MONDAY
01.03.22
"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" -
2 Corinthians 5:17 NRSV
Welcome to 2022. This first month we will examine themes that are not Biblical. This week, "normal".
Let's get back to "normal". There will be a new " normal".
Okay, what is that? "Normal" is conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
As we start this year making resolutions, promises, commitments, only to fall short in 2, 3 weeks... maybe tomorrow.
And then we feel horrible, because we want to achieve our best, our own "normal".
We are rushing to get through this pandemic and all these variants to get back to "normal".
What, about Jesus, is, "normal"? What about the Love Jesus has for is is "normal"? What about Grace is "normal"? Salvation? Mercy? Blessings?
As we start living in 2022, let us strive to not be "normal", but to be our best, for Jesus... As Jesus is for us.
Be Blessed, Beloved.
- Rev. Damon
© 2022 Faith First Project
TUESDAY
01.04.22
"Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another's speech.” - Genesis 11:7 NRSV
The Tower of Babel. This may seem like a depressing story to start a new year with, but I promise you, it won't be.
We think we are so smart. We think we are so evolved, that we are of of such ingenuity, we are amazed how previous generations did anything.
We didn't think of it first, ya'll. The first attempt to "normalize" was not us, but way back in Genesis, to "normalize" language to make language easier.
On the surface, sounds smart. So why did God send confusion? Why have this lead to new languages and spread them apart?
1. If nothing becomes impossible to achieve, we would not develop the faith to believe in the miraculous.
2. If everything is the same, would we invite and welcome any that are different?
3. If everything and everyone spoke and was normalized as the same, would we celebrate the uniqueness of being intentionally and divinely made by God?
You are not normal. We are not normal.
And that is a blessing.
This new year, add appreciation and celebration of your differentness to your prayer and meditations.
There are reasons why God made you as you are. Live in that Blessing.
Jesus loves you, all of you, as you are. Live in that Blessing.
The Holy Ghost surrounds you and guides, just as you are. Live in that Blessing.
We are different for a reason and a purpose. Because GOD made us so. This New Year needs you, with all your un-normalized self!
Blessed, Beloved.
- Rev. Damon
© 2022 Faith First Project
WEDNESDAY
01.05.22
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." -
1 Corinthians 10:31 NRSV
Normal.
As believers, we aren't to do like other people do. Our "why" informs our "how," which creates the "what" because of "who" every "where" we are.
When we praise, sing, preach, pray, and all that churchy stuff we do, we shouldn't do it because of ordinances and ritual and habit; we should do it because of who Jesus is to us and for us.
That same enthusiasm is to be in all things we do.
We aren't to be so relaxed that celebrate in a "normal" silence, wall-flowering everywhere, but in the loud extraordinary, because Jesus is the cause of our celebration.
We aren't to be "too cool" because we don't want to be mocked; we are to be in un-normalized joy because Jesus is the reason for our happiness.
If we eat and drink, it is not of greed or gluttony or drunkenness or excess.
But of reverence and thankfulness, and humility, and sharing.
Keeping joy to ourselves is normal. Sharing it with others is God's work.
Let us do everything, EVERYTHING as our living celebration and thankfulness to God... even in our fun.
Sisters and Brothers, remember, everything Good comes from Him.
Blessed, Beloved.
- Rev. Damon
© 2022 Faith First Project
THURSDAY
01.06.22
What are you, waiting for?
"Then the king consulted the sages who knew the laws (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and custom," - Esther 1:13 NRSV
Tell me, who defined what is "normal" for your life? What meeting did you attend, what book did you receive that detailed what is "normal" for you?
How do you know what is actually, "normal"?
In today's scripture we see the beginnings of an authority determining what is "normal" behavior.
Kings, dictators, orange-haired sore losers, gather around and determine what "normal" people should do, should know, should fight and kill for.
And then, for some reason, people follow a "normal" that is not from or of God.
But that's okay. God ain't normal. Nothing about God is. And when God has a calling for you, a purpose, a mission, no authority can author what "normal" for your life is.
The only one who can define you is the one who divinely made you.
Your "normal" is God's Grace, Mercy, Joy, Love, Forgiveness, Salvation.
And no one can take that from you. No matter how they attack you.
Be Blessed, Beloved.
- Rev. Damon
© 2022 Faith First Project
FRIDAY
01.07.22
"Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:9 NRSV
Good Morning. Sorry for my lateness, but watching the Mamie Till show last night.... I am still feeling it.
It was "normal" to dehumanize other humans. It was "normal" to deny justice and equality and equity. It was "normal" to hurt, harm, and endanger those who are different.
But in 2022, that isn't "normal" any....
Who are we kidding? As long as there has been an "us", we find ways to normalize our mistreatment to others.
As with the oppressed people in Phillipi, we too must remember that what humans consider "normal" is not what Jesus taught and teaches us.
Jesus' Love is not "normal", never has been and never will be. Our job, our calling is to share and teach that liberating love to all who want it and release them from the bondage of humanity for God's Salvation.
Only then can we eradicate the evils of this world.
Our "new normal" is an old one, "Love they neighbor as thyself".
Love. I know it can be difficult.
Love. I know it is tiring.
Love. I know it may not look like it's working.
Love. Even while it hurts.
Love.
Love. LOVE! LOVE!
Be Blessed, Beloved.
- Rev. Damon
© 2022 Faith First Project
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