People who are ruled by their desires think only of themselves. Everyone who is ruled by the Holy Spirit thinks about spiritual things. Romans 8:5 CEV

I enjoy birdwatching. A great tool for birdwatching is a good pair of binoculars. At Glen Canyon in Page, I had the pleasure to lock in on a California Condor circling overhead. It was amazing, I was able to focus, and everything else was blocked out of view.

So often, we see only where our focus is.

The Apostle Paul writes that when our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we experience life and peace. This isn’t just about personal calm or inner strength (though that’s part of it); it’s also about what it means for us to be a church that thrives—not by our own effort, but because Christ lives in us.

In a world full of noise, distraction, and systems that pull us away from love and justice, Paul invites us to shift our focus. To live by the Spirit means letting go of fear and scarcity, and trusting in the power of resurrection already at work within and among us.

This Sunday in worship, we will continue with our preparation for our denominational general assembly by looking “Beyond Recognition.”  Romans 8:5–11 is a passage that reminds us what it means to truly live as people of the Spirit.

So, whether you’re feeling energized or exhausted, hopeful or uncertain, know this:
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is alive in you, it is alive in all of us. Together we will focus on our calling as a church to love like Jesus in Sun City and beyond.

I look forward to worshipping with you in person and YouTube as we open ourselves to the Spirit’s renewing work.

Brett