Opening Prayer:
“How wonderful, how beautiful,
when brothers and sisters get along!
It’s like costly anointing oil
flowing down head and beard,
Flowing down Aaron’s beard,
flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.
It’s like the dew on Mount Hermon
flowing down the slopes of Zion.
Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing,
ordains eternal life.
- Psalm 133, The Message
Read: Ephesians 5:21-33
Story/Illustration:
“Across the board, the way Paul trains us to re-understand ourselves in relation to those we live with and work with is as to Christ or in the Lord or under a common Master. We no longer understand our role by comparing it to some model taken from the culture, but always, without exception, to Christ. (from Practice Resurrection by Eugene Peterson)
“Put yourself completely under the influence of Jesus, so that he may think his thoughts in your mind, do his work through your hands, for you will be all-powerful with him to strengthen you.” (from A Gift for God by Mother Teresa)
“In surrendering to another, and ultimately to God in unselfish love, we reach the highest state of communication that leads to communion. In such intimate self-giving communion we expand into a conscious awareness of being one in a mutual sharing of the good with both the lover and beloved, while at the same time we both discover how beautifully unique and free we are to live in goodness toward the other.” (from In Jesus We Trust by Maloney)
Questions For Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Karen's sermon?
* What words in this passage jump out at you? Why?
* Is the body of Christ an abstract concept to you? Explain
* What does it mean to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ?" Why is God so concerned about how we treat one another?
* Why is belonging to a church important?
* What relationship do you have that really makes this passage hard to embrace?
* Do we ever have the “right” to tell someone else what to do? If so, when and why?
* How are we called to respond to someone else when there is a gulf between us and them in our thinking or actions?
Wrap up:
This week isolate one area of division in one of your relationships and look on each day as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your heart that is threatening oneness with that relationship. Pray that God would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity.
Journal your thoughts and experiences. Did the Lord open your eyes to anything new that might be giving fuel to this point of disagreement? How do you intend to respond? What do you hope to see God do in this relationship?
Closing Prayer:
“Teach me to walk in your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my
whole heart,
and I will glorify your name forever.” (Psalm 86:11-12)
"SAINTS & HEROES FOR JESUS!"
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Week 4: A Hero in Your Own Unique Way: Shining Christ’s Light
Opening Prayer:
“O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
and speak the truth from their heart,
who do not slander with their tongue,
and do no evil to their friends,
nor take up a reproach against their neighbors. . . (Psalm 15:1-3)
Read: Ephesians 4:17-5:21
Story/Illustration:
“One of the most alarming findings of recent polls is that there is very little difference between the lifestyle decisions of Christians and non-Christians. With some exceptions – but not enough – we spend money the same, we divorce just as often, we have comparable moral behaviors, and we participate in our culture in remarkably similar ways. When it comes to average lifestyle, Western Christianity in the twenty-first century isn’t very distinguishable from Western society as a whole.” (from Indeed May/June 2005, p. 34)
“In God’s charge, repeated by leaders and prophets throughout the ages through images like ‘salt and light’ and ‘a nation of priests,’ God depicts humanity’s role in the cosmos: to be his cooperative friends, caring about what he cares about… we are called to cooperate daily with God in whatever comes our way. Work to make just laws. Help those in need. Pick up trash. If someone has questions about spiritual things, converse in peace, without needing to win an argument.” (Todd Hunter in Christianity Beyond Belief pp. 102-103)
I dropped in on a TV show called “Little Miss Perfect,” a program on young beauty pageant girls. I heard a mother say to her 8 year-old who had just finished a really good photo shoot: “Whatever it takes to make your eyes sparkle like that, do that when you’re on stage.” I couldn’t help but think that it isn’t “whatever” that makes our eyes sparkle - it’s God that makes our eyes sparkle. I wanted to yell: “Tell her that! Tell her how much God loves her!” Whatever it takes to make our eyes sparkle….. that “whatever” can so often be the opposite of what living as children of Light means. (Pastor Karen)
Questions For Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Jeff’s sermon?
* What words in this passage jump out at you? Why?
* What does the “image and likeness” of God look like? What does imitating God mean? How can we help each other do this?
* Have you ever felt persecuted for the lifestyle you live? Do you even live a lifestyle that differs from society today – other than attending church? What does “living as children of Light” mean?
* Why does an immoral life or those things “of those who are disobedient” attract people including Christians?
