"Belle: He's no monster Gaston. You are!"
Wednesday, 26 July 2017
John 3:17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved. 18 Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.
19 “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. 20 For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. 21 But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”
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Ironically, in the movie the Beast’s ugly exterior concealed a man yearning to be free from his curse, while Gaston’s handsome face hid a truly monstrous, hate-filled soul. Jesus' striking words to the Hebrew leader Nicodemus (which followed the famous John 3:16 passage) said that God does not arbitrarily judge human beings. Rather, like Gaston, we condemn ourselves as our choices show that we love darkness more than light.
• What sources (from parents and other childhood teachers to popular films or books) have tended to give you a picture of God as scrutinizing every little thing you do, looking for something wrong to condemn? How can Jesus description of his life purpose in verse 17 reshape some of those mental images you may carry about how God looks at you? How can it reshape the way you relate to others you think may be on a wrong life course?
• Have you ever known someone who “loved darkness more than the light,” who feared having their actions exposed to the light? Have those words ever applied to any part of your inner life? In what ways does verse 21 invite you to remain open to God’s light, even when it may alter your wishes or comfort level?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, be the light in my life, showing me where I need to grow, and shining out from me to uplift and encourage others. Amen.
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Kari Burgess
Kari's responsibilities on the ShareChurch team include marketing, guest registration and service, and coordinating hospitality volunteers for the conferences we host at Resurrection.
She enjoys running and hiking and loves being a cheerleader for her girls at all of their sporting, music and school events.
She considers it a joy to serve in ministry at Resurrection, using her gifts and skills gained in the corporate world toward the purpose of renewing God's church.
The character of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast is one which can be found throughout literature, film and TV. The villain masked as the good guy. What you see on the outside--good looks, strength, charisma--is not a reflection of his real intentions or his dark heart.
Here are a few examples from film and TV I came up with: Charming from the Shrek film series, who tries to win Fiona’s attention with his obvious charm and good looks, but has evil intentions. And Fiona has already fallen in love with a misunderstood ogre (quite the parallel to Beauty and the Beast!). Then there is Scar from The Lion King who comforts his nephew when his father dies, yet Scar was the one responsible for his father’s death. And remember Eddie Haskell from Leave It to Beaver? He was always so charming and said the right things to Mrs. Cleaver but then always had some sort of plan of mischief or an unkind word for The Beaver.
I’m pretty certain this is a common pattern in superhero stories as well, but I must admit I am not a follower of these films and have no examples for you (can you tell I’m a mom of girls?)! I did find this poignant quote this morning from Captain Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation: “Villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged.”
What parallels can we make between these cloaked villain characters and ourselves? These characters all wore a mask of sorts, concealing their true character and displaying an artificial air of perfection. I think most of us can say we do this to some degree. Sometimes it is a physical mask, like make-up, hair and the perfect outfit. Sometimes it can be it can be the “I’m fine” answer to the innocent question of “How are you?” Or the scurry to pick up the house before a guest stops by.
Think about social media, where users usually post only the most favorable photos and stories from their lives. On social media, we only see the “put together” version of people: a flattering profile pic which was one of dozens, photos of the perfect children, the perfect spouse, with the perfect home and the perfect career. Social media can be a mask of sorts, where we display only what we want other people to see and know about us and conceal the broken, more unflattering parts of our lives. Perhaps we aren’t a typical “villain” like Gaston or some of these other characters, but we do conceal from others the darker parts of ourselves and our lives which we don’t want others to see.
But the truth is, no matter how much we may conceal things from others and hide in the darkness, God sees us as we truly are. All the brokenness, hurt, fear and unflattering parts of our persona are seen by our God who, despite our flaws, loves us deeply. God sees past the pretty exterior to our true hearts. Christ came into this world as light, exposing sin, redeeming from sin and calling us forth to live in the light. We do not need to fear the dark parts of our persona, but rather confess them and leave them at the feet of Jesus. And then we are called to turn toward the light, working to live a more authentic life each and every day. Peeling back the masks we wear, pushing back the darkness and living as a beacon of light in the world.
