Redeemer Blue Ridge

We live in a harried, busy, distracted age. Always running from one thing to the next. This way of living impacts us, maybe even more than we realize. We have an inability to think clearly, to think long thoughts. We forget we are not omniscient multi-taskers.

It impacts us mentally and emotionally as well. No need to repeat the statistics on anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc. We were meant for real relationships, with real people, formed over time in the grittiness and joys of life.

This way of living also affects how we interact with others, not just face to face relationships, and not just online interactions, it also changes the way we see people.

No longer do we see church members as those we have joined with, and committed to hold accountable, encourage, to lovingly serve. Instead they become superficial relationships that can be disposed of when someone makes us mad or does something we don't agree with.

No longer are neighbors those we live beside, sharing meals, tools, or a glass of tea on the porch or deck. They become enemies that don’t keep their yard as nice as they should, or forgot to give a tool back for 6 months, or whose dog dug a hole in my yard.

We must not see our circumstances and relationships as bothersome annoyances to be gotten rid of in order to enjoy life. See them as real people, providentially placed in your life. See the opportunity to be used by God to be a testimony of the gospel as you serve.

It is hard to follow God when we are living a selfish life and not living a life of faithful obedience to Him when and where and with whom He has placed us. Chances are as you serve you will be grown in your faith as well.

Join us Sunday at 10AM to consider the words and actions of Jesus in Mark 10:46-52

It’s National Hotdog Day! We are selling 2 dogs, chips and a drink for $10! Here at Elmwood Park for the USAC Cycling championships all day! Please stop by Downtown Roanoke to see this awesome event and get you a rad dog! We have shaved ice and floats too!

Relationships can be like tea, hot, cold, sweat, instant or like a really good and true friendship, they can take a long while to steep.

Scripture has much to say on friendship. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." and in John 15:13 Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

These are just a couple of the many verses in the Bible on friendship and the message is clear. Friendship is a God-given gift, a reflection of His own unwavering faithfulness to us. We are called to be the kind of friends who are loyal to the end, ready to sacrifice, and speak the truth in love. When it gets down to it, in thick and thin, Jesus is the ultimate Friend. He is the One who sticks closer than a brother. Keep your eyes on Him. Let the Holy Spirit and the Bible work in your heart and mind and be the guide for how you treat your family, your church family, and the folks you walk with every day.

True and lasting friendship is likely born out over longer periods of time, like tea that needs to steep for hours in the hot sun to extract all the flavor and nutrients.

Good podcast. Lots to consider. Give it a listen and drop a reply to let me know your thoughts.

Can the Church Influence Local Politics? The Sword & The Trowel · Episode

🇺🇸 Help us celebrate America’s 250th Birthday! 🇺🇸
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🎉 When this post reaches 250 likes, everyone who has commented on this post can receive $2.50 OFF their order! That means you could get a specialty latte for just $3!

⭐️ Here’s how to participate:
• Like this post.
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• Share this post with your friends to help us reach 250 likes.
• Once the post reaches 250 likes, stop by Global Blend Café on or before July 4 and show the barista your comment to redeem your discount.

☕️Details:
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Let’s make this happen before the Fourth! Tag your friends, spread the word, and we’ll see you at Global Blend Café! ❤️🤍💙

Good morning! If you are looking for a church to visit join us at 10AM at the old Montvale School.

Walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith.