Saturday, June 19, 2010

June 27, 2010

Scriptures for June 27th - 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
Songs: Precious Lord – UMH 474; Make Me a Channel of your Peace – TFWS 2171; His Eye is on the Sparrow – TFWS 2146; O God our Help in Ages Past – UMH 117

2 Kings: This is one of my favorite verses, and it is very appropriate for today. It is the story of the changing of the guard between one prophet, Elijah to another – sort of like the changing of pastors. It is a story of transition. Elijah is not only leaving his ministry, he is leaving his earthly life. His ministry has been a story of zeal for the Lord, a story of lonely working and traveling, a story of following in God’s steps. Once he is gone, who is going to take over that work. The answer to that question is Elisha – his student. Elisha is not only excited to carry on that work – he has one parting request of Elijah – give me a double portion of whatever God gave you. Elijah does not know if he can pass on his relationship with God, Elisha will have to establish that for himself, but he does know that God has provided for the commission to continue to work to save others has been fulfilled in his absence.

Galatians: We continue our conversation of what it means to be free in the spirit of Christ. When we realize that we are not bound by the law – then also realize that being in Christ changes us. We don’t have to be so in tune to what the world expects of us – we become in aware of the what the Spirit of Christ expects of us. The world is focused on the needs of the flesh- we listen to our emotions, our needs, our desires which lead to bad behavior. But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. No one has ever been hurt by too much of these things, we can give them freely.

Questions: Who are the people who have mentored you in your life? In your faith? Who are the people who you intentionally mentor and are willing to help through life? When you are gone, what plans do you want to make sure carry on after you? How do you avoid becoming enslaved to sin? How do you ensure the growth of perfect love in your life? What things still hold you back from letting perfect love in your life? How can the fruits of the spirit help you to overcome that burden?