It was great to hear from Ande today! So refreshing with his witty sense of humor and vulnerability.

When he first started, I was struck by his comments about resting. This seems to be a continual theme in my life recently and it was really confirming to me that I need to rest. As you can see from my personal blog, I have been reflecting on that concept a lot lately. And it is amazing how hard it is to implement, and not fall into the trap of our society that places such high importance on busy-ness.

I was then struck by his thoughts on storms and looking to Jesus to calm those storms in our lives. I like how Ande confronted us with our use of dixie cups to conquer the storm. I do that so often! My dixie cups would be my self-reliance, and logical thinking. And then if I can’t figure it out or solve it, then I pull out the escape cup.

So, what dixie cups do you use when faced with a storm? Let’s try to rest in Jesus, knowing that He is our protector and provider!

I have been so thankful for this sermon series on Ecclesiastes.  I have learned so much about a book that can be confusing, and I feel I have a much better grasp on why it is in the Bible, thanks to yesterday’s sermon from Mike. 

My favorite takeaway from yesterday is that it’s okay to question and doubt.  It’s okay to be a skeptic.  How amazing that we have a God who is truth, so therefore, there is nothing to fear.  He wants us to come to Him with our questions and cry out to Him when we don’t understand. He wants us to use the minds He has given us to explore and search and wonder.  It’s not a scary thing for Him, because He is truth, and He will be found.  I have a dear friend who was struggling with her faith and asking all sorts of difficult questions a couple years ago, and I remember being able to trust God that He was big enough to bring her through that and that her skepticism would bring her to Him.  And guess what, it did! 

What an amazing God that does not want us to blindly follow, but wants us to know and love Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength.  His truth will always prevail!

Listen to yesterday’s sermon here!

Restless world. Isn’t that the truth!

Pastor Mike preached on Ecc. 5:10-20 and titled it, “Being Content in a Restless World”. I could relate to a lot of what he said today and especially enjoyed his probing questions. He spoke often about emptiness and how the things of this world don’t truly satisfy our deepest longings. Only God can fill those needs.

I know I have heard those thoughts before, but today I think I was a step closer to actually seeing it become a reality in my life. You see, for the past month or so, God has been awakening my heart to areas of hurt, disappointments, unmet desires, feelings of being overwhelmed etc. I even had what I like to call a “responsibility meltdown.” I loved the fact that Mike not only acknowledged that it is valid to feel that way sometimes, but he also stated that those times were God’s way of pointing us to Jesus.

Here are some questions that Mike asked today that I thought would be good to chew on -
What do you use to prop up your brokenness?
What do you look to in order to feel validated?
What do you look to in life as a substitute for God?

The theme that kept coming up in my mind was that I look to acceptance, affirmation, and approval of others far too much. Honestly, people are my substitute for God. And I can tell lately, that He is showing me that reality in my life, and wanting me to draw closer to Him.

So, what is it for you? How would you answer those questions? Was there anything else that stood out to you?

I was unable to make it to church Sunday morning so I didn’t hear the sermon. I planned on listening to it yesterday afternoon but unfortunately it wasn’t online yet. So I’m sad to say I have no reflection to give.

My husband said it was really good and that it was about friendship.

Let’s do something different this time. What struck you the most from yesterdays sermon?

Our new assistant to the Pastor, Seth Hammond, preached at church this week.  I really appreciated the message he brought from Ecclesiastes.  One thing that particularly struck me was the point that “Intimacy is Insignificant” without Christ.   He talked about how easily we fall into looking for our satisfaction and joy in relationship with others, and looking for fulfillment in places other than God.  This is such truth that with Christ, our relationships can be beautiful and meaningful, but without Him, they become idols.  At times, I have dealt with this real struggle in my marriage, foolishly looking for my husband to be my all-in-all. 

I was also extremely convicted about my excitement (or lack thereof) for Christ to return.  Wow, are my priorities and perspective off when I wish to stay in this world longer and postpone the glorious new Heavens and Earth that Christ will bring.  This is a concept that I neglect to think about very often, but in Seth’s sermon I realized my heart is not in the right place concerning Christ’s return. 

A lot of good things to think about.  If you missed it, you can listen to the sermon here.