July 21, 2025
Good afternoon,
” Names for our God dreams, signs and wonders, —– song ”
sent from the past are what we need…” from ” What is this Place ” verse 2
” Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy. ” Acts 2:17-18
The text from Acts is from the sermon by Peter. It comes after the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This might be the first Christian message. Jesus was a prophet. He invited all people to be a different kind of community that has kindness, love and compassion. This would be part of the dreams, signs and wonders of a new community of faith. Peter quotes the prophet Joel here in the text.I had the lifelong dream about not finishing my final essay or exam , a few nights ago. It comes out of the blue, If I dId not finish the essay or take the test, I will not graduate. In the dream, I was really worried. As I woke up, I was still in fear. Everytime I have this dream, it is the same emotional fear right before I wake up. Did I really graduate ? Is my life going to be ruined ?I am sure the great psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud would break it down, and give me a possible answer. He might be able to tell me what my fear is about.And why this recurring dream is about finishing school. I have had other dreams, like not being prepared for the sermon on a Sunday, and church is about to start. My most memorable dreams seem to be around fear. No grand vision for me.
Dreams that are in the song and in Joel move towards the positive. What is good for the church and the body of Christ . We dream of things in this world getting better. The church should give us hope. But churches are closing in this generation, Here in our area, first it was Glen Allen Mennonite, then Riverdale Mennonite, and then Hawkesville Mennonite and now Bethel Mennonite. All during my time here as a pastor in Ontario. Are dreams being lost ? What shall we do ? What should our vision be now, and what is God showing to us ?
A vision of peace for Gaza and Palestine. AMEN.
Fred
black and white shadows
crush humanity’s freedom
am I complicit ?
MPL 2025
Ponder Anew 