The Hatfields and the McCoys

Have you ever had trouble getting along with family?

There’s probably no family feud more famed than that of the Hatfields and the McCoys of the Appalachian Mountains. But how did such a fabled fight all get started? In short, it all began with a pig.

As the drama unfolds, we find the Hatfield and McCoy families living in Tug Fork, nestled in beautiful Tug Valley on the Tug River. In 1878, this area was arguably known as the singularly most isolated valley in the United States, as it serviced no roads, railroads, coal mines, or established towns or cities. In such a climate, family loyalties were not only essential to survival, they were a way of life.

The Tug River, though, served as the dividing line between Kentucky and West Virginia. It also acted as an artificial barrier between the Hatfield family and the McCoy family. On the Kentucky side, the McCoy family was headed by the infamous land baron, Randolph (Randall or Ole Ran’l) McCoy. An otherwise uneducated man, this father of 16 had successfully held the Eastern governments at bay – holding all of his land from being explored and developed by miners and railroaders. On the West Virginia bank, however, was Capt. William Anderson (Devil Anse) Hatfield. He was a tall, gray-eyed and bearded man with a striking resemblance to Stonewall Jackson. Gifted with an innate talent for tall tales, a love of pranks and almost clownish sense of humor, the former Confederate officer was a legend in his own time, thanks to his incredible marksmanship and legendary feats. By his ingenuity and the embracing of progress, Anderson Hatfield made a fortune from selling the coveted hardwood timber located on his property.

For many years the neighbors had shared Tug Valley in peace and harmony. Families intermarried and each enjoyed the success of the other. However, upon one of his visits to West Virginia, Randall McCoy saw one of his ear-tagged pigs and accused Floyd Hatfield of stealing it. This was a very serious offense; hogs were extremely valuable to the farming economy of the valley and court records from that era indicate that any kind of theft was very rare. Up until that time, an atmosphere of trust prevailed among the Hatfield and McCoy neighbors up and down the hollows. But when Randolph McCoy took his complaint to the local judge, a jury was assembled – you guessed it - evenly divided between Hatfields and McCoys. The fight was on.

What ensued in this saga was the stuff of legends. After the McCoys lost their battle in court, a silent anger began to fester. One of the sons of the Hatfields, Anderson (Devil Anse), fell in love with his enemy’s daughter, Roseanna McCoy. Their love fostered the birth of a child, but, proud as he was, Anderson would not marry the daughter of his arch rival. This insubordination resulted in Roseanna McCoy’s three brothers killing a famous Hatfield on his election day. Yet, this was hardly the end, as the infuriated Anderson Hatfield took a lynch mob to serve as judge, jury, and executioner against the three sons. These events transformed a fight into an all-out family war. When all was said and done, twelve years had passed and twelve people had been killed. The feud was over and settled, but the eternal scar left on those families and the Tug River valley is visible even to this day.

How can two groups of people who are supposed to be family and love each other come to such blows? More appropriately, how can a body of Christ’s followers squabble so vehemently that they have to break up and part ways? This week, as we look at Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council, we are reminded of the major conflict that rocked the early church as the issue of salvation came to the Gentiles. Yet, in what could have been the schism that ended a movement, the progress of unity prevailed and the Gentiles were offered validation in the Kingdom of heaven. In your worship this week, focus your thoughts and energies on the idea of unity in the body of Christ and what it is you are actively doing to promote or destroy such harmony.

Resounding Themes:
God’s Eternal Love
Fellowship Among Believers
Christ’s Table of Unity
Confirming Nature of the Indwelling Spirit

Ready, Set, READ

Acts 15

John 15

John 17

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What is the initial conflict arising in the church? Why do you think they were saying this? What did Paul and Barnabas do?

- What was the reaction by some of the council in Jerusalem? Who responded to their accusations and why was it significant that it was he? What was eventually decided? How was it communicated?

- What do you find interesting about the letter to the churches? How did the people react? What happens to Paul and Barnabas after this? What can be learned from their experience?

- Did the nature of the conflict in Acts 15 warrant a split in the church? Is it significant that division was avoided, even over such an important discussion? Do churches divide today over such serious matters? If not, what are those things that cause conflict? Why do they seem to bear the weight of matters of salvation as in Acts 15? To what extent should we go to avoid division? Is unity worth the struggle? Why?

