Throughout time groups have gathered together to tell stories. Whether under a tree, around a fire or sitting at the kitchen table, stories have been told to share the important values and events in a family or tribe's history. Stories of joy and hope were told to inspire, and stories of dangers that could destroy were shared to protect and caution. The important values and messages contained in these stories came alive as they were told over and over again.
Consider:
- What kinds of stories do you have in your family?
- Why are stories so effective in conveying the messages that we want to pass on?
Grow
You've got a story to tell
During this five week sermon series we are asked to consider how our life stories help us to understand how God is at work in the world around us. Just as the parables told by Jesus helped his followers to comprehend what God called upon them to do, so too are we called upon to experience his presence in every challenge that we face-in our personal life stories.
Read:
- Matthew 27:21-29 [1]
Consider:
In this reading Jesus tells the parable of the man who built his house upon a rock. When the rains came and the storms raged all around him, his house held firm. By contrast, the man who built his house upon the sand saw it destroyed because it had no firm foundation. Jesus explained that everyone who heard his words and acted on them was like the wise man who built his house on the rock. Everyone who heard but did not act was like the man who built on sand.
- In telling this story, what was Jesus telling his followers?
- How do we relate this to our own lives?
- What are the storms that we face?
- What does Jesus call on us to do?
Passing on the Faith:
In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Mary Pechauer spoke of the storms that rage in our own lives and in the world around us. In facing these storms Jesus gives us the hope and the strength to endure if we place our trust in his unending love. In turn, we will be inspired to reach out to others. "How we choose to live our life is contagious..." If we place our trust in him we will want share his love in response to "God's incredible grace." Our lives will become the story that conveys God's message to others.
Read:
- Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28 [2]
- sermon [2]
Consider:
- Pastor Mary explained that "acting on Jesus' words is not a one time event. It is a way of life."
- How do we make this our way of life?
Close:
"O God, you are our rock, the source of all goodness and mercy. You provide the foundation of our lives. Ground us in your word and strengthen our resolve to be your disciples at work in the world, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen"
Words for the Week
Try this contemplative approach to reading scripture called lectio divina
Take a deep breath and find a little silence within yourself. Then:
Read the verse a few times with a listening heart filled with unhurried expectation.
Reflect on this question, "What are you saying to me in this verse today, God?"
Respond by talking to God about your real feelings, thoughts, questions, and doubts.
Rest by simply being with God who knows you and loves you.
Monday
- Matthew 7:24 [3]
Tuesday
- Hebrews 13:8 [4]
Wednesday
- Hebrews 10:24 [5]
Thursday
- Colossians 4:2-3 [6]
Friday
- Thess 1:2-3 [7]
Saturday
- 1 John 5:3 [8]