* Have you found the ways of God to be pleasing, giving you life more abundant? If so, what are ways or examples of that in your life?
* What does God want most from you?
Wrap up:
“What is it in God’s kingdom that you most desire? Peace? Presence? Plenty for all? Greater faith and fidelity in the world, the church, and in your own life? Certainly these are some of the gifts of the Kingdom that God is pleased to bestow on the whole creation and each of us. What would happen if we claim them for ourselves and offer them to the world today? Let’s try it and see!” (Rueben P. Job, When You Pray, p. 170) As you journey through this week prayerfully answer these questions and journal your answers below.
Closing Prayer:
“Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.’
As for the holy ones, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
(Psalm 16:1-3, 11)
“O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right,
and speak the truth from their heart,
who do not slander with their tongue,
and do no evil to their friends,
nor take up a reproach against their neighbors. . . (Psalm 15:1-3)
Read: Ephesians 4:17-5:21
Story/Illustration:
“One of the most alarming findings of recent polls is that there is very little difference between the lifestyle decisions of Christians and non-Christians. With some exceptions – but not enough – we spend money the same, we divorce just as often, we have comparable moral behaviors, and we participate in our culture in remarkably similar ways. When it comes to average lifestyle, Western Christianity in the twenty-first century isn’t very distinguishable from Western society as a whole.” (from Indeed May/June 2005, p. 34)
“In God’s charge, repeated by leaders and prophets throughout the ages through images like ‘salt and light’ and ‘a nation of priests,’ God depicts humanity’s role in the cosmos: to be his cooperative friends, caring about what he cares about… we are called to cooperate daily with God in whatever comes our way. Work to make just laws. Help those in need. Pick up trash. If someone has questions about spiritual things, converse in peace, without needing to win an argument.” (Todd Hunter in Christianity Beyond Belief pp. 102-103)
I dropped in on a TV show called “Little Miss Perfect,” a program on young beauty pageant girls. I heard a mother say to her 8 year-old who had just finished a really good photo shoot: “Whatever it takes to make your eyes sparkle like that, do that when you’re on stage.” I couldn’t help but think that it isn’t “whatever” that makes our eyes sparkle - it’s God that makes our eyes sparkle. I wanted to yell: “Tell her that! Tell her how much God loves her!” Whatever it takes to make our eyes sparkle….. that “whatever” can so often be the opposite of what living as children of Light means. (Pastor Karen)
Questions For Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Jeff’s sermon?
* What words in this passage jump out at you? Why?
* What does the “image and likeness” of God look like? What does imitating God mean? How can we help each other do this?
* Have you ever felt persecuted for the lifestyle you live? Do you even live a lifestyle that differs from society today – other than attending church? What does “living as children of Light” mean?
* Why does an immoral life or those things “of those who are disobedient” attract people including Christians?
* Have you found the ways of God to be pleasing, giving you life more abundant? If so, what are ways or examples of that in your life?
* What does God want most from you?
Wrap up:
“What is it in God’s kingdom that you most desire? Peace? Presence? Plenty for all? Greater faith and fidelity in the world, the church, and in your own life? Certainly these are some of the gifts of the Kingdom that God is pleased to bestow on the whole creation and each of us. What would happen if we claim them for ourselves and offer them to the world today? Let’s try it and see!” (Rueben P. Job, When You Pray, p. 170) As you journey through this week prayerfully answer these questions and journal your answers below.
Closing Prayer:
“Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.’
As for the holy ones, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
(Psalm 16:1-3, 11)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Week 3: Not the Whole but a Role… A Hero in Your Own Unique Way
Opening Prayer:
Almighty God, you have called the church into being and have gathered us into one family. By the power of your Holy Spirit help us to live in unity and peace with all of your children. May our actions this day be fruit of our faith in your kingdom. In the name of Christ. Amen
(A Guide to Prayer, p. 178)
Read: Ephesians 4:1-16
Story/Illustration:
I think I get it! The word “one” is used seven times in this passage (Eph. 4:1-16) – one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. We’re talking unity! And perhaps the best way I can be a hero is by making sure that everything I do has at its core the intention of unifying and building up the body of Christ – the church. What an awesome way to whittle down or focus my to-do list each day! (Pastor Karen)
“If we focus on our differences, our focus is on ourselves. If we focus on our unity, our focus is on God.” ~Anonymous
Paul says in Ephesians 2:14, “For he himself is our peace.” Now in Ephesians 4:3 he says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The word “bond” in Greek “prisoner, or literally the bands that hold one as a prisoner.” Wow, we are bonded together by peace, or, as the church we are prisoners of peace, Christ’s peace! I want to think about and see the ways in which we at Enon UMC are held together by our Lord’s peace. That’s our real oneness. (Pastor Jeff)
Questions For Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Jeff’s sermon?
