Sermons by Tripp Martin
“The Work of the Spirit of God does not happen quickly or conveniently.”
The simple, practical Ways of Jesus remain the most important.
We can develop rhythms and routines in our lives — like lighting the Christ Candle — that remind us: God is here.
When Mary sings about the Love of God, she does not focus on what is big and impressive. Instead, she holds close those things that receive far less recognition. “Gather Us In” by Lisle Gwynn Garrity, A Sanctified Art LLC, SanctifiedArt.org.
God’s Peace continues to be at work, and we can choose to participate in It. “Berakah” by Hannah Garrity, A Sanctified Art LLC, SanctifiedArt.org.
We hope for this world to be better. We work for this world to be better. But, along the way, we realize: it does not all depend on us. “Awake to Wonder,” digital painting with collage by Lisle Gwynn Garrity, A Sanctified Art LLC, SanctifiedArt.org.
Jesus comes to change the current of the river.
Like Hannah, the people are now crying out to God, and the Gospel of Mark is providing them the assurance: God remembers us. Hope is not lost. Love never ends. Grace is from everlasting to everlasting. Painting: “Hannah at Prayer” by Wilhelm Wachtel (1875-1942)
God’s Love is found in unlikely places. It shows up in the shadows. It is there in the valley. It has the same Grit as Ruth’s commitment, and it has the same Grace as the widow’s faithfulness.
We all need to name our sadness and loss, because the gift of Love is the burden of grief—and the other side of grief is Grace.