1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

That verse paints a very vivid image in my mind. I can picture it as if in a movie. But we aren’t talking about a movie. We are talking about your life and my life. Satan is real, and unlike God, he doesn’t love you nor does he have your best interest in mind. So beware. He’s always lurking around, sneaking up on you when you are at your weakest, during your most vulnerable moments.

God knows that and he offers you help to resist the devil. We need to, “Be alert and of sober mind.” Be aware of Satan. Learn of the tools he uses, so you will know how best to fight back.

He uses depression, guilt, feeling of inadequacy, feelings of hopelessness, fear of failure, fatigue, illness, financial problems, and shame, just to name a few. He also uses feelings of self-righteousness, pride, and temporary happiness, again just to name a few.

Along with being alert and sober of mind, in verse 9 we are told to “Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”

There are many ways that help us stand firm in the faith. To begin, we need to be intentional. Go to church regularly, but don’t go only out of habit. We need to worship with others believers in Spirit and in truth. There really is strength in numbers.

Again, it’s about being intentional, being real. We also need to worship God at home. Read his word daily and spend time daily in prayer. God wants to be, and needs to be, a constant reality in our lives.

Deuteronomy 6 tells us to talk about our love for God when we sit in our homes, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise up. When we intentionally do that, our faith grows stronger and we can send Satan packing.

🙏Father, I love you and I want to live according to your will. I want to stay focused on you so Satan doesn’t stand a chance of getting my attention. Thank you for the gift of your Spirit to help me discern right from wrong and to choose what is right even when the wrong seems enticing. Thank you for walking with me and helping me up when I stumble. I praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen. 🙏

Ephesians 4:1-2 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

Paul was often imprisoned because he wouldn’t stop sharing the gospel when they had a gag order on him. He didn’t call himself a prisoner of the state, but rather a prisoner of the Lord.

In Chapters 1-3, Paul tells us what God has done for us, freely by His grace. Now Paul is calling us to live rightly, to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

The word 'vocation' comes from the Latin word that means 'calling'. For the Christian a vocation is not just something that God calls us to do, it is also the person God calls us to be.

I truly believe God called me to be a teacher, but that’s not all. He called me to be a Christian teacher. (That’s not the same as being a teacher in a Christian school.) He called me to teach humbly, (with all lowliness and meekness), with patience, (long-suffering), forbearing one another in love; I like the wording in THE MESSAGE. “And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.”

This is what our vocation should be regardless of our job title. If you are an engineer or a waitress, a doctor or a truck driver, a custodian or a musician, do so as you walk in the spirit. No matter how you earn a living, live with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love.

🙏Father, you are so awesome. Thank you for your love and presence with me throughout my day. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to nurture and guide me to be able to respond to your call in my life. Wherever your Spirit leads me today, help me to be fully awake and ready to respond with love and humility. Help me to be patient and to uplift others along the way. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 🙏

3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

When I first read this I thought of my own children. I thought how much joy it brings me for them to know the Lord and to walk with him. I thought of a grandson who has recently come to know the Lord and it fills my heart with joy.

Luke 15:10 tells us, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

The writer of this Book, however, was referring to individuals who had accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. He is calling them his children. He had been told how they were walking in truth. He was filled with joy to get that news.

Walking in truth means they were living according to the teachings of Christ. They didn’t just say they were believers, they lived a life of truth. They loved one another and saw to each other’s needs. They lived with integrity and they showed love and honor to God.

To walk in truth is to walk in the Spirit, who is truth (1 John 5:6). The Holy Spirit teaches us all truth. As we “live by the Spirit,” we are changed from the inside out. Our behavior reflects that transformation in every part of our lives.

Let’s rejoice with one another daily as we walk together in truth. Let us share the good news of the gospel, rejoicing as others join us on our walk.

🙏Father, you fill me with love and joy as you walk daily with me. I ask your Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth that I may keep in better step with you. It is my desire to always walk in your truth in all areas of my life. Wherever your Spirit guides me today, may I be fully awake and ready to respond in love. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen 🙏

Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Welcoming & Affirming Congregation: Indianapolis, Indiana!

Hello Harmony members and supporters -

More good news from Harmony! There is another affirming congregation in the world!

The Indianapolis Community of Christ Congregation, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA, is the newest Welcoming and Affirming member congregation in Community of Christ! The congregation successfully completed Harmony's Welcoming & Affirming Program in late December with a formal business meeting vote. ​On behalf of the Harmony Board of Directors, we wish to extend our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated members of the Indianapolis Congregation for prioritizing this holy work. May your ministry be blessed!

Please join us in congratulating the Indianapolis Congregation for their commitment to inclusion in our beloved denomination. Consider connecting with them via email (info@cofchristindy.org) to share any words of encouragement and gratitude. You may also consider making a donation directly to their congregation for their dedication to this holy work.

