January

“You groped your way through that murk once (Today’s NIV uses “darkness” rather than “murk”), but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true – these are the actions ap-propriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ (in the new year), and then do it.” (Ephesians 5:8-10 from The Message) 

Dear Holy Comforter friends, 

In 2006 I remember stumbling around in the dark a bit. A few days before Thanksgiving of that year, I woke up and realized that I couldn’t see clearly out of my left eye. It was as if I had a veil over most of the eye. A few days after that I had eye surgery to repair a torn retina (it was torn in several places) and a detached macula. The 9 days of looking down was no fun. The retinal surgeon told me then that I would begin to develop a cataract forming within a few years. He was correct and 7 years later, on November 13 of this year, I had the cataract removed and new lens put in. Wow! What a difference a surgery makes! Thank you, Lord Jesus! 

Physical sight is something many of us take for granted. So is Spiritual sight. As if it will always be there without assisting God’s Spirit. Here is a little “warning” I discov-ered a few years ago – not for loosing our Spiritual sight in this new year, but in fact for allowing God’s Spirit to increase our Spiritual sight for the year. 

12 Warning Signs of Spiritual Sight & Health for 2014 

Be careful! If you begin to experience any or all of the following warning signs in the New Year, you may find that you are growing closer to Jesus and receiving great-er Spiritual sight! 

1. Persistent presence of supportive friends. (Proverbs 17:17) 

2. Chronic positive expectations – a tendency to frame events in a positive light. (Philippians 4:4) 

3. Regular signs of JOY in living. (John 15:11) 

4. Sense of Spiritual renewal in Jesus. (Romans 12:1-2) 

5. Increased sensitivity to others. (Matthew 22:39) 

6. A tendency to adapt to changing conditions. (Philippians 4:12) 

7. Increased appetite for physical activity. (1 Timothy 4:8) 

8. Tendency to identify and communicate feelings. (Ephesians 4:32) 

9. Repeated episodes of gratitude and generosity. (Proverbs 11:25) 

10. Compulsion to care for other people. (Colossians 3:12) 

11. Persistent sense of humor. Known to laugh out loud. (Psalm 126:2) 

12. A life centered in the forgiveness of Jesus. (Ephesians 1:7) 


If you think that you have some of these “symptoms,” I just may have some “cures.” 

 The Purpose Driven Life – it has been out for many years and perhaps many of you have read this discipleship study by Rick Warren that helps answer the question, “What on earth am I here for?” Or there are many great Spiritual studies – Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, is a wonderful daily devotional. 

 Via de Cristo – “The Way of Christ” – Liz and I have been involved in these Spiritual renewal weekends for 30+ years. Several HolyC folks attended weekends this fall. I’d love to share more about them. Please ask me or others about a Via de Cristo renewal weekend! 

 TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) – For high youth AND adults. Give yourself a gift of grace and attend one – have your Spiritual sight wonderfully “adjusted” by testi-monies of grace given my high school youth! 



Marriage Encounter Weekend – Liz and I have attend-ed two of these, the first in 1976. Please ask us about it! 

I’m sure there are a plethora of other possibilities. These are just a few suggestions to help “care for your symp-toms!” May your Spiritual sight and health in 2014 be filled with much hope, joy, peace & love! 

God’s blessings upon you all – what a joy to have minis-tered alongside you over the past year! 

Pastor John