Revival

Photo taken a few years ago in the sanctuary

at the Zeba Indian United Methodist Campground

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isa 57:15 KJV)

Last night was the final worship service of the Methodist Camp Revival in Zeba for this year. I have attended the annual camp meeting often over the years and have had the privilege of preaching there for many years including this year. Last night, the guest preacher Rev. Jerry Bishop, pastor at the Baptist Church in L'Anse wanted to know what we were really thankful for. At that moment, among other things, I was thankful that I was there to hear the Good News of what God in Christ Jesus has done for us. Rev. Jerry was speaking in regards to the story of the ten lepers who were healed; but, only the one who was thankful was made whole. An outstanding message; a message to inspire us to look within ourselves, humble ourselves so that our spirits were revived. 

Methodists also apparently like to sing and sing a lot! Many, many, hymns were sung each night as well as special music. Last night Courtney (Clishe) Jones made me cry TWICE! with her sweet voice as she sang "In The Sweet Bye and Bye" and later "Amazing Grace" in English and Ojibwa (or Anishinabe). 

The camp meetings, held annually, began in 1880! Imagine, 139 years ago! They are held at the Zeba Indian United Methodist Campground. The sanctuary is log with open walls and dirt floor strewn with cedar boughs. They have most recently been held during the first week of August at 7 p.m.. Consider joining us next year! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Remember Your First Love

   To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who hold the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I known your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
   Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and removed your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
   Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
                                                                                                                   Revelation 2:1-7 NIV

Bishop Frederic Baraga, missionary to the Ojibwa during the 1800's, often reminded the people to "remember their first love." In his vision, St. John was instructed to warn the church at Ephesus about their falling away from their first love, who is Jesus the Christ.

Whenever we put anything or anyone before our God, we are committing idolatry. God must always come first and everything else will fall into it's proper place. How often we neglect to put God first in our lives! It is so very disheartening to see those who profess to be Christians putting so many other things of this world before worship and service to God.

The message to the people of Ephesus there is both a warning (law) and a promise (good news). Jesus, in John's vision, commends the church for their hard work and perseverance; for the fact that they cannot tolerate wicked people; and have confronted those who claim to be apostles and are not. Even as they are being commended for their faithfulness in these areas; they and we are being warned against idolatry.

"Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." (vs 7)

May God help us to be victorious in keeping the Lord as our first love.

God's Peace - Pr. J