Pastor Chris shared reflections on one of his favorite films, Steven Spielberg's Amistad, and asked us to reconsider how we engage with scripture. Are we reading the Bible solely to learn "facts", or are we immersing ourselves in a rich and living library that is overflowing with story, poetry, and shared history? Through his word, God tells us who we are, and invites us to embrace our truest identity as beloved children, that we would faithfully live out our part of the story.
Text
Deuteronomy 6: 4-9
1 Peter 3: 13-16
1 John 3: 1-3
Reflection & Practice
Are you mindful of your history? What family or cultural patterns do you see repeating in your life? What stories are you re-telling and passing on? If you have children or grandchildren (or hope to one day), how would you want them to tell your story?
We all have a story, and within those stories there is invariably a seeking; specifically a search for purpose. With whom are you sharing your story? Can you name an experience of having been truly seen as you've shared, and has someone helped usher you into a new degree of self-awareness as they've put their observations of you into words? If you haven't done so, consider that a challenge and spiritual practice to both share your own story, and to hear someone else's.
Chris spoke about the Shema; the centerpiece of Jewish morning and evening prayer which reminds us to love the Eternal with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Deuteronomy 6, we are called to "do whatever it takes to remember them: tie a reminder on your hand and bind a reminder on your forehead where you’ll see it all the time, such as on the doorpost where you cross the threshold or on the city gate." What is something physical and tangible that could serve as a daily reminder to recenter yourself in loving awe and gratitude for our Sovereign God? Perhaps it's something you wear, something you keep in your car or pocket, or perhaps something hung by the doorframe as you depart each day. What will you do to remember?
Worship
Hail To The Lord's Anointed
Steadfast
Dust We Are And Shall Return
Here's My Heart
See The Love
Oh To Be Loved