Ready, Set, PRAY

Your vast creation, Lord of the Universe, testifies to both Your power and creative genius! That You could cause to coexist so many different species and races confirms what You’ve tried to show us since the dawn of time – that You alone are God. And yet, Father, we confess how difficult it is at times to live among and interact with people who think differently than we do. Yet, you have arranged your mysterious Church in such a manner that every person from every background has a place and a function in the Body. Father, we believe that it was no mistake that you called us to live together and to learn from one another – for as many things that make us different seem small in comparison to that which unites us! Yes, the blood of Christ covers all who believe – including those who I don’t see eye to eye with on disputable matters. Remind us once again, Lord Jesus, the simplicity of the gospel: You and You crucified. May all other debates be silenced and grow pale in the light of these truths! And may we place significance on the matter or unity – not for our own glory and well being, but for a testimony to the world that you are alive and well among those who call on your name.

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.

We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord.

And we pray that our unity will one day be restored

And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

Your love never fails. Indeed, it last forever. Give us the ability to love as You do, through the power of Christ, AMEN

.Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

Trapped With No Way Out

Have you ever felt trapped with no way out?

It was a normal, temperate October afternoon in the West Texas oil town of Midland. Reba Gayle McClure was enjoying playing out in the backyard with her children and their friends. In 1986 - an age before cell phones or even the proliferation of wireless home phones – a phone call had to be taken in a room where the phone was actually sitting! Such a phone call rang out that afternoon, and Reba left her scouting place on the back yard patio to answer a ringing phone in the kitchen. In a matter of moments, the phone call had ended, “good-byes” had been said, and Mrs. McClure made her way back to the patio to resume her post, watching the children. As she returned, however, she was not met with the giggles of little ones running and jumping. Instead, she saw a group of children huddled shoulder-to-shoulder, staring at the ground below their feet. Curiosity was met with concern which quickly gave way to panic as Reba noticed that her little daughter was not among the gathered children and that all fingers were pointing toward a small hole in the Texas earth.

The hole was actually a lot more than a hole. As in most West Texas oil communities, wells were dug where ever there was a hunch there might be oil, gas, water - whatever. Many times, the remnants of these drillings would be in the strangest of places – including back yards. Reba’s 18 month old daughter, who would soon to become “baby Jessica,” had fallen down a hole that had been originally dug for the family’s water supply, but had since gone dry. And now, 22 feet below the surface, in a space only eight inches in diameter, Jessica lay stuck, trapped, with no chance of escape.

What was to continue was one of the most amazing American dramas of the twentieth century. Rescue workers began to arrive one by one. Concerned neighbors began to pour out of their houses and surround the scene. Before long, the entire world was brought to the McClure’s doorstep as news crews from every major television station assembled to cover the unfolding drama. A decision was made that a parallel shaft must be drilled next to the old water well; next, an upward shaft would be drilled diagonally and upwards below the fallen baby. The plan was as creative as it was dangerous, for every vibration from the rescuer’s drill might compromise the aging well shaft or cause the child to slip and fall the remaining 80 feet of the deep hole.

Oxygen lines were dropped down the hole to provide fresh air for the struggling baby. Hot air was injected into the space by an above-ground heater to keep the toddler warm. A microphone and speaker were lowered into the space to monitor the progress and vitals of the trapped baby. Sometimes baby Jessica cried. Other times she talked and asked for her mother. Still, on a couple of occasions, Jessica passed the time by singing nursery songs. The baby even found opportunity to sleep between the drillings in the cramped space.

As the hours passed, the trapped baby’s fate was becoming more and more perilous as the very real risk of shock, dehydration, and starvation threatened. In spite of all the frenzy for the stuck baby, there seemed to be no way out, as the drillers were met by an impasse of solid rock. However, after almost 58 hours since the crisis began, baby Jessica was exhumed from her would-be well shaft coffin! Though in shock, dehydrated, battered and bruised with a broken leg and foot, Jessica McClure was brought to safety. Indeed, she was trapped no more.

Many times in our lives, we feel trapped with no chance of escape. We might not be crammed in a 8 inch well shaft, but the pressures of various circumstances generate the same level of anxiety and hopelessness. It is during these times that we are reminded of two things: 1), the emotional, physical, and spiritual stuff we are made of in the midst of crisis, and 2) how desperately we need a Deliverer to rescue us from our plight. In our worship this week, focus your hearts and mind on the idea that God is our Great Rescuer and that he is in charge of every one of our predicaments when it seems there is no way out – no matter how tight the space.

Resounding Themes:
Deliverer God
Jesus Rescuing Us from the Grave
God’s Great Sacrifice
Our Glad and Sincere Hearts

Ready, Set, READ

Acts 12

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What is king Herod doing as the story unfolds? What is his motivation? What do you think he sought to arrest Peter rather than some of the other disciples? What, ultimately, did Herod intend to do with Peter? What lengths does Herod exert to ensure Peter’s imprisonment? What does that say about his state of mind?

- How do you think Peter must have felt while trapped in prison? What circumstances occurred that secured his release? What amazing things happened in the course of the liberation? What is Peter’s response to being released?

- Where is Peter’s first stop after leaving the prison? What is ironic about where he goes? How is Peter initially met? Who is the “James” he mentions to be told of the news? What happened back at the prison block the next morning? What subsequently happened to Herod?

- Have you ever been in a physically tight spot where you weren’t sure there was a way out? What happened? Have you ever been in a tight predicament, spiritually, and wondered how you might react if the circumstances only worsened? What happened? What courage as a worshipper can you gain be reading this story in Acts 12?

Ready, Set, PRAY

We give thanks to You, oh God – Your love endures forever!

You, the Creator of the heavens and the seas, have displayed Your love to us in all that the eye beholds. Not one blessing have You withheld from our grasp. Our lives are, themselves, a representation of Your splendor and majesty – Your love endures forever! When Your creation failed and separated themselves from You in the garden, You spared us from extinction and offered a new life through labor and devotion. When the creation once again became too wicked in Your sight, You rose a mighty Flood, still leaving a remnant to carry on Your holy Name. When it seemed the lineage of Your people would die with one man, you made him father of all and offered him the Covenant of Your faithfulness. When Your people were bound in slavery, you delivered them from captivity and brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey. And, at just the right time, when it appeared that humankind would forget You entirely as they made Your Law their god, You offered a single, all-sufficient sacrifice in Your son Jesus that we might have life to the full – Your love endures forever! Father, time and time again, in tight spot after pressing circumstance, You have delivered us by the saving power of Your right arm. Truly, Your love endures forever. We are witnesses to Your work in our lives, and our worshipful response is a life of gratitude and praise for the great things You have done! By the power of Christ, Amen.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

Finding Worth in the Worthless

Have you ever found worth in something that others deemed useless?

After moving to Dallas over two years ago, we found ourselves in a bit larger house than we owned in Houston. Now, a bigger home is not always the blessing that one immediately associates with more space. In a larger home, you have to be concerned, not only about higher energy bills, but with the ability to fill the space with functional furniture. In our Houston home, we didn’t have a dedicated space that could be called an “office.” Yet, in our new domicile, there was a front room ready for such usage. So, naturally, we ended up buying a computer desk and various pieces of office furniture to feel like we had arrived in style. Likewise, our master bedroom in Houston wasn’t quite big enough to have a separate sitting area complementary to the bedroom suit. However, when moved into our Dallas home, the bedroom swallowed up what had otherwise filled our previous space, leaving a large void in the corner of the bedroom.

Our idea to remedy this situation was create a reading area, complete with chairs and lamp. In a house with two maniac toddlers buzzing around, quiet, secluded places are far and few between. Even the bathroom provides little sanctuary from two curious little blonde heads playing peek-a-boo! Yet, when the day was done or naptime ensued, we though it important to have an escape – a place we could sit down at and rest, read, or whatever.

As we thought about the space, we were immediately met with the question, “what kind of chair should we put in this space?” We had decorated the room in a Bourbon Street meets Paris motif, so it seemed that a piece of new (or what I like to call comfortable) furniture would be out of place. With that in mind, we hit the shops, looking for antique wing-chairs that would do just the trick. However, as we shopped, we were horrified to discover the cost of what we wanted. $300, $500, even a $1000 price tags donned the appropriate models we shopped for.

Finally, in an act of desperation, we set out one Saturday to go “garage sale-ing.” After a fairly disappointing morning, we hadn’t found anything and discouragement began to set in. In a last ditch effort, we drove by one final sale to see, beyond all hope, if they had a chair for us. Then, it happened. As we pulled up to the yard sign, we noticed an ancient sofa and chair placed lazily at the back of the sales tables. Cautiously, we approached the pair, only to discover the reality of their condition. They were both dilapidated, mildewed, and in disrepair. We noticed that the once elaborate material was had turned purple in color, but the removal of the seat cushion revealed the original salmon pigment of the fabric. Yet, despite the obvious flaws that would have earned any other piece of furniture a trip to the dumpster, the beauty of the chair’s construction was magnetic and beautiful. My wife and I were convinced that deep within the brokenness of that old chair lay a new one waiting to be recognized for what it was.

We bought the 120 year old chair for song, loaded it into the car, and went home with our prize. But the beauty of our find was not quick to arrive nor easy to achieve. We had to strip the chair down to the frame, fix the cracks, sand, stain, refinish, and reupholster it. It was tedious project. However, when the chair was completed and we brought into its new resting place, we both stared in wonder at the old chair. It was hard to believe that this was the same one we’d seen on the brink of disposal just a few weeks earlier. Indeed, we found worth in what so many others had found utterly worthless.

Jesus did an amazing thing when, through his death on the cross, he opened up the Kingdom of God to all peoples of every race, color, and creed. Until that time, entrance into God’s household had to come through the nation of Israel. Yet, after the cross, everyone could be heirs of the King! When God showed Peter this through the conversion of Cornelius, you can imagine the emotions that were going through his Jewish head…for before such time, the Gentiles were considered to be as old, abandoned furniture – good for little but refuse. Yet, when God opened wide the gates of heaven to anyone professing the name of His son, everyone was given worth and refitted with usefulness in Christ’s body.

This week, let your worship to God center around the gratitude that comes from knowing His amazing love stretches to all peoples. And, unless we want to stand in the way of what God is doing in the world, we will lift up the cross of Christ, so that all men and women would draw near.

Resounding Themes:
The Mighty, Drawing Power of the Cross
The Missional Heart of God
Seeing the Work of Movement of God’s Spirit
Broadness of the Christ’s Body

Ready, Set, READ

Acts 10

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What does the text have to say about who Cornelius is? What strikes you about him? Even though Cornelius was not a Christian nor Jew, Luke records that God took notice of him. What should that mean for us today?

- Where is Peter when he experiences God in this story? Why is Peter so shocked by what occurs? Knowing who Peter is, why is this vision concerning? What is God doing/showing to Peter through this vision?

- How would you describe the emotions present at the meeting that follow in Caesarea? Peter? The circumcised brethren? Cornelius? Cornelius’ family? What does God do to further embolden Peter to accept Cornelius and his family as believers? What is his response?

- Answer the following: The Gospel is for 1) some, 2) many, 3) all, 4) your race/demographic, 5) members of the church of Christ? If you honestly answered #3, then how are you at accepting the Cornelius’ around you? If God were to let down a sheet in front of you as he did Peter, what/who might be on it? What is God trying to tell us through the broadness of the gospel message?

Ready, Set, PRAY

In You, oh Lord, I take refuge. Never let me be put to shame, for You are my Rock and my Deliverer. And righteous Father, You are the Deliverer of all peoples. You allow the sun to rise and set on both the just and the unjust. Not a hair falls from our heads that You do not see nor ordain. From the beginning of time, You have desired a relationship with us that transcends all human reason. Your affection for us extends beyond the skies and reaches to the heavens. God, You have shown us what is to love and be loved. By the sending of Your Son, Jesus, You bridged the gap that separated us all from You. And so, with a spirit of boldness and not timidity, we now gain full access to Your holy place – and the promise of that access knows no limit of race, creed, or gender. God, I beg Your forgiveness for the times I have labeled unclean what You have specifically called cleansed! Father, let me see with broadness as You see. Grant me the eyes that I might envision the world of possibilities that has been made created through the blood of Jesus Christ.

People need the Lord, people need the Lord

At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door…

People need the Lord, people need the Lord.

When will we realize that people need the Lord!

May the Jesus that the world needs be seen through me. Make me able through the power of the resurrection! Through Christ. Amen.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

The Undeserving Deserving

Have you ever gotten upset when someone else received something great that you were sure they didn’t deserve?

One summer, when I was 13, my best friend and I were offered a chance to work in his uncle’s family business. Understand, as it is now, it was not customary to employ someone so young, but because we knew each other very well, there were some concessions offered that made it all possible. Of course, I was pleased as punch! I had the opportunity to make some big bucks of my own to spend on whatever I wanted – yet, I was soon to find out that what I had hoped for to be sweet success really turned out to be sour grapes.

My friend’s uncle had purchased the sole, failing dry cleaners in the little town I grew up in. Upon acquisition, it became apparent that much would have to be done to the store to make it workable again. My friend and I were offered the generous sum of $3.13 an hour, 20 hours a week, for 8 weeks. We both took the job not knowing what we would be doing to earn that amazing salary, but willing nonetheless.

When we arrived the first day, I was appalled to see the condition of the store. There were piles of old, unclaimed clothes that reached to the ceiling. Many rodents had made the forgotten garments their home, so it would fall to me to empty the room, allocate the old clothes (to those who were still alive), and make it ready for use. At the same time, my friend (his nephew) was given the job of working the front counter. Keep in mind, this was in July and August in North Texas, and the only air conditioning in the entire structure was in the reception area. For a solid month, I slaved in the sweltering heat of an unconditioned room, sorting through a hatstack of apparel, rats, mold – you name it, while my friend sat comfortably at the cash register, drinking Shasta and sucking in the cooled climate.

When the first paycheck came around, we compared them. The same. Not a penny difference! Here, I’d worked like an indentured servant in the sweltering misery of a North Texas summer, while my buddy just sat on his duff all day watching soap operas on the 13” TV in the lobby. I knew he didn’t deserve those kind of wages! I was the martyr of The Burkburnett Martinizing Cleaners, not him! Yet, we both had done the very thing we’d agreed to do and been paid exactly as we’d agreed – and here I was, righteously mad and indignant that such a slouch could enjoy the same benefit as I. I was certain that he was undeserving of such a reward, in light of my own achievements for the cleaners.

And yet, that’s the story of Saul on the road to Damascus, isn’t it? A man so far removed from Christ that it seemed impossible for God to allow a conversion for such a reprobate – so much so, that the apostles themselves didn’t want to accept his conversion as valid. Rest assured, Paul was received and confirmed by the Spirit – and we are believers today because of this truth: the most undeserving person of God’s grace was changed by the person of Jesus Christ! In our worship this week, let us center our thoughts around two things: 1) How Jesus can turn even the most undeserving heart into His tool (including our own), and 2) What ways are we receiving and nurturing those who are being saved.

Resounding Themes:
God’s Amazing Grace
Jesus, the Great Physician of the Human Soul
Acceptance in the Body of Christ
Changed Heart, Changed Life

Ready, Set, READ

Acts 9:1-31

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- At what place in life do we find Saul as the narrative begins? Why is he doing what he’s doing? Can you think of anyone comparable to Saul?

- What is the first reaction Saul gets from Ananias after his conversion? Is it appropriate? How might you have reacted? What is key about how Ananias procedes?

- What was on of the first things that Saul did after he was converted? Is this true of some/many new converts? Was it true of you?

- What role does Barnabas play in Saul’s acceptance? Do you know any Barnabas’? Are you more like Barnabas or the disciples when it comes to recognizing conversion of the “underserving?” How is the world different because of Barnabas?

Ready, Set, PRAY

How beautiful You are Lord! But to catch a glimpse of your glory would prove fatal to our finite eyes – yet we cannot look away! We cannot look away from the way You stoop down to look upon the nations and elevate us to Your presence. We cannot look away from the manner in which You set history in motion to work towards the reconciliation of all human kind back to You. And we cannot look away – as we stare into the depth of our own depravity that was met in the depth of Your Son’s sacrifice. We are so underserving of Your grace! That You were even mindful of us exhausts the senses and boggles all reason. But You loved us when we were unlovable. You gave us adoption papers out of the slums of our dead life and presented us into Your glorious inheritance. Father, by the measure that has been given to us, might we also give to those who You also have called – that we all might be one in Spirit and in Truth.

Amazing grace!

How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now I’m found.

Was blind, but now I see!

Father, Your grace still amazes us today. Just as You did with Saul the persecutor, amaze us once again with whom You will use to further Your kingdom in Dallas, TX. In Jesus. Amen.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!

Foot In Mouth Disease

Have you ever been quick to speak and slow to listen?

Strangely, I have several memories from my childhood. Now, to be sure, there are certain details that I can’t even conjure up with a picture to prove it right in front of me. Yet, in spite of the things I have since forgotten, I do clearly remember a time when I took the opportunity to stick my own foot in my mouth when all I really needed to do was to sit and be quiet.

I was in the 1^st grade. My teacher was Mrs. Mays. We had a single room class environment, with a covered porch outside that led to other classrooms and parts of the school. Everything but lunch and recess happened in that room. We even had our own bathroom, sink, and water fountain built right in. It was a glorious time to be alive (even though my mom also taught 1^st grade and was one classroom over). Friday was always “show and tell” day. Sometimes, certain students were selected to present specific things to the class, like when during a section on learning money, Mark Whipple had to come up with 15 items from his house that cost between .59 and .99 cents. Then, on certain other days, the floor would be opened for any topic or presentation, and students could pontificate on whatever their hearts desired. It was just such a day that brings me to the memory I’d like to share.

