FROM THE DESK OF PASTOR WILL

[Rev. William Griffith]

"When the woman was about to be stoned and the religious leaders of the day were intent on holding her accountable for her sin by instituting a penalty of death, Jesus Christ did not assemble an army or call His disciples to prepare to fight. He faced-off with the religious leadership by writing their own sins in the dirt on the ground. He did not challenge their lawful right to stone her, but pointed out their double standard by saying 'Those of you without sin, cast the first stone'. While the prostitute was the focus, Jesus knew she could not have committed her sin without the participation of another. Jesus was an advocate for justice and challenged the law by pointing out the frailty of both the law and humanity. He is our advocate, even in this age. There are plenty of people who will reject you, judge you, never let you live down this thing or that you've done. They stand in line waiting to punish you over and over and over again. I want you to know that you need not walk through life ashamed or feeling alone. You are His child. You are a child of God. No matter what you're dealing with now, God loves you. He loves us before we change things in our lives. He loves us is our mess and the chaos we more often than not create in our lives. He loves us in a weakness and our brokenness. And once you embrace that love, you rise from the ashes and look at others differently. It is a blessing to be able to feel the suffering of those around us and to be able to reach out to them with love and empathy. To be able to love without preaching. To be able to serve without trying to change them. When we approach people with love and compassion, kindness and selfless service we find that God has the rest under control. Now go forward in this day the Lord has made and do so knowing He loves you. And we love you."

-Pastor William Griffith

 Evangel Pacific Ministries