First Steps – March 4, 2019
C. S. Lewis once said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
What do you think of Lewis’ statement? Is he right? I believe he is. Often faith blossoms in difficulty. I wish it were the other way around so when one is at ease that faith would stretch and mature. It would be nice. Boy, wouldn’t that be great? However, there is something about human nature that longs for status quo, homeostasis. Pleasure by nature is easy, anxiety free, and doesn’t require levels of change. When life is easy, we simply stay put. Build a nest, settle down and don’t grow. Pain is the opposite and by nature necessitates change that provides the best environment for growth.
However, don’t assume God is the cause of pain; that conclusion would be contrary to his nature. But God can use a painful experience that already exists so that the parties involved can learn, grow, and mature. Ultimately, God wants the nature of Christ formed in all of us. Granted, there are times when the forming of Christ’s nature naturally fits. For those times, give thanks. On the other hand, there are times the round peg is trying to fit into a square hole. In those painful experiences, see beyond the pain and what ultimately can come from it.
What do you think of Lewis’ statement? Is he right? I believe he is. Often faith blossoms in difficulty. I wish it were the other way around so when one is at ease that faith would stretch and mature. It would be nice. Boy, wouldn’t that be great? However, there is something about human nature that longs for status quo, homeostasis. Pleasure by nature is easy, anxiety free, and doesn’t require levels of change. When life is easy, we simply stay put. Build a nest, settle down and don’t grow. Pain is the opposite and by nature necessitates change that provides the best environment for growth.
However, don’t assume God is the cause of pain; that conclusion would be contrary to his nature. But God can use a painful experience that already exists so that the parties involved can learn, grow, and mature. Ultimately, God wants the nature of Christ formed in all of us. Granted, there are times when the forming of Christ’s nature naturally fits. For those times, give thanks. On the other hand, there are times the round peg is trying to fit into a square hole. In those painful experiences, see beyond the pain and what ultimately can come from it.
This week’s reading:
- Monday – Luke 6
- Tuesday – Luke 7
- Wednesday – Luke 8
- Thursday – Luke 9
- Friday – Luke 10
- The United Methodist Church and General Conference, March 9, 2019 in Tifton, Georgia.
- Our families, homes, workplace, church, and community.
- Our nation and our leaders.
- Those suffering due to catastrophic natural disasters.
- Those who are grieving and depressed.
- Those who are unwillingly absent.
- Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Completion of New Youth Building and rear parking.
A Lot of Laughs from this Past Week’s Children’s Sermon!
First Steps – February 25, 2019
Lately, I’ve wrestled with these two questions:
Is it possible for such a devoted shepherd to ignore a returning stray sheep? Would it matter if the sheep had only a low intention of following him?
The answer to both questions is NO. The Good Shepherd would look with compassion, listen to the cries of the sheep, and carry it on his shoulders returning it to the safety of the flock.
Often I forget how loving God really is. Unfortunately, I view God out of the same lens that I view others. For so many, love comes with conditions and limits. Because we love this way, we think God does the same. Therefore, when we hear of the limitless love of God and grace given beyond measure, it is hard to comprehend, much less believe.
Chris Tomlin, a contemporary Christian artist, penned these words to a song:
I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like. But I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of the night and you tell me that you’re pleased and that I’m never alone…I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide but I know we’re all searching for answers only you provide ‘cause you know just what we need before we say a word…because you are perfect in all your ways…you are perfect in all your ways to us. Oh, it’s love so undeniable, I can hardly speak. Peace so unexplainable, I can hardly think. As you call me deeper still into love, love, love. You’re a good good father, it’s who you are and I’m loved by you, it is who I am.”
Our task is to allow the love of God to fall over us, drenching us to the point that everything else pales in comparison. Even if it takes a while for this to happen—resist the temptation to run or move on. Stay. Trust in the Good Shepherd who will not run away from you.
This Week’s reading:
- Monday – Luke 1
- Tuesday – Luke 2
- Wednesday – Luke 3
- Thursday – Luke 4
- Friday – Luke 5
Please Pray for:
- Our families, homes, workplace, church, and community.
- Our nation and our leaders.
- Those suffering due to catastrophic natural disasters.
- Those who are grieving and depressed.
- Those who are unwillingly absent.
- Ongoing Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Completion of New Youth Building and rear parking.
- The United Methodist Church.
