Daily Scripture: Matthew 13:3 He told them many things in parables:
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he sowed, some seed fell alongside the path; and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Other seed fell on rocky patches where there was not much soil. It sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow; 6 but when the sun had risen, the young plants were scorched; and since their roots were not deep, they dried up. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 But others fell into rich soil and produced grain, a hundred or sixty or thirty times as much as had been sown. 9 Those who have ears, let them hear!”
23 However, what was sown on rich soil is the one who hears the message and understands it; such a person will surely bear fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Reflection Question:Farmers grew crops on most of the hillsides around the Sea of Galilee. It's likely that Jesus could have pointed to a farmer out broad-casting seed as he told this story. Our choices determine what kind of "soil" we become. Over the last almost 25 years, God's seed has found good soil in many hearts at Resurrection. Pastor Hamilton is visiting and reporting on the harvest resulting from the good seed that Resurrection, in turn, has sown in Malawi.
- Scholar N. T. Wright wrote, "Christianity isn't about cosy little lessons to make us feel better. It's about what God's doing in the world….there is the promise of seed that really does bear fruit. This takes time, and sometimes hard work. A quick glance at the scriptures, an occasional sitting in church or a study group and being entertained by some new idea, is probably not enough. Care and thought needs to be put in to the task of hearing the word of the kingdom until it has taken proper root….the promise is this: that we will become kingdom-people, bearing fruit in our own right." What feelings and thoughts do you have as you realize how seemingly small offerings and actions have made life better in Malawi? In what ways is your life bearing a good harvest?
Pastor Adam is in Africa teaching, preaching, learning and extending the love of Jesus to others! He is also seeing the many ways the Church of the Resurrection has been helping the people of Africa. Print off a map of Africa from the Internet and find Malawi and Zimbabwe. Research some facts about those areas including average income, number of people, greatest needs and faith backgrounds. On www.cor.org/malawi, see how Resurrection is building relationships and serving people in Malawi. As a family, discuss how you can help those in need in Africa. Can you commit to pray for them or collect change and give it to a specific offering? You might even discuss serving on a mission trip to Africa one day! Pray and ask God to bless Pastor Adam and his team and all the people they serve.
Today's Prayer:
Loving God, I want the "seed" of your kingdom to grow strongly and bountifully in my heart. And I want to sow seeds of love and caring all around me in your name. Make me good soil, and an effective sower. Amen.Insight from Jane Fowler
Jane Fowler serves as Group Life Program Director at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. In that capacity, she encourages our congregation to be a part of the Journey of Knowing, Loving and Serving God and others by being in authentic community and growing in your love and knowledge of Christ.
In the summer of 2013, my family had the privilege of hosting Chris Hamera in our home. Chris lives in Malawi and was in the United States for a year completing an internship for his degree in finance from Africa University. The timing was perfect because my two college-age kids were also living at home that summer. Other than having to explain a few of our American sayings to Chris, (“Put it on the list” meaning “ask God when you get to heaven”) the transition of welcoming him into our family was easy and immediate. Chris’s warm smile, his love of music and his deep faith draws you to him. Chris quickly adopted our love of sitting on the screened porch whether it was quiet early mornings or late nights filled with music and friends. We all watered each other’s seeds of trust and hope that summer, but it was mostly Chris who kept our seeds moist. My husband was seeking meaningful employment, both kids were discerning their futures post college and Chris did not know if he could find employment back in Malawi after graduation. Conversations continued with no real answers, but Chris’ consistent answer was “God is good” and “God’s timing is best”. We focused on the simple things that summer and introduced Chris to friends, extended family, the lake, fishing and the freedom you feel while riding in a boat. Chris often wore a t-shirt that said, “Beloved” and ended most of his conversations with “be blessed”. The soil of Chris’ heart is warm, fertile and filled with the nutrients from God’s Word and he is sowing seeds here in America as well as Malawi. Chris is a tremendous blessing to our family and we thank God for him. One of my favorite Henri Nouwen quotes is, “The secret to loving is living loved.” Chris is living loved.
In the summer of 2013, my family had the privilege of hosting Chris Hamera in our home. Chris lives in Malawi and was in the United States for a year completing an internship for his degree in finance from Africa University. The timing was perfect because my two college-age kids were also living at home that summer. Other than having to explain a few of our American sayings to Chris, (“Put it on the list” meaning “ask God when you get to heaven”) the transition of welcoming him into our family was easy and immediate. Chris’s warm smile, his love of music and his deep faith draws you to him. Chris quickly adopted our love of sitting on the screened porch whether it was quiet early mornings or late nights filled with music and friends. We all watered each other’s seeds of trust and hope that summer, but it was mostly Chris who kept our seeds moist. My husband was seeking meaningful employment, both kids were discerning their futures post college and Chris did not know if he could find employment back in Malawi after graduation. Conversations continued with no real answers, but Chris’ consistent answer was “God is good” and “God’s timing is best”. We focused on the simple things that summer and introduced Chris to friends, extended family, the lake, fishing and the freedom you feel while riding in a boat. Chris often wore a t-shirt that said, “Beloved” and ended most of his conversations with “be blessed”. The soil of Chris’ heart is warm, fertile and filled with the nutrients from God’s Word and he is sowing seeds here in America as well as Malawi. Chris is a tremendous blessing to our family and we thank God for him. One of my favorite Henri Nouwen quotes is, “The secret to loving is living loved.” Chris is living loved.
Church of the Resurrection
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224 United States
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