Translating the Scriptures

I want to thank Pastor Joel and Zack for the Children’s Time. I learn so much during that time.

I am sorry that I can’t recite the chapter and verse of very many Scriptures. The Scriptures are about places far away, in a time long ago. The people’s names are hard to pronounce. The lessons they teach are sometimes hard to interpret. So how can we make use of these lessons today?

When Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, He had taken Himself to a place where He could refresh His spirit, talk with God, and test His conviction. Perhaps we can find God’s presence in the forest, too. In Japan, the people walk in the forest to help relieve stress. They call it “forest bathing”.

Jesus also resisted the temptation of comforts. Today, do we really know how much we can do without? Lent is a good time to find out. And after Lent, we can ask ourselves “do I really need all this stuff?” The Bible says to lay up for yourself treasures in Heaven.

The Scriptures say to give alms in private and you will be rewarded in Heaven. So always help your neighbor but don’t look for anything in return. And you may just need the help of your neighbor one day.

The Scriptures say that if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. This has a wide range of meanings for us today. It is so hard to forgive our enemies when they do things we can not tolerate, but we can pray for them.

We recently endured a terrible pandemic. We were not sure if we would live or die. I believe that God tried to save us all. I am very grateful to be alive.

-Lynn Cunningham