We are encouraged by the growing number of congregations participating in our Welcoming & Affirming Program, and we look forward to sharing more good news like this! Indianapolis joins a growing list of Welcoming & Affirming Congregations - click here to view the Affirming Ministries Map on our website.

With excitement and hope,

Your Harmony Board of Directors VIEW OUR AFFIRMING MINISTRIES MAP BECOME A MEMBER DONATE TO HARMONY Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Copyright © 2025 Harmony (formerly GALA), All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a member or friend of Harmony (formerly GALA) who has opted in via our website or at a Harmony event.

Our mailing address is: Harmony (formerly GALA) PO Box 16973 Kansas City, MO 64133-0673

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Some people just can’t seem to get enough of Graceland University, and that’s because it is a safe place to explore who you are and who you want to become. Andrew Wolsey, the guest for this episode of Coffee in the Swarm is about to finish up six years at Graceland … four years as an undergrad student, and two years as a graduate assistant in Campus Ministries. Join Andrew and hosts, Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman as they chat about the journey so far, and what’s still ahead. 

Episode 801: https://www.projectzionpodcast.org/podcast/801-coffee-in-the-swarm-andrew-wolsey-returns/

Andrew first sat down for an episode of Coffee in the Swarm (Episode ES82) in October of 2020. Listen to that episode here.

The term "saint" carries varied meanings across Christian traditions, from martyrs and miracle workers formally canonized by the Catholic Church to ordinary believers living holy lives in Protestant contexts. But where did the idea of saints originate, and how has it evolved? Saints are not unique to Christianity—Jewish traditions celebrate tzaddikim (righteous ones), Greco-Roman cultures honored heroic figures, and Buddhism envisions Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who guide others on the spiritual path.

John Hamer of Toronto Centre Place will explore the concept of sainthood in Christian tradition, its relationship to these broader religious and cultural frameworks, and its enduring significance in the modern world. In this lecture, we’ll consider what it means to be a saint and how these figures continue to inspire faith and devotion across cultures.

Join the live stream on today, 1/28/2025 at 7 pm EST to participate in the discussion and to ask questions to our lecturer during the Q&A.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQkihLYg0Pk

Join us to explore topics of faith from an academic perspective. Our visually engaging lectures cover history, theology, philosophy, mythology, archaeology, and more, making complex subjects accessible and enjoyable. John Hamer, a map maker, historian, and pastor of the Community of Christ Toronto congregation, leads our discussions. This LGBTQ+ affirming, non-dogmatic, interfaith community welcomes members and participants worldwide

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

It sounds so easy, and it is, but sometimes we make it seem hard.

I truly believed that I had sinned and needed to be forgiven. But I also felt that I am the one who made those choices. Therefore, the consequences were mine to suffer.

I knew God called us to repent. I certainly had done that. I was definitely sorry for my choices. I had totally failed. I shed many tears, yet I still felt guilty. I shouldn’t feel guilty if God forgave me, right?

Satan uses guilt as one of his powerful tools. As long as he can make us feel guilty, then we don’t feel the freedom God is blessing us with. You see, with forgiveness comes freedom. We are free from guilt, free from our past mistakes, free to move forward on the right path with the help of the Holy Spirit.

John 8:31-32 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

That’s what I had to do. I had to live in his word. I spent time reading scripture and praying. I realized I had a choice to make. I could choose to believe what I read and accept God’s forgiveness or I could choose to accept the guilt and shame Satan had thrown at me.

I’m so glad I made the right choice. I know the truth and I am free. What will you choose?

🙏Father, thank you for your love and your forgiveness so freely given. Help me to offer that freedom to others. Rather than judging someone in their guilt, help me to forgive them as you forgave me. Help me to offer them freedom instead of guilt. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen 🙏

To our members and supporters -

Thank you to all those who participated in the governance of our organization by casting their vote in the 2024/2025 board election. We are pleased to share that the slate of candidates put forward by the Nominations Committee after their search was overwhelmingly approved and supported by the Harmony membership.

The 2025 Harmony Board of Directors is as follows: President: Molly Wilkins (she/her/hers) Vice President: Sean Langdon (he/him/his) Treasurer: Shelby Williams (she/her/hers) Secretary: Julia Brookshaw (she/her/hers) Congregation Support Coordinator: Andy Markle (he/him/his) Chaplain (appointed): Gayle Humphrey (she/her/hers) We are so grateful to the candidates who put their names forward and who will soon be stepping into leadership roles. Additionally, we want to thank the outgoing board members for their tireless efforts and passion for inclusion.

If you haven't yet, stop by our website to get to know our new board members! You can do so here.

Questions? Contact us at info@harmony.lgbt. In service,

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Our mailing address is: Harmony (formerly GALA) PO Box 16973 Kansas City, MO 64133-0673

Mark 1:35 “Jesus got up early in the morning, left the house, and went to a solitary place to pray.”

