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Thursday, 16 November 2017
Luke 8:4 After a large crowd had gathered from the people who kept coming to him from town after town, Yeshua told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path and was stepped on, and the birds flying around ate it up. 6 Some fell on rock; and after it sprouted, it dried up from lack of moisture. 7 Some fell in the midst of thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 But some fell into rich soil, and grew, and produced a hundred times as much as had been sown.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear with, let him hear!”, 11 “The parable is this: the seed is God’s message. 12 The ones along the path are those who hear, but then the Adversary comes and takes the message out of their hearts, in order to keep them from being saved by trusting it. 13 The ones on rock are those who, when they hear the word, accept it with joy; but these have no root — they go on trusting for awhile; but when a time of testing comes, they apostatize. 14 As for what fell in the midst of thorns these are the ones who hear; but as they go along, worries and wealth and life’s gratifications crowd in and choke them, so that their fruit never matures. 15 But what fell in rich soil — these are the ones who, when they hear the message, hold onto it with a good, receptive heart; and by persevering, they bring forth a harvest.
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The image of growing seeds Jesus used to illustrate spiritual growth made sense, not only to people in the farming area around the Sea of Galilee where he told this story, but to any of us who’ve ever tried to garden or grow a lawn. Even good seed, Jesus said, can’t grow strong in poor or untended soil. Living as God’s wishes us to means cultivating an open, “good soil” heart. When we do that, “concerns, riches, and pleasures of life” won’t be able to crowd out the good fruit God is at work to bear in us. (You can read Jesus’ more detailed teaching about how life’s concerns impede spiritual growth in Matthew 6:25-34(Matthew 6:
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The image of growing seeds Jesus used to illustrate spiritual growth made sense, not only to people in the farming area around the Sea of Galilee where he told this story, but to any of us who’ve ever tried to garden or grow a lawn. Even good seed, Jesus said, can’t grow strong in poor or untended soil. Living as God’s wishes us to means cultivating an open, “good soil” heart. When we do that, “concerns, riches, and pleasures of life” won’t be able to crowd out the good fruit God is at work to bear in us. (You can read Jesus’ more detailed teaching about how life’s concerns impede spiritual growth in Matthew 6:25-34(Matthew 6:
25 “Therefore, I tell you, don’t worry about your life — what you will eat or drink; or about your body — what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds flying about! They neither plant nor harvest, nor do they gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they are? 27 Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to his life?
28 “And why be anxious about clothing? Think about the fields of wild irises, and how they grow. They neither work nor spin thread, 29 yet I tell you that not even Shlomo in all his glory was clothed as beautifully as one of these. 30 If this is how God clothes grass in the field — which is here today and gone tomorrow, thrown in an oven — won’t he much more clothe you? What little trust you have!
31 “So don’t be anxious, asking, ‘What will we eat?,’ ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘How will we be clothed?’ 32 For it is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. 33 But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Don’t worry about tomorrow — tomorrow will worry about itself! Today has enough tsuris already!
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• Jesus knew some people (the hard-packed path) never even start to respond to God’s message. But some, he said, start, but their growth is “choked by the concerns, riches, and pleasures of life, and their fruit never matures.” As one Christian counselor wrote, “People and circumstances can have more than one aspect–and this applies to both the good and bad. We can choose not only to see (or fear) the bad but also to look at and appreciate the good.” * How can you allow God to direct your vision so that life’s concerns don’t choke your spiritual growth?
• What wishes and concerns most often compete with God’s kingdom to be the top priority in your life? What key choices have made your heart more open to God’s work in cultivating a “good soil” spirit? What shifts in attitudes, actions and values would move you further in the direction of being “good soil” for God’s Word to grow in?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I’m grateful that some days it’s easy to sense your power guiding and growing me. Other days a dozen urgent things seem to try to choke you out of my life. Help me learn how to “weed” those days, to keep my faith life growing strong. Amen.
* From an article about gratitude posted at https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/articles/positive-psychology-gratitude.
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Janelle Gregory
Janelle Gregory serves on the Resurrection staff as a Human Resources Specialist. Janelle finds that her heart is constantly wrestling with the truth that she needs a Savior, and the times when she's at her very best are when she's just too tired to put up a fight.
