jesus begins to draw a difference between the way cultural religion and even cultural Christianity define what it means to walk with God and the way Jesus says God wants us to approach Him.

In the first two of these “but I say” statements, Jesus talks about Following the Way of Restraint. As we celebrate our freedoms as citizens of our nation, let’s remember that the real way to freedom may just be through restraint instead of expression of our inner desires.

Here are the links you’ll need to be fully prepared for Sunday’s Service:

• Message Notes and Study Guide
• Weekly Spotify Playlist
• Children's Ministry
• Student Ministry 

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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