* What words in this passage jump out at you? Why?
* How have you been identified by your relationship with others? In what ways has this been a blessing in your life? In what ways, though, has it seemed limiting or restrictive, making you feel misunderstood, as though you can’t be yourself?
* Every believer has a place to fill in the church. Everyone has a ministry given by the Spirit. Share your thoughts on this. What is your ministry? How can you discover what your role or gift is?
* How does the Spirit bring about unity among Christians? What is your role in helping to unify the body?
* How are we (EUMC) creating “spaces of grace” for diversity? (From the above quote: Diversity refers to the recognition, acceptance, practice, and celebration of gifts given to the community “for building up the body of Christ.”)
* Paul says, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:1b-2, NIV) Which one of those characteristics is most important to you, or most helpful for the body to find its oneness in Christ?
* As you think about your part in the Body of Christ, what do you think is the gift you have received, whether it is listed by Paul or not in Ephesians 4?
Wrap up:
Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is “an emphatic reminder of his determination to see divisions healed and unity restored: ‘Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one’ (John 17:11b). What would our world be like if this prayer of Jesus was answered today? What changes would we see in our communities and our congregations? We do not know all that would happen but we do know that the changes would be dramatic, life-giving, and liberating. Let us pray that the prayer of Jesus will be answered in our time and where we live. And then let us promise God and one another every day that each of us will become a living answer to this fervent prayer of Jesus. It will change our world! (When You Pray, p. 118)
Meditate on this daily and jot down what God lays on your heart.
Closing Prayer:
Be held in the center of God’s will today and know the joy, freedom, and power of walking by faith and in faithfulness. Amen
Almighty God, you have called the church into being and have gathered us into one family. By the power of your Holy Spirit help us to live in unity and peace with all of your children. May our actions this day be fruit of our faith in your kingdom. In the name of Christ. Amen
(A Guide to Prayer, p. 178)
Read: Ephesians 4:1-16
Story/Illustration:
I think I get it! The word “one” is used seven times in this passage (Eph. 4:1-16) – one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. We’re talking unity! And perhaps the best way I can be a hero is by making sure that everything I do has at its core the intention of unifying and building up the body of Christ – the church. What an awesome way to whittle down or focus my to-do list each day! (Pastor Karen)
“If we focus on our differences, our focus is on ourselves. If we focus on our unity, our focus is on God.” ~Anonymous
Paul says in Ephesians 2:14, “For he himself is our peace.” Now in Ephesians 4:3 he says, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The word “bond” in Greek “prisoner, or literally the bands that hold one as a prisoner.” Wow, we are bonded together by peace, or, as the church we are prisoners of peace, Christ’s peace! I want to think about and see the ways in which we at Enon UMC are held together by our Lord’s peace. That’s our real oneness. (Pastor Jeff)
Questions For Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Jeff’s sermon?
* What words in this passage jump out at you? Why?
* How have you been identified by your relationship with others? In what ways has this been a blessing in your life? In what ways, though, has it seemed limiting or restrictive, making you feel misunderstood, as though you can’t be yourself?
* Every believer has a place to fill in the church. Everyone has a ministry given by the Spirit. Share your thoughts on this. What is your ministry? How can you discover what your role or gift is?
* How does the Spirit bring about unity among Christians? What is your role in helping to unify the body?
* How are we (EUMC) creating “spaces of grace” for diversity? (From the above quote: Diversity refers to the recognition, acceptance, practice, and celebration of gifts given to the community “for building up the body of Christ.”)
* Paul says, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:1b-2, NIV) Which one of those characteristics is most important to you, or most helpful for the body to find its oneness in Christ?
* As you think about your part in the Body of Christ, what do you think is the gift you have received, whether it is listed by Paul or not in Ephesians 4?
