The Sermon on the Mount, Day 30
November 3, 2009 |
Read Matthew 6:25-34 and do the exercises below:
- Reflect on a time when you believe God sovereignty provided for your needs in an unexpected way. Write it down or share it here.
- Think about the chain of events that had to occur in the example you brought to mind. How many people were involved?
- Read Acts 2:44-45 and 4:32-35. How are these passages a fulfillment of Jesus’ teachings here in Matthew 6?
- What would it take for that kind of community to be cultivated today? Who would benefit from that kind of community? Who wouldn’t benefit?
Tags: Acts, Community, Matthew, Sermon on the Mount, Sovereignty
Categories: Sermon on the Mount
wesgaines said...
1While out and about at work I took a detour to the Salamonie River State Forest, which is beautiful, and tried the prescribed prayer time. I immediately went into the standard mechanical prayer language and thought, “this is hard”. I also realized that sometimes words are not necessary in prayer. When my son crawls up next to me in bed I don't wait or expect for him to give the accompanying “I love you” but I know that's what he feels. Prayer can be similar. Just being there, being still, unplugging is an act of love and a step toward God. I took some pics during my time here's a link (http://picasaweb.google.com/wesgaines/IndianaFa…). By the way the Salamonie River State Forest would be a great spot for one of our outings/camping trips. I challenge anyone who thinks they can take me to a duel at the top of Hanging Rock http://www.wabash.lib.in.us/hangrock.html
10/27/09 2:43 PM | Comment Link
sgaines said...
2I think most of my prayers are wordless. If I try to pray using words I get too caught up in them.
Hmmm. . . How did Wes's prayer turn into him challenging someone to a duel at hanging rock?
10/27/09 8:49 PM | Comment Link
mkujak said...
3I have to agree with Sarah: it felt like words got in the way. This was a really good exercise for me – it made me realize how little I've actually prayed and *lived* this way, believing that having more of God is most important. Just filled me with the sense that He is everything, and without Him I have nothing. Stirred up hunger, but brought such peace, too.
10/28/09 6:34 AM | Comment Link
debsternke said...
4Reading through the Psalms was so encouraging for me. It was like the words that my heart needed to pray were right there. I was overwhelmed with reminders of God's promises to us.
I really feel convicted that I need to pray this way again and again and more often.
10/28/09 1:49 PM | Comment Link
Ben Sternke said...
5A few years ago we had some unexpected medical bills come in and we were very unsure of how we were going to pay them off. We checked our hearts (are we doing what God has asked us to do?), we prayed (somewhat desperately!) for God's provision, and we went to bed somewhat peaceful.
A few days later we received an anonymous cashier's check from Idaho with enough money to pay our bills. We don't know anyone in Idaho.
There have been other times, though, less spectacular, but no less miraculous… gifts from churches we've been part of, etc. We have found when we really are seeking the kingdom first that our needs are taken care of, and then some.
11/3/09 7:16 AM | Comment Link
Ben said...
6By the way, I’m not quite sure why the blog has posted everyone’s comments from Day 23 on this post as well…? Carry on.
11/3/09 8:32 AM | Comment Link
dsternke said...
7“Who wouldn’t benefit from this type of community?”
My initial reaction was everyone would benefit! But then I wondered about those who are “givers and not takers” or those who are “takers and not givers”.
But again I wondered – aren’t we all somewhere on that spectrum? Maybe being a part of this kind of community would be the very thing to provoke us towards greater health in this area of being both willing to give and willing to receive? It would call for much grace on all sides. Possible?
11/3/09 12:26 PM | Comment Link
Miriam said...
8What good insights, Deb! I think you are probably right about us all needing growth on both sides. May it be possible!
11/3/09 10:17 PM | Comment Link