Treasure Hunters
Relentlessly Seeking Signs of God's Grace
Week 4 of our study of One Thousand Gifts focused on trusting God...a key component to the "Eucharisteo Life." We were challenged to consider that
- Trusting God is hard work, yet it is the path to joy.
- God, the master bridge-builder, is trustworthy.
Consider these connections between trust and joy in God's word:
- Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (James 1:2-3)
- Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Lessons from Treasure Hunters
Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade (1989)
Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to find joy
Indiana Jones needs to pass a test of trust to find the Holy Grail in order to save his father's life. He steps into the unknown, trusting that he will not fall into the abyss. Passing this step of faith moves him forward on his quest for the life-giving treasure.
Reflection Questions:
- What tests of faith have you faced recently?
- In what areas of life might you need to do the hard work of trusting God?
- How might trusting God help you experience joy?
Our 5th and final session included the following encouragement:
- Even in our brokenness, we can be the gift God gives to others.
- Never stop counting your gifts...or giving them to others.
As you continue counting God's blessings of grace in your daily life, act toward others in such a way that your kindness and love will be a blessing to them...so that you might provide something for them to note on their list.
In so doing, you will not only be counting gifts but being the gift God gives to others.
Let's continue the Eucharisteo journey together!
Pastor Kurt
Our Journey..................................................................................................
During this season of Lent leading up to Easter, our congregation is engaging in a unique group learning experience. We're soaking up the video teaching of Ann Voskamp, author of the book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are (Zondervan, 2010).
The adventure is to live the New Testament Greek word for "thanksgiving," EUCHARISTEO. Within this word is the Greek word for "grace," CHARIS...which is related to another key biblical word CHARA, which means "joy." The equation we're testing out is this: grace + thanksgiving = joy
The daily practice of maintaining a gratitude journal helps us to
- Notice the gifts and signs of God's grace in our lives (God's blessings)
- Be thankful for them, valuing them enough to record them and give thanks to God in prayer
- Experience the joy that results from doing the first two steps