In numerous places in the Bible it mentions Jesus going off to be alone to pray.

We know from scriptures that Jesus prayed seeking guidance from his Father. He expressed his dependence on God, and asked for strength to fulfill his mission.

In the Garden of Gethsemane he prayed about the upcoming crucifixion. He took his anxieties and concerns to God, expressing his human emotions and vulnerability. He asked God to take this cup from him, but followed that with his willingness to do God’s will. He asked for strength and courage to face what lay ahead.

In seeking God’s will, Jesus asked for direction and clarity on how to proceed in his ministry.

We sometimes forget that while Jesus is God, he had chosen to also become human for a brief period in the universe of time. As a human, he had human concerns. His body had human tiredness. His emotions were real. He grieved the death of his friend. He needed his Heavenly Father.

Jesus didn’t only go to God out of need. He also expressed praise and thanksgiving to God. He expressed his love for God.

All these times spent alone with God gave him everything he needed to do the task before him daily. Big or small, he was equipped because of his time spent with God and because of his total trust in God and his never dying love for you and me.

We also have a Heavenly Father who seeks to bless us. He seeks alone time with us so we can be stronger, wiser, and more courageous. He won’t force it upon us, but he will use every opportunity to draw us to him.

If Jesus, the son of God, needed alone time with his Heavenly Father, then I figure I really need to consider setting aside a lot of time to spend alone with God.

Don’t wait until something bad happens in your life to draw you to God. Go to him now. Leave the world and its problems and rejoice in the arms of God as you go off alone to pray.

🙏 Father, thank you for your love, your guidance, your strength, your forgiveness, and so much more. You are awesome. You have carried me through rough times and rejoiced with me in times of celebration. I thank you and praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen. 🙏

Corinthians 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.”

Not of ourselves… when anyone shares God with another person, it should never be for some sort of personal gratification. No minister behind the pulpit should be performing before an audience.

Ordained and unordained followers of Jesus Christ are called to share him with others. But our sharing is to bring honor and glory to our Lord.

That means we listen as we share. I say that because there was a time I poured my heart out to a minister when I was hurting badly. He asked me if I knew what it was like to feel the Spirit of God in my life. I told him yes I did. He continued by stating, “If you only knew what it was like.”

Another time, another place, I found myself once again pouring my heart out to a minister. He counseled with me and prayed with me. I felt he really heard me and cared. He held God up & gave wise counsel.

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.”

🙏Father, thank you for you love in my life. Thank you your servants who have lifted you up and helped to bring healing in my life. Wherever your Spirit leads me today, help me to be fully awake and ready to respond in love. Grant me courage to step out in faith and share your love and peace while bringing honor and glory to you alone. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 🙏

Matthew 5:8 “And blessed are all they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.”

When I think of hungering and thirsting, I want something that will not only fill me, but will also satisfy me. I want to enjoy what I’m taking into my mouth and my body. I want it to nourish me, make me stronger and healthier. But I don’t always eat and drink the right food and beverages to accomplish what I say I want.

Since you’re reading this, I am going to assume that you are seeking a right relationship with God. I believe we are all seeking righteousness. None of us have achieved total righteousness, so we need to be a little more hungry and thirsty for it.

John 15 says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”

So to be righteous we need to live in Jesus and he lives in us. As we daily invite God’s spirit into our lives, we can begin to envision what righteousness looks like.

Righteousness starts in the heart and changes a person from the inside out. It doesn’t need to be seen by others. We need to do what’s right simply because it’s the right thing to do. Don’t do it because people will see, but also don’t NOT do it because people will be watching. Just set a good example by doing the right thing no matter who may or may not see you.

My mom was living with us. One day I was sitting at the table working on something for the youth ministry. She was going to do the dishes, but was having a lot of arthritis pain. She said she was going to lay down and I should leave the dishes and she’d do them later. I told her not to worry about the dishes. She went to her room and in just a few minutes she was back in the kitchen doing the dishes. I told her to go lay down. She said, “I didn’t lay down. I went in my room and prayed. I can’t do what you’re doing, but I can do the dishes.”

My mom taught me a lot that day. She taught me about faith. She taught me righteousness causes us to seek God's will.

We need to take action. Appetites are not satisfied until you do something about it. If we are not hungering and thirsting after God, then like any loss of appetite, we are spiritually sick. We need the daily nutrition that comes only through a relationship with Jesus. We need to live it and let his love and joy shine through everything we do.

🙏Father, thank you for loving me and wanting me to be in a right relationship with you. Wherever your Spirit leads me today, help me be fully awake and ready to respond in love. Grant me courage to step out in faith, to do the right thing when the wrong thing seems easier. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen 🙏