What’s Your Favorite Fairy Tale? [This Past Sunday’s Children’s Sermon]
First Steps – April 23, 2018
I have a friend who is a golf equipment junkie. Whatever is the newest club, golf ball, or latest gadget, he has got to have it. Just about every time we play a round of golf, something new is in his bag. Ā If it isnāt a new club, it is the latest teaching or swing concept. In golf, technology is very helpful, but the discipline of practice is what is most important. People become good golfers by practicing and perfecting their game. Hours spent on the driving range, on the putting green, and on the course is what make one good. There are no quick fixes to a good golf game.
The same can be said for our spiritual lives. Often, one will look for the newest worship service, the latest teaching by the hottest spiritual guru, or something that is the next quick fix to holiness. Like my friend, there might be an initial tick up, but old habits donāt magically disappear. They are still there. A holy life is the result of spiritual disciplines directed by the Spirit of God. Discipleship isnāt flashy or quick. It is a slow walk with God, day-by-day, hour-by-hour, and minute-by-minute. The key is to be present with God each day, hour, and minute.
So, are you a spiritual junkie? If so, resist the temptation for the next latest thing. Find solace in a discipline life. Start smallāone discipline at a time. Practice the presence of God in everything.
This week’s reading:
- Monday ā Acts 17
- Tuesday ā Acts 18
- Wednesday ā Acts 19
- Thursday ā Acts 20
- Friday ā Acts 21
Please Pray for:
- Those grieving the loss of loved ones
- Those that are Unwillingly absent
- High School & College Seniors preparing for graduation
- The St. Paul Ministers and Staff family
- Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of New Youth Building and rear parking
- Our Nation and Our Leaders
Did you miss this past Sunday’s Children’s Sermon?
First Steps – April 16, 2018
Elizabeth Canham in her book, Heart Whispers: Benedictine Wisdom for Today, wrote, āBeing in the present moment is no easy task, especially when we are interrupted by someone who needs our attention at a crucial time in some project. But attentiveness is what stability asks of us; this is how we express hospitality as we let go of what we are doing and pay attention to the person who needs our love. Hospitable stability says yes to the present moment whether it brings discomfort or joy, boredom or excitement, because it always offers us the opportunity to welcome Christ into consciousness and to refuse an easy escape into the fantasy world of self-fulfillment. We can only be fully ourselves when we know who we are as members of the community of faith, serving one another in partnership with God.ā
Years ago, a trusted mentor told me that ministry often happens in our interruptions. When a crisis arises or the status quo is altered, it creates an opportunity to grow and mature if we can stay in the present moment. Anxiety and fear want to steer one down a road of āwhat ifs,ā which occupies time and energy. Often, they lead to paralysis. Therefore, when the crisis arises or status quo is altered, first pray for the ability to stay in that moment. Then ask God for the strength, patience, and fortitude to be attentive and faithful. He will guide you.
This week’s reading:
- Monday – Acts 12
- Tuesday – Acts 13
- Wednesday – Acts 14
- Thursday – Acts 15
- Friday – Acts 16
Please Pray for:
- Families grieving the loss of loved ones
- The Unwillingly absent members
- High School & College Seniors preparing for graduation
- The St. Paul Ministers and Staff family
- Building Renovations, Modifications, and Phase 3: Construction of
- New Youth Building and rear parking
- Our Nation and Our Leaders