Welcome to “The Wild Goose Chase!” The Celtic Christians called the Holy Spirit “The Wild Goose” because it was untamed and smarter than any other bird. Together, perhaps, we can search for where the Spirit leads and guides us as we do the will and work of God!

Dear Sisters and Brothers: Psalm 46 says; “Be still and know that I am God, supreme among the nations, supreme over the world.”

There is a cross-mounted in a secluded place at each of the United Methodist Camps in Oklahoma. You have to want to stand in front of each one in order to get to those crosses. When I first became a Minister I had the opportunity to serve at Canyon Camp for the Teen Youth Camp.

I remember the hike and climb to reach the top of the mount on which the cross at Canyon stands. It overlooks the camp, illuminated at night to shine above us as we move through the evening hours and eventually lay our heads down to sleep. I remember looking with awe at that cross and suddenly being aware of the power, the grace and sacrifice that it took to make that cross a symbol of hope, love and freedom for you and me. As I stood there in silence, I realized that God was again speaking to me, lifting me, and loving me. And so it always is when we encounter the wondrous cross of Jesus.

It is not easy to be still and quiet living in our world. Our world seems to almost demand that a person make some noise and maybe even enjoy that noise. But that is exactly what we are called to do during our prayer times, during the difficult times of life when we really, really need some help from God.

Be still!

 “Be still and know that I am God!” as the Psalm says. Be still and consider what God wants you to do to grow in spirit and discipleship. Be still and let God guide you so that you will continue to grow with every encounter in Jesus’ name. Be still as each new Christ-filled person taps into the love and power of God and is healed. Be still and consider the amazing love of Jesus Christ. Be still and think about God’s awesome plan for Jesus to give his life so that you and I might live forever!

You cannot just give passing thought to magnificent truths such as are made evident in the Passion of Jesus and His resurrection on Easter morning. You cannot blow past them on your way to yet another meeting, yet another task, on your way to work or school. You cannot just keep doing life as it has always been done if you are confronted with the Cross of Christ!

To comprehend the full impact of God’s love for you … you must be still and listen to what God has for you!

I invite you to find a time in each day when you can be still and quiet, without interruption and think about God’s love for you and for your neighbor.

Remember, God loves you and so do I, and all you can do about it is to love back.

Still In One Peace,

Stephen