Dear God, Help me be authentic and real today. Shine your light through me, so all who I encounter can know and feel your love for them. May “the real me” do all the good I can, in all the ways I can, in all the places I can, and do all of this for your glory. Amen.
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"Mrs. Potts to the Beast: 'Must help her to see past all that'”
Thursday, 27 July 2017
Acts 26:9-19
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At one point the Beast sadly said, “It's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm…well, look at me!” And Mrs. Potts replied, hopefully, ““Must help her to see past all that.” As the apostle Paul described his spiritual journey to King Agrippa, he painted a similar picture. When he looked at Jesus and his followers, at first he saw only a terrible threat to the faith heritage that he treasured. But then Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, and Paul “saw past all that” to the glory of the Savior. He accepted Jesus' call on his life, and never looked back.
• Paul seemed to make a full 180 degree turn, from persecuting Christians to planting churches. He began using his Roman name Paul rather than the Hebrew name Saul. But at his core, Paul didn’t actually change. He kept following the God of Israel with all-out zeal the whole time. It was just that now God had showed him the right way to serve! What is most central in shaping your life—your vision or God’s vision?
• Paul was defending himself to the Roman authorities, facing the threat of imprisonment, even death. As a 21st century American, you are unlikely to face imprisonment or death for following God’s vision. But that doesn’t mean obeying the heavenly vision is always easy. Sometimes you may need to “see past all that” to grasp the goodness of God’s calling. In what ways has following God’s vision for your life been challenging? Are you willing to obey God’s call on you, no matter what?
Prayer: Almighty God, thank you that you have a heavenly vision for my life, and for the world around me. Help me to have the faith and courage to obey that vision. Amen.
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"Lumiere: What if she is ‘the one’ who will break the spell?"
Friday, 28 July 2017
2 Corinthians 5:14-20
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When Belle came to the castle, the servants (cursed to be a candlestick, mantle clock and teapot) could only wonder if she might be “the one” who would break the spell. After meeting Jesus, the apostle Paul had no doubt Jesus was “the one” who could set the human family free from our self-imposed alienation from God. The good news, he said, is that God loves us, has always wanted to reconcile us, and acted in Christ to bring that about. As we become a “new creation” in Christ, God makes it our mission to invite others to “be reconciled to God.”
• Most Roman, Greek and Canaanite religions offered gifts and sacrifices to try to reconcile their angry, displeased god or gods to them. But Paul said that was backward. We were the alienated ones. God came in Jesus to draw us back into the circle of heaven’s love. Are you reconciled with God? Are you open for God to work through you to reconcile others– sharing the good news of freedom in Christ?
• What historical event or person seems to you to present the most vivid picture of God’s reconciling work in the world? In what ways did God work through that person or event to bring about reconciliation and wholeness? In your own life, when have you seen anger and pain changed for the better as reconciliation takes place?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks to you I experience more restored harmony in my life and relationships. Help me share your message of reconciliation with a friend, neighbor, or loved one today. Amen.
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"Beast: You came back. Belle: Don't leave me. I love you."
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Romans 12:1-3, 9-21
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In Beauty and the Beast, the Beast demonstrated love for Belle first by letting her go from the castle to rescue her father. Then Belle expressed her love for the Beast in the nick of time, and all ended well. The apostle Paul had never been to Rome when he wrote this letter. But many of his friends had (cf. Romans 16), and he knew that Christians there, as in every other church he worked with, faced many real-life tensions and challenges. He offered powerful, practical wisdom to guide, not only the Roman Christians but Christ-followers through the centuries, in how to transform from “beasts” to people of love, living lives that can defeat evil with good.
