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Connecting people with God, each other and their mission in the world.
July 20
Connect
Do you remember back to the months before the end of the millennium-way back in 1999? That was just a little over seven and a half years ago. As time drew closer to year's end, the media was filled with the predictions of devastating systems failures, computer problems, and complex infrastructure shortcomings. Some experts envisioned massive gridlock and global disaster as vital systems shut down. Millions of dollars were invested in upgrading technology in the hope that disaster could be avoided. I remember attending a New Year's Eve service where many prayers for our welfare were shared as the clock ticked closer and closer to midnight. As it turned out in the end, we were all fine.
Consider:
- Think of a time when you or, someone you know, was filled with dread over a challenging situation or an event in the future. What were the concerns about? How did you or they handle them?
Grow
Parable of the Weeds of the Field
In Sunday's Gospel we heard the parable of the farmer who planted wheat seeds. During the night an enemy came and planted weeds among the healthy seeds. The farmer's servants were concerned about what would happen, and asked if they should pull up the weeds. But the farmer told them to allow both to grow together until the time of harvest. At that point the weeds would be picked first and thrown into the fire so that the harvest of the good wheat could proceed.
In explaining the parable to the disciples, Jesus told them that the farmer was the Son of Man and that the good seeds were his followers while the weeds were followers of the evil one.
Read:
Consider:
- Why did Jesus let the wheat and weeds grow up together?
- How does this approach relate to what is expected of us?
Good and Evil in the World
In Sunday's sermon Pastor Chris Nelson spoke about God's steadfastness in times of trouble. The lesson from Isaiah reminded us of a time when the Israelites had sunk into terrible circumstances, yet God never left them. He comforted them with his words, "Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it?" God was with them through all their troubles.
Pastor Chris challenged us to respond to God's enduring love. Our calling is to worship, to serve the people around us and to grow as disciples of Jesus. "In this process, God...transforms our lives for the better, and helps us to live the way we were created to live-God makes us wheat..."
Read:
Consider:
- How do Sunday's parable and the lesson from Isaiah help us to understand the existence of evil in the world?
- Where is God when we struggle with problems that make us so worried and filled with anxiety?
- What does he call upon us to do?
- How can we respond to God's will in our own lives?
Close
"I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee."
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
- Romans 8:14-17a ending with "heirs with Christ..."
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