It's one piece of the budget for the church. I am one of those people who gets all geeked out about spreadsheets, numbers, and formulas, but I treat these numbers differently – with a reverence.
These numbers represent the resources of the church. I don't think about the church as just an employer, an organization, or a line item on a budget. The church is not a building or a business; the church is the people. I picture the family who puts off buying a new car in order to put money in the offering plate. I picture the woman who is obeying that nudge from God to increase her giving this year. I picture my own family deciding how the funds we've been given will best be used. The numbers on the spreadsheet help keep the soil of our ministries fertile, allowing the Kingdom of Heaven to grow and expand.
These numbers make a difference to a family in Malawi who will learn about life-saving nutrition. This is the Kingdom of Heaven.
These numbers make a difference to a man trying to break an addiction who finds hope and support with our partners at the Healing House. This is the Kingdom of Heaven.
These numbers make a difference to church leaders from all around the world who will find resources and revitalization for their congregations and communities. This is the Kingdom of Heaven.
These numbers make a difference in how we find our refuge in God during worship services each week – singing praises, gathering together, partaking in communion, and hearing the Word. This is the Kingdom of Heaven.
This week, we'll be asked to turn in our commitment cards. We'll have opportunities to pray over that number, too. It's easy to think of it as just that – a number. But that number has eternal impact. That number is used to bring hope and healing; restoration and revitalization; goodness and glory to God. We should hold that number in high regard, because God will use that number to grow the Kingdom of Heaven.
• What wishes and concerns most often compete with God’s kingdom to be the top priority in your life? What key choices have made your heart more open to God’s work in cultivating a “good soil” spirit? What shifts in attitudes, actions and values would move you further in the direction of being “good soil” for God’s Word to grow in?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I’m grateful that some days it’s easy to sense your power guiding and growing me. Other days a dozen urgent things seem to try to choke you out of my life. Help me learn how to “weed” those days, to keep my faith life growing strong. Amen.
* From an article about gratitude posted at https://seattlechristiancounseling.com/articles/positive-psychology-gratitude.
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Janelle GregoryJanelle Gregory serves on the Resurrection staff as a Human Resources Specialist. Janelle finds that her heart is constantly wrestling with the truth that she needs a Savior, and the times when she's at her very best are when she's just too tired to put up a fight.
Have you ever prayed over a spreadsheet? I have. Sounds ridiculous, right? In particular, I've prayed over this spreadsheet.
These numbers represent the resources of the church. I don't think about the church as just an employer, an organization, or a line item on a budget. The church is not a building or a business; the church is the people. I picture the family who puts off buying a new car in order to put money in the offering plate. I picture the woman who is obeying that nudge from God to increase her giving this year. I picture my own family deciding how the funds we've been given will best be used. The numbers on the spreadsheet help keep the soil of our ministries fertile, allowing the Kingdom of Heaven to grow and expand.
These numbers make a difference to a family in Malawi who will learn about life-saving nutrition. This is the Kingdom of Heaven.
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"Gratitude for 'food and clothing' fosters contentment"
Friday, 17 November 2017
"Gratitude for 'food and clothing' fosters contentment"
Friday, 17 November 2017
1 Timothy 6:6 Now true religion does bring great riches, but only to those who are content with what they have. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world; and we can take nothing out of it; 8 so if we have food and clothing, we will be satisfied with these. 9 Furthermore, those whose goal is to be rich fall into temptation; they get trapped in many foolish and hurtful ambitions which plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all the evils; because of this craving, some people have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves to the heart with many pains.
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Too often, the news (particularly financial news) is full of words like “worry,” “uncertainty,” and “fear.” Yet the traveling preacher and craftsman (Acts 18:1-4) who wrote these verses had little money and no retirement plan (in a human sense, at least). His words about “being happy with what you already have” might make us think he’d read this research: “Gratitude turns your attention to what you do have instead of what you don't, Philip Watkins, an Eastern Washington University psychologist, suggests…. People who recognize the blessings they have tend to think they'll get happiness from things like fulfilling relationships—which, research shows, are the real sources of satisfaction.” *
• How rich (or poor) are you, by the measure these verses suggest? If your “contentment quotient” is strong, how did it get that way? If your quotient is lower, ask God to help you raise it. Research suggests strongly that using your gratitude journal is one good way to do that. In a culture flooded with messages meant to make you want “more,” how can you avoid both pride and shame related to your material “success”?
