Shortly after I joined First Christian Church, Harvey related to me his story of a job transfer that took him and his wife, Wilda, to a town where there was no Disciples church. During their time there, they worshiped in and became members of a Presbyterian church. Although there were some similarities in the worship practices of the two denominations, Harvey most missed weekly communion. I understand his feeling because communion is one of the most meaningful parts of worship for me and I appreciate the opportunity to remember Christ’s sacrifice for us on a weekly basis instead of monthly or, in some cases, about six times per year. However, there is one aspect of traditional Presbyterian worship that I miss occasionally. I miss being asked to say what I believe, using one of the creeds, especially the Good NewsCreed based on 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. (To those who know my feelings about the Apostle Paul, yes, I know the definition of irony.)

In one of her devotionals a few weeks ago, Carol suggested that when the bad news gets overwhelming, take a break from it. I try to be a positive person, and because I want to maintain a positive attitude, there are days when I do take a break from the news. I don’t turn on the television, I read nothing in the newspaper except selected comics, and I ignore the pop-ups on my phone and computer because everything seems to be a repeat of nothing but bad news. I am reminded of the line in an Anne Murray song recorded in 1983, “Sure could use a little good news today.” Where is the good news?

Good news is around us if we look for it. A friend sent me a link to a weekly newsletter called “Good Stuff” and on Saturday mornings I receive an email about some good things that have happened and/or are happening. I find good news in our weekly worship services, our Sunday school class, the evening prayers, the devotionals, mid-week Bible study, interdenominational Bible study here at St. James Place, videos and opportunities through the Baton Rouge Interfaith Federation, smiles, kind words, and funny emails from family and friends. But, most of all, I find the Good News in God’s Word, the Bible, when I open it and read. Good news is available: look for it, find it, remember it, live it, and share it with others.

This is the good news which we received, in which we stand, and by which we are saved; that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day; and that He appeared to Mary, then to Peter, then to the twelve and to many faithful witnesses. We believe He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end. He is our Lord and our God. Amen.

Offered by Beverly Tipton

Our devotionals are sent by email on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, with an occasional lagniappe issue. Please look for these congregation devotionals in your email box at about 6:45 a.m. If you’d like to sign up to receive our mailings, please click here.