• We sometimes live a sort of “news magazine” life: we treat “Religion” as a section of life separate from “Business,” “Entertainment,” and the like. How would the transforming of your mind Paul envisioned affect business dealings? Political behavior? Activities like sports or movie-going? Paul wrote in verse 9, “Love should be shown without pretending.” Have you ever been in a setting (maybe even a church) where everyone pretended to love one another, while whispered conversations were full of criticism and backbiting? What makes honest love (which includes dealing honestly with issues that arise) so vital to spiritual health and transformation?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want my life to count for good, to make this world a better place. Plant the principles Paul taught in my heart. Help me not just read them but enthusiastically live them every day. Amen.
Family Activity: God designed the world to change. Think of the four seasons: bulbs bursting forth as flowers, tadpoles turning to frogs, rain and snow falling, caterpillars becoming butterflies and temperatures shooting upward and downward almost daily. God designed people to change, too, and Jesus can change our lives anytime, anywhere. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. As a family, discuss how Jesus makes a difference in your individual lives. Are you more loving, forgiving and kind? Are you more patient and gentle? Identify some ways you need to grow and change. How can you grow to become more like Jesus? Create a family mural by drawing “before and after” pictures of changes in yourselves, your family and the world God created. Celebrate and give thanks for the change Jesus makes in your lives and in the world!
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You might also like
Blockade Runner Pilot: “What is it that they've sent us?” Princess Leia: “Hope.”
Jyn Erso: “They call it the Death Star. But they have no idea... there's a way to defeat it.”
Cassian Andor: “I couldn't face myself if I gave up now... None of us could.”
Jyn Erso: “I'm not used to people sticking around when things go bad.”
Galen Erso: “You're confusing peace with terror.”
Or download this week's printable GPS.
-------
Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
• J.R. Smith and family on the death of his wife Carol Smith, 7/18
• Joan Stultz and family on the death of her husband Bill Stultz, 7/17
• Friends and family of Teresa Copling on her death, 7/1
• Carol Lovett and family on the death of her mother Faith DeBonis, 6/28
• Kate Tilden and family on the death of her father John Peterson, 6/8
• Melody Pedersen and family on the death of her son Dean “Skip” Ellingsen, 4/21
John 3:17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved. 18 Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.
19 “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. 20 For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. 21 But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”
-------
Ironically, in the movie the Beast’s ugly exterior concealed a man yearning to be free from his curse, while Gaston’s handsome face hid a truly monstrous, hate-filled soul. Jesus' striking words to the Hebrew leader Nicodemus (which followed the famous John 3:16 passage) said that God does not arbitrarily judge human beings. Rather, like Gaston, we condemn ourselves as our choices show that we love darkness more than light.
• What sources (from parents and other childhood teachers to popular films or books) have tended to give you a picture of God as scrutinizing every little thing you do, looking for something wrong to condemn? How can Jesus description of his life purpose in verse 17 reshape some of those mental images you may carry about how God looks at you? How can it reshape the way you relate to others you think may be on a wrong life course?
• Have you ever known someone who “loved darkness more than the light,” who feared having their actions exposed to the light? Have those words ever applied to any part of your inner life? In what ways does verse 21 invite you to remain open to God’s light, even when it may alter your wishes or comfort level?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, be the light in my life, showing me where I need to grow, and shining out from me to uplift and encourage others. Amen.
-------
Kari BurgessKari's responsibilities on the ShareChurch team include marketing, guest registration and service, and coordinating hospitality volunteers for the conferences we host at Resurrection.
She enjoys running and hiking and loves being a cheerleader for her girls at all of their sporting, music and school events.
She considers it a joy to serve in ministry at Resurrection, using her gifts and skills gained in the corporate world toward the purpose of renewing God's church.
The character of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast is one which can be found throughout literature, film and TV. The villain masked as the good guy. What you see on the outside--good looks, strength, charisma--is not a reflection of his real intentions or his dark heart.
Here are a few examples from film and TV I came up with: Charming from the Shrek film series, who tries to win Fiona’s attention with his obvious charm and good looks, but has evil intentions. And Fiona has already fallen in love with a misunderstood ogre (quite the parallel to Beauty and the Beast!). Then there is Scar from The Lion King who comforts his nephew when his father dies, yet Scar was the one responsible for his father’s death. And remember Eddie Haskell from Leave It to Beaver? He was always so charming and said the right things to Mrs. Cleaver but then always had some sort of plan of mischief or an unkind word for The Beaver.
