Often challenging us, Jesus has surprising news for us. We will explore this news in our worship services this month as we consider the themes of God's justice, the nature of God's healing, and Jesus' wisdom about serving God. In this month's last service, we will also ponder times we feel disillusioned or move toward denial--and how Jesus' compelling actions teach us how to overcome these dysfunctional moods and thoughts.

The mind-body connection is now well accepted. Thinking affects our feelings and vice versa. For example, we know that depression--a "mood" disorder--also affects our body's energy and impairs our judgment. Likewise, a physical illness also impacts our emotions.
Rational-emotive therapy, developed since the 1950s, teaches that healthy thinking can actually change our feelings: we need not get "stuck." Moreover, RET adds another layer that speaks to our spiritual health: for good or ill, our beliefs and perceptions have a significant impact on both our feelings and mood as well as our mind and thoughts.

As a mental health counselor, I was not to use my position to convert people to my religion or denomination. Instead, my responsibility was to encourage 'healthy religion' within the framework of a person's belief system. I found it amazing that even people who experienced a psychotic break could find significant help when their feelings were respected, and their unhealthy thoughts and beliefs were gently challenged: suffering, shame and guilt was often transformed into dignity, understanding and purpose.

This is our life-long journey as well. All of us are broken in various ways--yet the good news is that God never gives up on us. Indeed, God finds many ways to whisper wisdom our way. This is why Jesus emphasized we must be alert, having "eyes to see" and "ears to hear." As we are receptive--even amidst suffering--we will move toward the wholeness of health, especially as we transform our beliefs and perceptions closer to the Creator's clarity and compassion.

Let's do our best this month to see and hear that which God desires for us. Consider the possibilities during worship; as we learn by teaching our children and youth; as we participate in a small group; as we serve others at Shepherd's Pantry; as we share reflections at a Friday Movie Night; or in any of the many other ways Christ may appear to us at home, work, school or elsewhere on our journey each week.

Let's ask ourselves one final question: How will I feel as I come closer to Christ?
Blessings,
Pastor Harry

WORSHIP SERVICE THEMES
Oct   4 "God's Justice is for Everyone"
Oct 11 "God's Healing for Our Hurts"
Oct 18 "Scapegoating or Serving?"
Oct 25 "Overcoming Denial and Disillusionment"