Subject: Embracing the Essence of Divine Teachings in Our Lives (03/18/'24) -Message

Subject: Embracing the Essence of Divine Teachings in Our Lives Dear Friends and Family, I hope this message finds you well and uplifted. Today, I felt moved to share with you some profound insights that have deeply touched my heart and prompted me to reflect on the essence of our spiritual journey together. In the Gospel of John, we find a stirring account where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, an act that transcends mere humility to reveal a profound lesson in servitude and unconditional love. This moment, encapsulated by Peter’s astonishment and Jesus’s gentle explanation, "You do not realize now what I'm doing, but later you will understand," invites us into a deeper understanding of leadership and service. Jesus demonstrates that true leadership is not about wielding power but about serving others with love and humility. He calls on us to wash one another's feet, urging us to live out this symbol of love and kindness in our daily lives. Furthermore, the scriptures challenge us to reconsider our notions of sacred spaces. The critique Jesus offers against the corruption within the temple, alongside His declaration to rebuild a temple not made by human hands, steers our focus from physical structures to the spiritual temples within each of us. This powerful imagery reminds us that divine communion is not confined to any building but is a living experience, rooted in our hearts and shared through our actions. These passages encourage us to see beyond the physical and embrace the spiritual essence of our being. We are called to be the living temples where the spirit of love and service flourishes. This realization empowers us to transform our interactions, our communities, and ultimately, our world into expressions of divine love. Let us take this message to heart and strive to embody these divine lessons in our lives. May we serve one another with humility, love unconditionally, and remember that we are the vessels of a divine presence that transcends all physical boundaries. With love and in service, Pastor Steven G. Lee (March 18, 2024)