We had just gotten back from Spring Break. School was a drag. We all knew that there were only two months left until the summer and we could “flee as a bird to the mountain” of our relaxing summers. Sensing our anxiety, Mrs. Mays called an audible and insisted “show and tell” was to commence that very moment. In astonishment, my classmates and I looked at each other in dismay. Could it be she’d lost her mind over the vacation? “Show and tell” wasn’t for another four arduous days! None of us had anything prepared to show! And then it happened. Mrs. Mays called me up to the front. I waited for what seemed the length of an Encyclopedia Britannica – not knowing what I was supposed to “show” or “tell” about. And then it came. Mrs. Mays told the class that we were to tell each other what we did for Spring break – and to use as many details as possible. I was horrified. My Spring Break wasn’t eventful at all. Except for a brief day trip to the Wichita Mountains, I hadn’t done anything worth telling. So, with my hat in my hand, I plodded along with a boring story about riding my bike and going to get my haircut, etcetera, etcetera…After only a few sentences, I trudged to my desk and plopped down - embarrassed.

And then it happened. One by one, my peers came to the front of the room and talked about the wonderful time they’d had and the amazing things they’d done over Spring Break. I felt like a worm. And rather than sitting and listening to the fantastic stories they were telling, I began to weave a yarn of my own that would make up for my otherwise dull week off and supplant everyone else’s “show and tell.” As Brad Owen finished his awe-inspiring story about going skiing in Colorado, I lept to my feet and asked Mrs. Mays if I could add a “couple” of details to my story that I had “inadvertently” left off. She graciously gave me the floor, and launched into a Spring Break story – the likes of which have never been heard again. We laughed. We cried. I had the room in the palm of my hand as I told fabrication after fabrication of my 9 days away. I was so eager for the spotlight to be on me that I crossed every line of believability as I spoke. At one point, I told a story about having a real pistol on a hiking trip, and that a water moccasin had chased me along the trail, until I turned around and blew his head off with the revolver. I was amazing. That is, until Mrs. Mays talked to my mother later that day and I was scolded within an inch of my life.

Have you ever done that - been so anxious to get yourself out there – maybe in a group of people, at work, in a committee meeting, one on one with a stranger, etc., that you opened your mouth and rambled on, rather than to sit quietly and see what others have to say about their lives? This Sunday, our worship will be focusing on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, and, as eager as Philip was to jump on in and give the eunuch an earful about the Gospel, he was patient to wait on the timing of the Lord to open his mouth. If the story were told differently, it would be about Philip. Instead, this story reminds of our need to be ready to listen and hear from God. Only his Spirit can lead us to a soul ready for the harvest.

Resounding Themes:
Power of God
God’s Heart for Reconciling His Children
The Good News of Jesus
Seeing with the Eyes of Jesus and Hearing with the Ears of the Spirit

Ready, Set, READ

Acts 8:26-40

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- What do we learn about Philip’s encounter in the very opening words of the story? In what specific ways did the angel/Spirit direct and instruct Philip. Is it possible that the Holy Spirit has beckoned us to do certain things and go certain places – but we weren’t in a posture to listen?

- What were the circumstances by which Philip and the Ethiopian met? In what ways was the meeting extraordinary? What strikes you as the most bizarre about the encounter?

- Looking at the passage that the Ethiopian was reading and knowing that we’re focusing on our ability listen to the voice of God in our worship, what is ironic about the prophet’s words? How was Jesus good at the idea of “show and listen?” Are we as available to hear God as Jesus? Philip? The Ethiopian?

Ready, Set, PRAY

All patient Father, Whose knowledge and wisdom outstretches the pinnacle of our understanding, we come to You, seeking Your favor and counsel. We confess our own pride in Your presence and realize how many times we have tried to replace Your genuine leading with our own counterfeit agendas. We are but immature schoolchildren standing before a group of ours peers – eager to speak and impress, but slow to hear and sense the leading of your Spirit. Our impetuousness has cost us encounter upon encounter with those in need of a Word from You. God, please forgive! In exchange for our foolishness, will You grant us your wisdom? Would You contrast our need to elevate ourselves against your incomparable greatness and place in the world? And would You have us to marvel at the great things You do when we allow ourselves to be silent and your Spirit speak to us. Would You lead us to some chariot today! For we ask it in the name of Christ. AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!