I’m pretty certain this is a common pattern in superhero stories as well, but I must admit I am not a follower of these films and have no examples for you (can you tell I’m a mom of girls?)! I did find this poignant quote this morning from Captain Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek: The Next Generation: “Villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged.”
What parallels can we make between these cloaked villain characters and ourselves? These characters all wore a mask of sorts, concealing their true character and displaying an artificial air of perfection. I think most of us can say we do this to some degree. Sometimes it is a physical mask, like make-up, hair and the perfect outfit. Sometimes it can be it can be the “I’m fine” answer to the innocent question of “How are you?” Or the scurry to pick up the house before a guest stops by.
Think about social media, where users usually post only the most favorable photos and stories from their lives. On social media, we only see the “put together” version of people: a flattering profile pic which was one of dozens, photos of the perfect children, the perfect spouse, with the perfect home and the perfect career. Social media can be a mask of sorts, where we display only what we want other people to see and know about us and conceal the broken, more unflattering parts of our lives. Perhaps we aren’t a typical “villain” like Gaston or some of these other characters, but we do conceal from others the darker parts of ourselves and our lives which we don’t want others to see.
But the truth is, no matter how much we may conceal things from others and hide in the darkness, God sees us as we truly are. All the brokenness, hurt, fear and unflattering parts of our persona are seen by our God who, despite our flaws, loves us deeply. God sees past the pretty exterior to our true hearts. Christ came into this world as light, exposing sin, redeeming from sin and calling us forth to live in the light. We do not need to fear the dark parts of our persona, but rather confess them and leave them at the feet of Jesus. And then we are called to turn toward the light, working to live a more authentic life each and every day. Peeling back the masks we wear, pushing back the darkness and living as a beacon of light in the world.
Dear God, Help me be authentic and real today. Shine your light through me, so all who I encounter can know and feel your love for them. May “the real me” do all the good I can, in all the ways I can, in all the places I can, and do all of this for your glory. Amen.
-------
"Mrs. Potts to the Beast: 'Must help her to see past all that'”
Thursday, 27 July 2017
Acts 26:9-19
-------
At one point the Beast sadly said, “It's no use. She's so beautiful, and I'm…well, look at me!” And Mrs. Potts replied, hopefully, ““Must help her to see past all that.” As the apostle Paul described his spiritual journey to King Agrippa, he painted a similar picture. When he looked at Jesus and his followers, at first he saw only a terrible threat to the faith heritage that he treasured. But then Jesus met him on the road to Damascus, and Paul “saw past all that” to the glory of the Savior. He accepted Jesus' call on his life, and never looked back.
• Paul seemed to make a full 180 degree turn, from persecuting Christians to planting churches. He began using his Roman name Paul rather than the Hebrew name Saul. But at his core, Paul didn’t actually change. He kept following the God of Israel with all-out zeal the whole time. It was just that now God had showed him the right way to serve! What is most central in shaping your life—your vision or God’s vision?
• Paul was defending himself to the Roman authorities, facing the threat of imprisonment, even death. As a 21st century American, you are unlikely to face imprisonment or death for following God’s vision. But that doesn’t mean obeying the heavenly vision is always easy. Sometimes you may need to “see past all that” to grasp the goodness of God’s calling. In what ways has following God’s vision for your life been challenging? Are you willing to obey God’s call on you, no matter what?
Prayer: Almighty God, thank you that you have a heavenly vision for my life, and for the world around me. Help me to have the faith and courage to obey that vision. Amen.
-------
-------
"Lumiere: What if she is ‘the one’ who will break the spell?"