• Have you at times in your life felt trapped in “the rat race”? Do you now? What is godly contentment worth to you (or, if you don’t have it, what would it be worth to you)? How can the principle Paul stated in verse 7 help you to move toward greater gratitude, contentment and peace?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I admit—too often, I don’t want to be happy with food and clothing. Help me blunt the constant thirst for “more,” and learn the peace and gratitude that you offer me. Amen.
* From Lauren Aaronson, “Make a Gratitude Adjustment.” Psychology Today, March 1, 2006, found at www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200603/make-gratitude-adjustment.
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Too often, the news (particularly financial news) is full of words like “worry,” “uncertainty,” and “fear.” Yet the traveling preacher and craftsman (Acts 18:1-4) who wrote these verses had little money and no retirement plan (in a human sense, at least). His words about “being happy with what you already have” might make us think he’d read this research: “Gratitude turns your attention to what you do have instead of what you don't, Philip Watkins, an Eastern Washington University psychologist, suggests…. People who recognize the blessings they have tend to think they'll get happiness from things like fulfilling relationships—which, research shows, are the real sources of satisfaction.” *
• How rich (or poor) are you, by the measure these verses suggest? If your “contentment quotient” is strong, how did it get that way? If your quotient is lower, ask God to help you raise it. Research suggests strongly that using your gratitude journal is one good way to do that. In a culture flooded with messages meant to make you want “more,” how can you avoid both pride and shame related to your material “success”?
• Have you at times in your life felt trapped in “the rat race”? Do you now? What is godly contentment worth to you (or, if you don’t have it, what would it be worth to you)? How can the principle Paul stated in verse 7 help you to move toward greater gratitude, contentment and peace?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I admit—too often, I don’t want to be happy with food and clothing. Help me blunt the constant thirst for “more,” and learn the peace and gratitude that you offer me. Amen.
* From Lauren Aaronson, “Make a Gratitude Adjustment.” Psychology Today, March 1, 2006, found at www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200603/make-gratitude-adjustment.
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"Gratitude for God’s works is always in order"
Saturday, 18 November 2017
"Gratitude for God’s works is always in order"
Saturday, 18 November 2017
Psalm 92:1 (0) A psalm. A song for Shabbat:
This week, we’ve looked at some of the psychological research that is confirming what the psalmist wrote long ago: “It is good to give thanks to the LORD.” Here’s one more bit of research related to the gratitude journals Resurrection is giving us: “Take just a few minutes each day to jot down things that make you thankful, from the generosity of friends to the food on your table or the right to vote…. List-keepers sleep better, exercise more and gain a general contentment that may counteract stress and contribute to overall health.” * The ultimate source of joy in Psalm 92 was God’s loyal love and faithfulness, realities that are always with us if we just recognize them.
• In verse 2, the psalmist spoke of expressing gratitude to God in the morning and at nighttime. In what ways have you, or will you, build recognizing and expressing gratitude into your habit patterns, so that you don’t always have to try to remember to do it? Spend some time today praying about choices you can make to incorporate gratitude more fully into your daily practices as a Christ follower.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you made me for praise and gratitude. When I’m tempted to grump my way through a day, remind me of your ever-present love and faithfulness—and help me to be grateful for them. Amen.
* From Lauren Aaronson, “Make a Gratitude Adjustment.” Psychology Today, March 1, 2006, found at www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200603/make-gratitude-adjustment.
