www.SanTanSun.com Spiritual
BY PASTOR MICHAEL BRYANT Understanding and accepting God’s
grace is not an easy task for most mortals. More often than not, without really thinking about it much, let alone being able to articulate it, what we really wonder is if we’re good enough. Not that long ago I talked with
a young lady in my office about the struggles she was having in her life. She’d been brought up in the church, had knowledge of the Bible and believed in God, but she was devastated by the circumstances of her life. The facts before her eyes told her not to trust in God - or anyone - for that matter. I can remember her saying something like, “I can only depend on myself. God has not shown me that I can trust Him.” As she was telling me this she was obviously in great pain. And although she never clearly said so, I knew full well that being “good enough” was among the many things
Spirituality Reflections Have I been good enough?
that grieved her. Indeed, she wanted so badly to trust God, but could not. Although the details of our lives vary
greatly, I think “Mary’s” story is quite often our story. The circumstances of our lives - the facts in front of us - too often tell us that this “God of grace and love, who showers us with forgiveness” doesn’t exist after all! So what does the Bible say about
God’s unconditional love? Is it truly “unconditional,” or do we have to do something to be in right relationship with God … and when we get to “the pearly gates,” will it be enough? So here’s the operative question for the day: “When it comes time for the final decision, will I have been good enough?’ I’ll see you in church, the grocery
store, in the bike lane or around town. Pastor Michael Bryant is senior pastor
at First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert. For information, visit
www.gilbertumc.org.
April 21 – May 4, 2012
Still time to aid hungry in Haiti, Africa
Through April 21, Chandler Christian Church is “doubling its efforts” to package nutritious meals and help feed the hungry in Haiti and Africa. They expect more than 2,000 volunteers to help purchase supplies and package nutritious meals for those impacted by disasters and drought. Both day and evening shifts are available at 1825 S. Alma School Rd. To assist with the project, sign up at
www.chandlercc.org/2012/03/ project285-2012/. To learn more, visit
www.chandlercc.org.
More Chandler Christian events Several spring activities are planned at Chandler Christian Church. During Decision
Weekend, Sat., April 21 and Sun., April 22, attendees are invited to “take the next step in their ever-deepening relationship with Christ through baptism.” Those ready to make a public spiritual commitment to their children ages 2
and younger may do so at the church’s Family Dedication services, May 12 and 13. “Xtraordinary VBS,” scheduled for June 3 through 6, is looking for volunteers to fill a variety of positions. To learn more, call 480-963-3997 or visit
www.chandlercc.org.
Spiritual Reflections
Share your spiritual reflections The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sun area churches, temples, mosques and other religious and spiritual gathering places are invited to contribute their Spiritual Reflections in essay format by sending their thoughts, enlightening insights and other writings of a spiritual nature to News@
SanTanSun.com. Be certain to put “Spiritual Reflections submission” in the subject line,” and keep your articles around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. Include your first and last name, title and facility name, address, phone number and website. Spiritual Reflections are printed on a space-available basis, and submission does not guarantee print. The opinions represented in this column are those of the author and not that of the SanTan Sun News.
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