Wrap up:
Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is “an emphatic reminder of his determination to see divisions healed and unity restored: ‘Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one’ (John 17:11b). What would our world be like if this prayer of Jesus was answered today? What changes would we see in our communities and our congregations? We do not know all that would happen but we do know that the changes would be dramatic, life-giving, and liberating. Let us pray that the prayer of Jesus will be answered in our time and where we live. And then let us promise God and one another every day that each of us will become a living answer to this fervent prayer of Jesus. It will change our world! (When You Pray, p. 118)
Meditate on this daily and jot down what God lays on your heart.
Closing Prayer:
Be held in the center of God’s will today and know the joy, freedom, and power of walking by faith and in faithfulness. Amen
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Week 2: Who We Were (Where We Came From… Our Mission Field)
Opening Prayer:
Nevertheless I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me with honor.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:23-26)
Read: Ephesians 2:11-22
Story/Illustration:
“According to the New Testament, God wills that the church be a people who show what God is like.” ~ Stanley Grenz
“Peace reigns where our Lord reigns.” ~ Julian of Norwich
One of the most important and challenging concepts that I have learned in my Christian journey is that of reconciliation. Christ’s work of reconciliation can remove all obstacles that alienate us from other people. I have to remind myself constantly that in Christ we can have peace with God and especially with others. I am called to be a minister of reconciliation; we are all called to restore broken relationships. The realization that Christ can give us the power to live at peace with others gives us new hope. All who believe in Christ are made sisters and brothers in Him! (Pastor Karen)
Questions For Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Jeff’s sermon?
* What words stick out for you as you read the passage?
* “For he himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14). We are called to vessels of God’s peace. How have you been a vessel of God’s peace? How is Christ your peace?
* Share a time when you witnessed God restore a broken relationship.
* We use the word “grace” all the time. What does grace mean?
* Stanley Grenz shares, “According to the New Testament, God wills that the church be a people who show what God is like.” How is Enon UMC living this out? How are you living this out?
* ‘You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19). The entire direction of history is toward building a household, an eternal dwelling place of God among his creation. Do your motives, your dreams, your relationships, your work – everything – point toward the direction of history? If not, why not? Is there anything you can do about it today?
* Paul says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Have you ever felt far away from God? What is your story?
Wrap up:
“Hope for wild, wonderful, and too-good-to-be-true results like actual signs of God’s kingdom sprouting up all over the world, in your community, and even in your life. And then let your life and your prayer reflect that hope this day and always. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. May it be so today!” Let this be your prayer over the next week. Journal any thoughts and ideas that God places on your heart this week.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, make me an of your peace!
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not
so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
~ Saint Francis of Assisi
Nevertheless I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me with honor.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:23-26)
Read: Ephesians 2:11-22
Story/Illustration:
“According to the New Testament, God wills that the church be a people who show what God is like.” ~ Stanley Grenz
“Peace reigns where our Lord reigns.” ~ Julian of Norwich
One of the most important and challenging concepts that I have learned in my Christian journey is that of reconciliation. Christ’s work of reconciliation can remove all obstacles that alienate us from other people. I have to remind myself constantly that in Christ we can have peace with God and especially with others. I am called to be a minister of reconciliation; we are all called to restore broken relationships. The realization that Christ can give us the power to live at peace with others gives us new hope. All who believe in Christ are made sisters and brothers in Him! (Pastor Karen)
Questions For Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Jeff’s sermon?
* What words stick out for you as you read the passage?
* “For he himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14). We are called to vessels of God’s peace. How have you been a vessel of God’s peace? How is Christ your peace?
* Share a time when you witnessed God restore a broken relationship.
* We use the word “grace” all the time. What does grace mean?
* Stanley Grenz shares, “According to the New Testament, God wills that the church be a people who show what God is like.” How is Enon UMC living this out? How are you living this out?
* ‘You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19). The entire direction of history is toward building a household, an eternal dwelling place of God among his creation. Do your motives, your dreams, your relationships, your work – everything – point toward the direction of history? If not, why not? Is there anything you can do about it today?
* Paul says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Have you ever felt far away from God? What is your story?
Wrap up:
“Hope for wild, wonderful, and too-good-to-be-true results like actual signs of God’s kingdom sprouting up all over the world, in your community, and even in your life. And then let your life and your prayer reflect that hope this day and always. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. May it be so today!” Let this be your prayer over the next week. Journal any thoughts and ideas that God places on your heart this week.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, make me an of your peace!
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not
so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love;
for it is giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
~ Saint Francis of Assisi
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