Family Activity: Create a family giving chain. Cut several sheets of colored construction paper into strips. Every week, give each family member one strip of paper. Have each person write his or her name on the paper strip and one way he or she served or gave to others that week. In addition to giving of time and energy, also include ways your family is giving money to church and others. Form the first slip into a circle and staple or tape the ends together, then add to that circle by connecting the strips together to create a chain. At the end of each month, review the acts of giving your family has shared in. Thank God for the privilege of giving to God and to others.---
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Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer
Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
•Roger and Kay Novak and family on the death of their son Jeffrey Novak, 11/4
•Ted Chael and Mike Chael and families on the death of their brother David Thomas Chael, 11/4
•Katherine Carlson and family on the death of her sister Joan Cuthbertson, 11/3
•Tammy Worley and family on the death of her son Justin Taylor Worley, 11/2
• Jim Poplau and family on the death of his sister Kristy Poplau, 11/2
• Marsha Murray and family on the death of her husband Mike Murray, 11/1
•Family and friends of Arlene Shuler on her death, 10/31
•Susan Yoakum and family on the death of her husband Steve Yoakum, 10/30
•Kristin Hadel and family on the death of her father Robert E. “Bob” Shanklin, 10/30
•Family and friends of Blanchie Coolidge on her death, 10/30
• Linda Collins and family on the death of her mother Wilda Lawhorn, 10/28
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©2017 Church of the Resurrection. All Rights Reserved.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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2 (1) It is good to give thanks to Adonai
and sing praises to your name, ‘Elyon,
3 (2) to tell in the morning about your grace
and at night about your faithfulness,
4 (3) to the music of a ten-stringed [harp] and a lute,
with the melody sounding on a lyre.
5 (4) For, Adonai, what you do makes me happy;
I take joy in what your hands have made.
6 (5) How great are your deeds, Adonai!
How very deep your thoughts!
---This week, we’ve looked at some of the psychological research that is confirming what the psalmist wrote long ago: “It is good to give thanks to the LORD.” Here’s one more bit of research related to the gratitude journals Resurrection is giving us: “Take just a few minutes each day to jot down things that make you thankful, from the generosity of friends to the food on your table or the right to vote…. List-keepers sleep better, exercise more and gain a general contentment that may counteract stress and contribute to overall health.” * The ultimate source of joy in Psalm 92 was God’s loyal love and faithfulness, realities that are always with us if we just recognize them.
• In verse 2, the psalmist spoke of expressing gratitude to God in the morning and at nighttime. In what ways have you, or will you, build recognizing and expressing gratitude into your habit patterns, so that you don’t always have to try to remember to do it? Spend some time today praying about choices you can make to incorporate gratitude more fully into your daily practices as a Christ follower.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you made me for praise and gratitude. When I’m tempted to grump my way through a day, remind me of your ever-present love and faithfulness—and help me to be grateful for them. Amen.
* From Lauren Aaronson, “Make a Gratitude Adjustment.” Psychology Today, March 1, 2006, found at www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200603/make-gratitude-adjustment.
Family Activity: Create a family giving chain. Cut several sheets of colored construction paper into strips. Every week, give each family member one strip of paper. Have each person write his or her name on the paper strip and one way he or she served or gave to others that week. In addition to giving of time and energy, also include ways your family is giving money to church and others. Form the first slip into a circle and staple or tape the ends together, then add to that circle by connecting the strips together to create a chain. At the end of each month, review the acts of giving your family has shared in. Thank God for the privilege of giving to God and to others.---
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Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer
Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
•Roger and Kay Novak and family on the death of their son Jeffrey Novak, 11/4
•Ted Chael and Mike Chael and families on the death of their brother David Thomas Chael, 11/4
•Katherine Carlson and family on the death of her sister Joan Cuthbertson, 11/3
•Tammy Worley and family on the death of her son Justin Taylor Worley, 11/2
• Jim Poplau and family on the death of his sister Kristy Poplau, 11/2
• Marsha Murray and family on the death of her husband Mike Murray, 11/1
•Family and friends of Arlene Shuler on her death, 10/31
•Susan Yoakum and family on the death of her husband Steve Yoakum, 10/30
•Kristin Hadel and family on the death of her father Robert E. “Bob” Shanklin, 10/30
•Family and friends of Blanchie Coolidge on her death, 10/30
• Linda Collins and family on the death of her mother Wilda Lawhorn, 10/28
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©2017 Church of the Resurrection. All Rights Reserved.
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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