It is morning in Delphi, the site of the famous oracles of Delphi from antiquity that attempted to forecast the events for generals, diplomats, rulers and people throughout the Hellenistic world. As I view this beautiful landscape that attracted so many, I am struck by the difference in the desire to have our fortunes told and the prophetic word of God that speaks to our present condition and shapes our hearts and lives for the future. God does not promise us the knowledge to see every detail of an upcoming event or day but does promise us that we can depend on His faithfulness and presence. Whatever comes our way is not the fate that God has determined for us and we can stand in hope that God is in control and that His grace is sufficient for our needs.

Today, our pilgrimage has visited first Patmos and now have just arrived at Ephesus. In both of these cities, the first evangelists were tested when they shared their faith. John was a prisoner on Patmos when he received the revelation from God and composed the last book of the bible as the Spirit led him. Paul stayed in Ephesus longer than any other city and preached and taught for several years. While in Ephesus, he was threatened by the silversmiths who made their living selling idols of the goddess Artemis.

Both early church leaders found their path difficult and challenging but both remained faithful to God's calling on their lives. In face of hardship, they trusted God's faithfulness to sustain and equip them. They found that behind their problems, God had a purpose.

On this Sunday morning, as we worshiped beside the cave where St John composed the Book of Revelation during his imprisonment, we were reminded that God can still be trusted. Our only challenge is to remain open and receptive, letting God's spirit give us strength.

With the arrival of fall, school starts in full swing and life changes in our community and homes. The schedule suddenly becomes busier with activities, classes, homework and programs. All of it has a purpose; that is, that we grow and develop through the study and classwork, increasing our knowledge and understanding of the world around us.

As Christians, the same is true. God expects that we grow and mature as followers of Jesus. In order to become fully devoted followers of Christ, we must be learners. Do you remember how Jesus told his disciples in the Gospel of John that we are to love one another in the same manner that Jesus loved them. In other words, we need to know how Jesus lived, what his values were, how he depended on prayer, the way he treated the poor, needy and neglected, as well as other aspects of his life.

Hopefully, you realize the necessity of study and growth as a Christian and are engaged in learning, mission work, prayer and worship to mature as the person God created you to be. One way to develop is to read. Just as students in our schools and colleges are given reading lists to guide their study, it is helpful for you and me to design our own list to guide us. With that in mind, let me let you know what I have been reading recently.

Beginning with Jesus: Christ in Scripture, the Church and Discipleship by Joel Green
Giving: Unlocking the heart of Good Stewardship by John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson and Judson Poling
Paul: a Man of Grace and Grit by Charles Swindoll
Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels
Contrarian Leadership by Stephen Sample

Letting God talk to you in a book is a blessing and I hope that you can find the time to learn and grow as God will guide.

Storms come in many forms. The devastation and havoc of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still evident along the coast of the Mississippi gulf and the town of New Orleans. Just last week, while attending a meeting hosted by the Bishop's Task Force for Katrina relief, I witnessed that the reconstruction of the city and the coastline is slowly occurring, but lives are still effected daily by the incredible loss of homes, industry, hospitals, stores and infrastructure.

One way that God has been at work in the aftermath of that storm is through the United Methodist Church. Through UMCOR, our church's global relief team, nearly 70 million dollars has been raised to assist alleviating humanitarian needs. Thousands of Methodist volunteers and millions of dollars have also been raised to help rebuild churches and strengthen the ministries and staffs of local congregations on the coast. God is at work overcoming storms.

However, I was struck by one storm that is still brewing. For years, the Seashore Mission of the UMC has been meeting the needs of the homeless in the Biloxi and Gulfport area of Mississippi until it was totally swept away in the wave surge and wind of Katrina. Now, as the church endeavors to restore that ministry to the hundreds of homeless in the area, the city governments are becoming an obstacle. It seems that the authorities are pleased to welcome gambling casinos to their cities but not a ministry that reaches out to the poor, needy and destitute with the love of Christ.

As I listened to the report of the struggle to rebuild Seashore Mission, I remembered a story in the pages of the New Testament. Jesus calmed the storm one night on the Sea of Galilee as his disciples trembled in fear and uncertainty, afraid that the storm might prevail and that they might perish. God has a habit of calming storms. Is there something brewing in your heart or life that needs the calming touch of a loving God?