For those who missed this past week’s sermon, I have included information for you at the end of this blog post, so you can catch up.
As I shared before and during the sermon, last week’s video was my least favorite. It had a judgment theme, making us really look at how well we put God first. And, it had those cringe-worthy portrayals. If you missed it, here’s a recap:
After Frank Donovan saw his son, Evan, give his favorite toy to a boy who had none, wealthy Frank’s eyes began to open to the fact that he had not been giving his “first and best.” Frank soon had a dream that furthered this conviction – quite literally! Frank’s money, giving, and other 90% testified against him in a very strange “night court” of sorts. He awoke to find Ray, his joyful and generous gardener, in the yard and felt as if the dream may be pointing him in Ray’s direction.
Next week we’ll see Frank reach out to his gardener, and Ray will start to lead Frank into a transformation. (That’s my favorite video – don’t miss it!) But before our heart is transformed, it gets opened up, and that was this week.
Here is what I have been reflecting on after that video. (And I invite you to reflect with me.)
If had a dream like Frank did, what would my money, or time, or stuff, say about me? Would I be pronounced “GUILTY”?
1 – Where is my care of home a healthy thing, providing a place of nurture and refreshment and a place of hospitality for others, and where does it become all about me and my stuff?
2 – When is my recreation time a time to restore and recreate so I can live out a joyful faith, and when does it become competition with my love of God and neighbor?
3.How does my use of money and time help me care for self and family AND love God and neighbor, and how does it just help me turn in on myself (…sort of like Frank and his money. Using a financial adviser is good and responsible. Doing so with no thought of living out a relationship with God? Not so much.)
My salvation doesn’t rest on how I answer these questions. God took care of that. We are saved by grace through faith. Gift. But if I’m serious about response, well… I’m going to reflect.
“God, open my heart.”
TO CATCH-UP…
If you haven’t yet decided to be part of a small group, it’s not too late. Just show up and join in – Sunday mornings between services, Wednesday evenings at 7pm, Thursday mornings at 10am, or contact me if you want to join in a teleconferencing group on Thursday nights.
If you missed worship on Sunday (or would like to review the sermon, or just the video), here is information for you:
To hear the sermon, go to:
http://adventharleysville.org/worship/audio-video/.
It includes (audio of) the seven-minute video. If you want to watch the actual video, go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNt6xfbWRtQ&index=2&list=PLbRZUcRg10oDkJ-XO5SAUqmjoTO_nvNTz. *
Watch the segment from 6:41 to 13:54.* Disclaimer: I have NOT viewed the sermon that this clip is part of, and do not endorse or oppose anything in it. I am just giving you the link and the start/stop times for the movie itself.
