May 2nd - 3rd -- Let's Play!

Theme
Familiar

Readings
Judges 15:1-18:31-Go, explore the land.
John 2:1-3:21-Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Psalm 103:1-104:24-O LORD, how manifold are your works!
Proverbs 14:17-21-...happy are those who are kind to the poor.

God's Word
See My works all around, from one end of the earth to the other and see the familiar Love of My Son always there.

Story
Every year the old give up something new. Look at the evergreen tree; every year the end of the branch springs forth some new life. The new spreads a little further to explore a new space of this earth. Even if that space is small; every year the old gives up something new. The new will be nourished by the old. Then the new will begin to nourish some newness of it's own.

The old of the earth was about to rot and die in it's stubborn ways, refusing to give of itself to bring something new. The earth was set in the traps of sin and death. The way needed to be changed. So God gave something new. Something new to bring life. Something new, yet something even there from the beginning. Something that would give of itself to bring something new. Jesus became flesh and came to the earth. Jesus gave His life for new life. New life risen in glory from the dead of sin to the newness of life in God. Something new to save the poor. Something new yet familiar to life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever would believe in Him, would not die but live forever. Thanks be to God! The familiar yet astounding. Every year the old give up something new. Now go and give Love!

Prayer
Lord, I love how familiar You are. I love how mysterious You are. I love how close You are. Lord, I love You and give something old of me for something new. Live in and through me this day and tomorrow and forever that I may work with You and serve You in Your Kingdom. ---Amen