As we begin our study of finding joy and simplicity in generosity a thought crossed my mind of how we might do this together. I know some of you have great ideas about how to save money, live within your means and still be generous. Please post ideas that you have about how to simplify and live the joyful life God wants us to live. I hope we can find together that God is enough.
Grace and peace, Emily
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Even when we can't see
Today, I am struck by how God is continually at work even when we do not see the action. We have plenty of Holy Spirit wind blowing through our church these days. Many people are growing, quietly, like soup simmering. Things are bubbling and ministry is cooking. God is at work, and we can't always see the tangible results of this work. However, it is these times when God continues to work just beneath the surface of our observation that our faith grows.
We are preparing the way for future generations to experience God in this place. The things we are wrestling with now at some point will start to bear fruit. God is much more patient than me. I want to plant an apple seed, watch it grow for an afternoon and have fresh ripe apples to pick by tomorrow. God's ministry doesn't work like that. It takes a while to plant the seeds. The seasons change. Years go by. A few more years. Finally, blossoms, and eventually fruit.
No matter what you are waiting for God is active. Weather you are waiting for the market to get better, a season of your life to be over, or for fruit to be ripe-- trust in the Lord. During this period of waiting God is at work. God is bringing to completion the actions initiated prior to your involvement even. As the Apostle Paul shared with the church at Corinth: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."
May we all be patient for what God is doing when we can't see.
We are preparing the way for future generations to experience God in this place. The things we are wrestling with now at some point will start to bear fruit. God is much more patient than me. I want to plant an apple seed, watch it grow for an afternoon and have fresh ripe apples to pick by tomorrow. God's ministry doesn't work like that. It takes a while to plant the seeds. The seasons change. Years go by. A few more years. Finally, blossoms, and eventually fruit.
No matter what you are waiting for God is active. Weather you are waiting for the market to get better, a season of your life to be over, or for fruit to be ripe-- trust in the Lord. During this period of waiting God is at work. God is bringing to completion the actions initiated prior to your involvement even. As the Apostle Paul shared with the church at Corinth: "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."
May we all be patient for what God is doing when we can't see.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
What is God up to in our neighborhood?
Yesterday I went to a very interesting day long discussion of the future of church.
The main question that keeps me thinking is what is God doing in your neighborhood and community. If you have ideas about what that might be I would love to read them. Please feel free to post comments about how you have seen God in action.
I love thinking and this week, between Bible Studies and preparing for our Revelation study starting in September, thinking about Sudan for United Methodist Women today, looking towards a walk to Emmaus retreat, and even just being sure everything is current in our communication, plus a day of thinking and listening to Alan Roxburgh, I finnaly have enough thoughts!
God meets us where we are and helps us listen for new insights. I hope you have enough of what it is that makes you satisfied in Christ. Enjoy the beautiful weekend and let me know where you think God is doing something in your neighborhood.
Grace and peace, Emily <><
The main question that keeps me thinking is what is God doing in your neighborhood and community. If you have ideas about what that might be I would love to read them. Please feel free to post comments about how you have seen God in action.
I love thinking and this week, between Bible Studies and preparing for our Revelation study starting in September, thinking about Sudan for United Methodist Women today, looking towards a walk to Emmaus retreat, and even just being sure everything is current in our communication, plus a day of thinking and listening to Alan Roxburgh, I finnaly have enough thoughts!
God meets us where we are and helps us listen for new insights. I hope you have enough of what it is that makes you satisfied in Christ. Enjoy the beautiful weekend and let me know where you think God is doing something in your neighborhood.
Grace and peace, Emily <><
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