Friday, 28 July 2017
2 Corinthians 5:14-20
-------
When Belle came to the castle, the servants (cursed to be a candlestick, mantle clock and teapot) could only wonder if she might be “the one” who would break the spell. After meeting Jesus, the apostle Paul had no doubt Jesus was “the one” who could set the human family free from our self-imposed alienation from God. The good news, he said, is that God loves us, has always wanted to reconcile us, and acted in Christ to bring that about. As we become a “new creation” in Christ, God makes it our mission to invite others to “be reconciled to God.”
• Most Roman, Greek and Canaanite religions offered gifts and sacrifices to try to reconcile their angry, displeased god or gods to them. But Paul said that was backward. We were the alienated ones. God came in Jesus to draw us back into the circle of heaven’s love. Are you reconciled with God? Are you open for God to work through you to reconcile others– sharing the good news of freedom in Christ?
• What historical event or person seems to you to present the most vivid picture of God’s reconciling work in the world? In what ways did God work through that person or event to bring about reconciliation and wholeness? In your own life, when have you seen anger and pain changed for the better as reconciliation takes place?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks to you I experience more restored harmony in my life and relationships. Help me share your message of reconciliation with a friend, neighbor, or loved one today. Amen.
-------
-------
"Beast: You came back. Belle: Don't leave me. I love you."
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Romans 12:1-3, 9-21
-------
In Beauty and the Beast, the Beast demonstrated love for Belle first by letting her go from the castle to rescue her father. Then Belle expressed her love for the Beast in the nick of time, and all ended well. The apostle Paul had never been to Rome when he wrote this letter. But many of his friends had (cf. Romans 16), and he knew that Christians there, as in every other church he worked with, faced many real-life tensions and challenges. He offered powerful, practical wisdom to guide, not only the Roman Christians but Christ-followers through the centuries, in how to transform from “beasts” to people of love, living lives that can defeat evil with good.
• We sometimes live a sort of “news magazine” life: we treat “Religion” as a section of life separate from “Business,” “Entertainment,” and the like. How would the transforming of your mind Paul envisioned affect business dealings? Political behavior? Activities like sports or movie-going? Paul wrote in verse 9, “Love should be shown without pretending.” Have you ever been in a setting (maybe even a church) where everyone pretended to love one another, while whispered conversations were full of criticism and backbiting? What makes honest love (which includes dealing honestly with issues that arise) so vital to spiritual health and transformation?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want my life to count for good, to make this world a better place. Plant the principles Paul taught in my heart. Help me not just read them but enthusiastically live them every day. Amen.
Family Activity: God designed the world to change. Think of the four seasons: bulbs bursting forth as flowers, tadpoles turning to frogs, rain and snow falling, caterpillars becoming butterflies and temperatures shooting upward and downward almost daily. God designed people to change, too, and Jesus can change our lives anytime, anywhere. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. As a family, discuss how Jesus makes a difference in your individual lives. Are you more loving, forgiving and kind? Are you more patient and gentle? Identify some ways you need to grow and change. How can you grow to become more like Jesus? Create a family mural by drawing “before and after” pictures of changes in yourselves, your family and the world God created. Celebrate and give thanks for the change Jesus makes in your lives and in the world!
-------
-------
You might also like
Blockade Runner Pilot: “What is it that they've sent us?” Princess Leia: “Hope.”
Jyn Erso: “They call it the Death Star. But they have no idea... there's a way to defeat it.”
Cassian Andor: “I couldn't face myself if I gave up now... None of us could.”
Jyn Erso: “I'm not used to people sticking around when things go bad.”
Galen Erso: “You're confusing peace with terror.”
Or download this week's printable GPS.
-------
Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
• J.R. Smith and family on the death of his wife Carol Smith, 7/18
• Joan Stultz and family on the death of her husband Bill Stultz, 7/17
• Friends and family of Teresa Copling on her death, 7/1
• Carol Lovett and family on the death of her mother Faith DeBonis, 6/28
• Kate Tilden and family on the death of her father John Peterson, 6/8
• Melody Pedersen and family on the death of her son Dean “Skip” Ellingsen, 4/21
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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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